Memorial in Boulder - February 27 th , 2005

This memorial was planned by Ben's Boulder community as a gathering to share stories of his intriguing life and the impact he had on all of us. Friends and family of Ben joined in a celebration of his life at the Boulder Valley Humane Society's Education Center . Ben's Boulder friends remember him as a world-travelin', bluegrass-lovin', Grommett-the-dog-philosophizing guy - a citizen of the world. A slideshow was compiled during the event using photos that Ben's Colorado friends brought and scanned at the memorial. Ben's family then watched the slideshow with accompanying music from one of Ben's favorite South American tunes. Click here to download the slideshow

Francis Kelly began the gathering with kind words and a story and offered an "open microphone" opportunity for all to participate. Many people told wonderful stories that inspired both laughter and tears but most of all, a flood of memories of incredible Ben. It was very apparent in all the stories told that Ben was a great friend. Ben's family had the unique opportunity to see Ben through the eyes of his beloved Boulder community. And in return, Ben's friends had a chance to hear from the family. Ben's 9 year old cousin Emmett tearfully talked of Ben before his poem titled Ben was read (click here to read). Bob and David also spoke from the heart and thanked all the people there for enriching Ben's life.

There was a plaque dedication during the celebration as well, in which a customized tile in Ben's honor was presented. The plaque will be permanently housed at the Humane Society. A second plaque was given to the Abels family to bring home to Chicago.

The celebration was casual - full of laughs and emotion, an event Ben would have loved.

Tile dedicated to Ben at the Humane Society in Boulder