On September 11, 2017, Ben was diagnosed with bladder cancer. He fought through 3 cycles of chemo and in January 2018, had his bladder removed. Unfortunately, cancer was stronger than Ben. It took him from us on August 21, 2018.
Ben was born to Benjamin and Evelyn (nee Blaies) on October 9,1959, weighing in at 10 pounds 9 ounces. He was raised in southwest Detroit in the Michigan Avenue and Livernois area. He was the third of 4 children. Although Paul, aka Farmer, Keith and Lisa were his siblings, his cousins and best friends, John and Cliff Kizner, were his brothers. They were the three musketeers.
Ben was called Beanie by his sister Lisa when she was little because she couldn't say Benjamin. As a result, many friends and family continue to call him Beanie. I will continue to call him Ben, Benjamin, Putz and Sugar Pie Honey Bunch.
In the 1980's, Ben married, had a son, and divorced.
In his lifetime, Ben worked for a railroad, was a cab driver, fast food cook, bouncer, computer repairman, long haul driver, long haul truck driver teacher, and expeditior, among other things. By far, he loved driving a truck. He got to meet many people and loved to see America.
He met me in June, 2011. A month later, I was meeting his entire family, cousins included, at a family reunion he had planned. By August of that year, he had moved into my house and we were officially a couple.
Ben will always be remembered by his greatest asset... his humor. Almost daily, he would post a joke on Facebook. People would call him out if he didn't. He loved to laugh and wanted everyone to do the same. I can still hear his chuckle....
Ben loved hosting. Didn't matter if it was a reunion, party, barbeque or family get together. He loved for people to enjoy themselves and be happy, and would go out of his way to make sure it happened. John and Cliff can verify this by sharing stories of trips to the Eastern Market....
Some of his favorite things to do included listening to his music. Ben had an old soul. Many times I would come home from work and he would be listening to country music... Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard, just to name a few. You would NEVER find him listening to pop music. Today's music? Forget it!
Ben also liked spending time at my parents house in Johannesburg, Michigan. He would spend hours floating in Big Bear Lake or on the state trails riding his quad.
Ben was an active member of the Taylor Fraternal Order of Eagles #3138.
Ben took care of our cats, Nilla and Oreo. He also cared for the house. He paid bills, and made sure I wanted for nothing. He once told me it was his job to take care of me. He did, even after his death.
He is preceded in death by his father and brothers. He is survived by me, his Mom Evelyn, sister Lisa, nieces, nephews and many cousins.
Thank you Ben, for coming into my life and choosing me to spend the last years of your life with you. I am humbled and honored, and I love you sooooo very much. Until we meet again.......
