The first thing I remember hearing you say after meeting you June 19, 2004 at 2am on the Telluride gondola, after a night of incredible music... you said... Hey Jake, what's the key to comedy?
You paused, then said, TIIIMMMIIINNNGGG...
Hysterical laughter followed, or maybe it was the typical festival extra curricular activities, tiredness, being on cloud 9, AND the question.
Regardless, It's a question I have repeated many times over the years since you asked it.
After that, you became this illusive being, the guy everyone talked about with the inevitable question of... WHERE in the world is Ben?
Like really.where is he?
Typically a guessing game pursued of people THINKING they knew, but ultimately not reallllllyyy sure.
While your location wasn't usually clear... what was/is... is what an incredible human you are.
A guy who just seemed to know how to truly live life for all the right reasons... adventure, friendships, helping others, and most importantly, family and love.
You innately knew what is most valuable during our time on this planet... not stuff, not big shiney careers, but memories filled with love and experiences... and this is how you truly lived.
Memories from making sure people are safe on the river... especially those of us... AKA me... who always end up in sinking raft.
Memories of a handmade leather coat from India that you wore proudly... to the curiosity of those damn parasites you housed for what seemed like a decade.
Memories of giving people friendships... like when you introduced me to the love of your life... beautiful Kate... at friends' wedding... while everyone went on the river... she and I... much more importantly... went to get blow-outs.
Memories of gatherings around firepits, ski outings, and river trips.
Memories of that crazy dilapidated house in Mancos with unreal stories of found treasures from the previous inhabitants... NOT to be shared here.
Most importantly, the growing of a beautiful family with your soulmate... together... you brought two incredible boys into this world... who too walk to the beat of their own drums.
CONTINUED IN COMMENTS... ๐๐๐
a month agoforward.movement.now
#ben #benton #westcoastben #father #friend #husband #goodhuman #humankindness #adventure #brother #son #soulmate #breathe #colorado #mountains #rivers #oceans #gift #love #amo #fly #energy #amigos #explore #memories #livelife #neversettle #lovewins #sunrise #sunset
a month agoforward.movement.now
Ben... as everyone knows... the stories of your life will live on and are countless... as will the support and love you so freely gave. You ARE one of the great ones who simply IS larger than life. And just like the thermo dynamics Law of Conservation of Energy... energy is neither created nor destroyed... your energy... your soul will remain here in our lives... even if the vessel you came in does not. Ben... your friends promise to always wrap ourselves around your family... especially Kate... Thorne... and Raef... we promise to hold them tightly... to carry them on days when it may seem impossible for them to on their own... to continue to spread the wisdom and love you dedicated yourself to giving to countless people you impacted... and continue to impact. So just like the question I heard you ask so many years ago that I will never forget... Your being and spirit will never be forgotten... by me and by so many others. Ben... you are so loved and over time... we will each join you on the other side and once again all be together. For now... we will look for you in flowing bodies of water... the whispers of the wind... the chill of the snow... the sparkle of the sun... the shadows of the trees... the grandiosity of the mountains... and the glow of the sunsets. We love you... Ben... Always and Forever... Louisa
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