Apr 27, 1939 - May 14, 2015
Jo Anne, so sorry to read of Ben's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your neighbor on Collins Hill, Louise
Louise Cross
June 05, 2015 | Johnson, VT
That photo Jo Anne is a real keeper! It sums up Ben to a "T." Will miss his smile and sweet heart. My sympathies----
Faith Martin
May 29, 2015 | Putney, VT
Ben, Buster & Gussie
Here's a favorite photo.
Jo Anne Edwards
May 27, 2015 | Johnson, VT
Boy Ben you made me laugh..you liked my big silly goofy overly zealous bernese mountain dogs and you helped me make them in to lovely Therapy animals. For that I thank you!We will miss your charm, smile and charisma. Vermont Pet Partners cannot thank you enough for your dedication to animals and humans alike and for getting us off the ground and grown into the amazing non-profit we are today. We promise to keep you proud. We will ALL miss you..
Heidi Henderson
May 25, 2015 | Killington, VT
Sending warm thoughts and comfort to Ben's family and friends. I met him once through Pet Partners. He was a warm and welcoming soul on the first test my mini horse and I took. Thank you for all you did for Pet Partners Ben. Praying your family and friends hold the good memories with you closely in their hearts.
Kristin Quimby
May 25, 2015 | Westford, VT
I know many people know Ben in very different capacities. I knew him through VT Pet Partners. My very first Team test was conducted by Ben in Johnson. I was impressed and amazed at his quiet sensibility and caring heart. His patience was immense. I know this as I too love hounds- not an easy breed to master for sure, but I many times looked to him for advice and patience. He helped me and my pack of Ridgebacks become successful and caring teams. Ben, you my friend will be missed by humans...
Faith Martin
May 25, 2015 | Putney, VT
Ben was an amazing man with many great stories. Please keep us all posted on any service arrangements. If it weren't for Ben I am not sure that the Vermont Pet Partners group would've become what it is today!
Jean Haverstick
May 25, 2015 | Waterbury, VT
Ben L. EdwardsJohnson, VT-Ben L. Edwards, 76, of Johnson, VT passed away on May 14, 2015 at home after a long illness. Ben was born in Dover, OH on April 27, 1939 the son of William T. and Ellen Lou Edwards. Ben was a 1957 graduate of Dover High School.He received his Bachelor of Music Education degree at Baldwin Wallace conservatory in Ohio and his Masters and PhD degrees from the University of Connecticut. Ben started playing the trombone in grade school leading to a life of exceptional musical performance, and became the principal trombone and featured soloist with the United States Coast Guard Band after graduation from college.He was a member of two symphony orchestras and a professional concert band in Connecticut and was a founding member of the Constitution Brass Quintet in Connecticut and Vermont.Ben was a dedicated music educator and was respected and loved by many hundreds of students in Connecticut public schools. He was also Instructor of Trombone at the University of Connecticut from 1967 to 1980.When Ben had to put the trombone down due to arthritis he worked tirelessly for the protection of animals. In 2004, Ben founded the Vermont Pet Partners, which has thrived and now has 53 pet partner teams visiting nursing homes, hospitals and schools.Ben enjoyed reading, gardening, fishing, and photography, but his pets took center stage in his life.Ben is survived by his mother, Ellen Edwards, who recently moved from Dover, OH to Amherst, MA; his wife, Jo Anne of Johnson, VT; daughters, Theresa Edwards of Belchertown, MA and Rebecca Sipples and husband, Michael of Middletown, CT; step-children, John and Amy Monticello of West Hartford, CT; Karen Monticello of Vernon, CT and Michael Monticello of Lake Forest, CA; four grandchildren and three step-grandchildren, in addition to his beloved beagle, Buster, who was at Ben's side to the end.The Constitution Brass Quintet of Vermont will perform a concert in celebration of Ben's life at a later date to be announced.Memorial contributions may be made in Ben's memory to: Vermont Pet Partners, c/o Jean Haverstick, Treasurer, 892 Cobb Hill, Waterbury, VT 05676.Online condolences may be made visiting faithfh.net.
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