Benjamin Wilkinson

1974 - 2016

Benjamin Wilkinson

Deer Lodge, MT

Benjamin Reef Wilkinson, 42, Executive Chef for Rock Creek Cattle Co., suddenly died from natural causes Oct. 12, 2016 in Deer Lodge, Montana. Born in Marathon, Florida, June 22, 1974, he grew up in Marathon and Memphis, Tennessee, graduating from Kirby High School and attending Sullivan University majoring in both culinary and pastry. Within his 26 years, he worked in many restaurants in Tennessee, New Jersey, Hawaii, Florida, and Montana creating new menus, preparing new recipes, and teaching staff necessary techniques in the culinary trade. Starting at 3 years old, Ben had a great love and passion for cooking. He was proud that at 26 he had made Executive Chef at Pleasantdale Chateau, NJ; and pleased also that he got to work at the Ritz Carlton in Maui. To many, he was counted as a dear and loyal friend, to others a visionary colleague. Ben was a loving tender hearted fellow with a zest for life and travel. He made an astounding difference in many people's lives with whom he lived and worked. Those that truly knew him will miss his happy smile, and his love to sing endless Broadway show tunes while working in the kitchen.

Ben was preceded in death by his father, Warren Noel (Bud) Wilkinson. Surviving is his mother, Jane Ashe Wilkinson Serrano; and step-father, Philip Serrano, both of Knoxville, Tennessee; half-brother, Guy Wilkinson Foster; grandmother, Louise Ashe; aunts, Beth Harrison (Jeff), and Jane Eldridge (Sam); uncle, Norman Wilkinson (Dorothy); and first cousins Amanda Norton, Ginny Harrison, Kimberly Van Tassel, and Cindy Smith.

A celebration of Benjamin's life was held in Deer Lodge, Montana on October 23, 2016. Future services honoring his life will be held in private. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Benjamin's name are requested to be made to: "Gofundme.com"-Chef Ben, "chooserestaurants.org"-ProStart Program or Scholarship, or a charity of your choosing.