Benjamin Douglas PUTNAM

Passed away in a car accident August 14, 2014. He was 32 years old. Ben grew up in Sebastopol, and graduated from Analy High School in 2000. He then attended Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz, studied Fire Science and completed the Fire Academy at Wilmar Fire Station in Petaluma. Ben was a naturally-talented artist, musician and writer. He was a "closet scholar," who read constantly, studied a wide variety of subjects and would energetically debate almost anything. He was a good carpenter, a capable mechanic and a great cook. Ben could be described as a contemporary version of the "Renaissance Man." Always chivalrous, courteous and caring, it seemed almost as though he was from another time or age. From his earliest years, Ben stood up for those who were weaker, and was kind to those who felt unnoticed. He was the first to help those in need, sometimes placing himself in substantial danger in the process. In doing so, Ben has been described as "fearless." He was fiercely loyal and reflexive generous. Ben will be affectionately remembered by his friends and family for a resounding sense of humor that was capable of reducing a room full of people to tears of laughter. This gift was propelled by Ben's extraordinary keen wit, which has been described as a "unique kind of brilliance." He had a "1,000-watt smile" combined with a pure and contagious laugh, both of which he shared with the world often and freely. Ben is survived by his beloved dog, Zeus, his mother Gerda Engelbart, his father Jay Putnam, his brother and best friend Evan Putnam, and a large extended family of friends and relatives. Ben's presence in our lives was such that his passing has left an enormous void for all who were blessed to know him. We will always love his kind and generous spirit, and will miss him dearly and forever. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at 4:00 p.m., at 9901 West Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg.