Benjamin S. Saxby

1971 - 2017

VENICE, Fla. – Benjamin S. Saxby of Venice, Fla., formerly of Bradford, passed away unexpectedly in December 2017. He was born on Aug. 22, 1971.

He graduated from Kearsarge Regional High School and attended Castleton State College in Vermont and New England College in Henniker. While in school he was very active in lacrosse and rugby. He loved skiing, fishing, and boating, especially sailing out of Kittery with his dad. Ben loved family and friends and was always ready for the next party. He could often be found having a great time cooking for everyone, telling a story from one of his numerous adventures.

Ben loved to be outdoors, whether he was taking an ATV out for a ride or staying homebound to nurture his interest in plants and gardening. He was also a talented artist and an enthusiastic music fan. Ben was extremely passionate in his love of animals. It didn't matter if it was the home pet or a wild critter…if it needed help, he was always there. Throughout his lifetime, he had an assortment of pets: small rodents, fish, a monkey, iguanas, cats and dogs. His devoted Jack Russell terriers, Rocky and Rambo, were always with him at home or at work, riding in the truck or on the back of the fork lift.

Ben was fortunate enough to work at Mote Marine in Sarasota, Fla. under a government program where he was able to help rescue injured and sick sea animals. He was also part of the team that went out in the boat to capture fresh meals for both the sick and healthy animals. He enjoyed putting on his diving gear and getting into the aquarium tank with the sharks and other fish when it was time to clean the tank.

Ben had worked for Contoocook Artesian Well Co when he lived in New Hampshire. After he moved to Florida, he worked for another well company and was soon encouraged to start his own. He partnered with Cathy Glen and they started Saxby Well Drilling. After the economy slowed down in 2008, Ben added a second business, Saxby Marine. He bought and sold boats, as well as refurbishing and fabricating fiberglass.

Ben is survived by his life partner, Marty Kiger of Venice, Fla.; his parents, Jarna and Gary Perkins of Venice, Fla. and Paul and Jean Saxby of Bradford; brothers, Jamie Perkins of Rochester, Daniel Saxby of Frenchboro, Maine, Matt Coe of Northwood and Peter Coe of Sanford, Maine; aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Celebration of Life open house for Ben will take place on Saturday, April 28, from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Valley Room at Pat's Peak in Henniker.