Benjamin R. Symmes

This is just so belated. Our family has been so saddened over yours and our loss of Ben. He was a dear friend and fellow hockey player. As a "hockey Mom" I could count on Ben one hundred percent. His smile was not only infectious but never-ending. Amongst the mom's, he was never referred to as just "Ben." Instead, he was always "Cute Ben." We miss you, Ben. Our love and prayers always.

I am so sorry for your loss. May his happy smiling face always be in your hearts and bring you comfort.

Dear Tom, Diane, Arrie and all of your family,

I just read about Ben. I am very sorry for your great loss. I will always remember our days in Copper Center and Glennallen. One of the men I work with in Anchorage is from Togiak. He told me that two of his brothers helped in the search for Ben. There is a feeling of great sadness in the fishing community. I am praying for you and your family.

Dale Judge

Diane,
I'm so sorry to hear about your son. Since you left Fairbanks I have not kept in touch but my heart goes out to you. I think of you often and you are always in my prayers.

I'll always remember Ben as part of my childhood. Hanging out at Copper Center School, building snow forts in the yard and making tree bark tea. And remembering each time that we really didn't like tree bark tea but continued to tweak "the recipe". My thoughts are with those who had the pleasure of being a part of Ben's life, especially Tom, Diane and Arrie.

Even though we hadn't seen each other for nearly fifteen years, I was incredibly sorry to hear of Ben's disappearance. I first met Ben in the fall of 1986 (?) when both our families moved to Glennallen, Alaska, and lived next door to one another. We spend countless hours tromping around in the woods, many more playing hockey together, and I will remember him fondly as the other 'new' kid in town and my first true friend in Glennallen. My heart goes out to all whose lives he touched, but...

Diane and Arrie,
I am so sorry about your loss. I miss you all and could not imagine this happening to you or me. I heard about this on facebook and there are a lot of people in Arries class that were very saddened and shocked about this. I would really like to get in contact with you two again. my prayers and thoughts are with you and please know that I will think of you always.~Love and prayer~

Ben was an exceptional young man. His smile and love for people will be missed! Tom, Diane and Arrie know that you are in our prayers~Ben's friendship is a treasure we will hold in our hearts. So sorry we can't be there with you. Love, Evelyn,Brad, Sriana, Ben, Gabi and Allison

Rolf and I loved Ben so much, and we miss him terribly. There is a hole in our hearts since his passing. Ben was an incredibly kind man with a gentle soul and quick wit. We will always remember Tuesday nights with Ben: dinner and Deadliest Catch. And our dog, Stella will never have a buddy quite like Ben. I know she loved him and much as he did her. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.