Benjamin “Ben” Meyers passed away in his mother’s arms on December 31, 2024, at the young age of 36.
Ben was born in Kingston, N.Y., in May 1988. He grew up in Hurley, N.Y., where he enjoyed the outdoors and getting into adventures. As a young boy, Ben had a vivid imagination. He would craft stories for hours in his room, while playing with Playmobils and wrestling action figures. In 1996, the family moved to Williston, Vt. He graduated from Champlain Valley Union High School in 2004 and from Vermont Tech in 2008.
Ben’s life was filled with friends. A true people person, he was a thoughtful, compassionate and loving young man who excelled in listening and encouraging others. He was genuine and confident. His exuberance and cheeky jokes would often lighten the mood of a room. He welcomed everyone with an open mind and an open heart.
Those who knew Ben will remember him for his infectious smile and twinkling blue eyes. He had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh and left a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. Ben loved to read, and Game of Thrones was one of his favorites. He enjoyed music, hiking and trivia. He had a passion for sports and would relay statistics at the drop of a hat while watching TV with his father.
In January 2021, Ben was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor. Through all his trials and tribulations, he exemplified grace, taking on each challenge with a smile and determination. He was loved by so many as he endured countless tests and hospital stays. A huge thank-you to the University of Vermont Home Health team that supported him through years of treatment, the hospice team for his end-of-life care, and the numerous doctors and nurses who never gave up on him.
Ben was predeceased by his father, Steve. He is survived by his mother, JoAnne, and his brother, Zachary. He leaves behind his grandmother, aunts, uncles and cousins, who adored him dearly. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends and the many whose lives were touched by him.
A celebration of life will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Ben would prefer you donate to rawoodfoundation.org or St. Jude’s. Thank you to all who knew and loved Ben and helped make his life special. The family invites you to visit Ben’s online tribute at online-tribute.com/benjaminmeyers.
This article appears in Jan 8-14, 2025.