Jan. 27, 1994 – Dec. 13, 2017
Ben Rogers passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Dec. 13.
Ben was the light of all our lives, full of a deep kindness towards all, a generous spirit, and a light-hearted presence. Many have shared how Ben would encourage them, and how much he was looking forward to the future. He touched many.
He and his sister Lily were born in Newtown, Conn., one frozen winter night, moved to Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich., at age 3, then to Laguna Beach when 4.
Ben grew up a local boy, attending the Presbyterian preschool, Top of the World Elementary, Thurston Middle School and Laguna Beach High School. He was an Indian Guide, a Scout, played soccer, but most of all LOVED playing basketball at the Boys and Girls Club and anywhere, really. His first job was delivering the Laguna Beach Indy in the Mystic Hills neighborhood. He studied Kempo Karate for eight years and also competed at the county level in track and field in the hurdles.
He attended the Army and Navy Academy in Carlsbad and was able to march in the National Memorial Day parade in Washington, D.C., in 2011, playing the snare drum.
Ben attended the University of Arizona, and was planning to finish up at Cal State San Marcos in the fall.
He is survived by his parents, Kate and Jim, his twin Lily, his brother Will, his step-sister Sara, and also his beloved dogs Gracie and Coco.
A memorial service is planned at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, Dec. 30, at 10 a.m. All are welcome to come remember and celebrate Ben.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ben’s name to the ASPCA.
Dearest Kate, Jim, Lily and Will
I was stunned to learn about Ben’s passing. I can’t begin to imagine your depth of grief. I pray that you and your family hold onto each other in prayer and support. I hold you in my heart and send you my deepest sympathy. ?
Words have escaped me after hearing of this heartbreak…..My twins, David and Joseph met Ben and Lily-as I also met Katy Rogers- one very hot summer day in Newtown, Connecticut. Katy was pushing her double stroller into the small-town General Store as I was there buying cold beverages to beat the heat………..we became immediate friends and the memory of that first meeting is just crystal clear..Ben and Lily were precious white haired young toddlers compared to my twins who Katy affectionately referred to as ‘gentle giants’ as they were big boys. Ben always had this handful of untamed white hair on the back of his head which to me became one of his most adorable identifiers of Ben…. he had it everyday and everyday it made me smile….so unbelievably adorable and cuddly; that was Ben.
My prayers and love go to Katy and Jim, twin Lily and brother William and sister Sara. As there are no words to share at this time that would come close , l send to you my love and embrace….the same from David and Joseph as well as the hope that Ben is in Gods loving arms for eternity.
A wonderful part of our human community has been taken away, leaving an empty space. Goodbye Ben. You were kind, friendly and direct. We will not forget you.
Katy
Thank you for posting this. What a wonderful boy, I wish I’d known him. I feel so much grief for lily his twin, and for you dear cousin.. Thinking of you always.
Love,
Donna
Hearing about your loss has deeply saddened me but I know that this is far from what you are going through right now. May the care and love of those around you provide comfort. And peace to get you through the days ahead.
Katie, No words, so sorry dear friend. Holding you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.