Ben (graduate of Algonquin and Hammarskjold school; US Navy seaman; pistol marksman; political pundit; golfer; Montreal Canadiens and Miami Dolphins supporter; Hawaiian shirt aficionado; avid reader; lover of classical music; dog whisperer and sitter; protector of animals and creatures large and small; speaker of his mind and opinion; friend extraordinary; loving son, brother; grandson, uncle and cousin) died unexpectedly, but peacefully, in his sleep of Coronary Artery Disease in the early morning hours of July 5, while visiting special friends Joel and Nat at his "second home" in Kakabeka Falls.
After high school Ben spent many years working various occupations in Thunder Bay, Calgary, St. Cloud MN, Texas and Medford OR.
Ben enlisted in the US Navy, completing his basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station (Chicago IL) and his electronic specialist training at Great Lakes and Naval Base San Diego.
He was assigned to the USS Cushing, a destroyer based in Yokosuka, Japan, as a weapons technician and he sailed extensively throughout the South Pacific and Indian Oceans.
After his service, Ben moved to Naples, Italy then to Oklahoma City before finally returning to his home town of Thunder Bay.
Over the years Ben travelled extensively throughout Canada, the US, Europe and Asia visiting his many friends and relatives, but his special place was the family camp at Warnica Lake.
Ben is survived by his parents Larry and Stephanie; brother Daniel; sister Alison Kutter (Louis); niece Mariah Kutter; nephew Bret Kutter; grandmother Frances Vezina; many aunts, uncles and cousins of the Vezina and Pederson families in Canada, the US, and Australia plus his vast family of friends including Brian, Cindy and Gerry, Dino, Freddy, and Joel and Nat (their dog Cedar).
Ben was predeceased by his grandfather Melton Vezina; grandparents Durward and Shirley Pederson; uncle Brian Vezina; uncle Kent Pederson; uncle Donald and aunt Diane Vezina; numerous other aunts, uncles and cousins of the extended Vezina and Pederson families; his fur babies Brindy, Koda and Pork; and some dear, lifelong friends.
There will be no service for Ben, a Celebration of Life will be held at a date in the future. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the charity of choice.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
