Benjamin Edward Winters

Benjamin Edward Winters passed away unexpectedly on May 1, 2023. Ben was a truly special and one-of-a-kind individual and his passing left a huge space in the hearts of all those who loved him dearly. Ben was born on September 12, 1969, in Phoenix Arizona to John and Miriam Winters. Theater and music captivated Ben from an early age and he pursued both with passion. He spent lengthy periods of his childhood in character as Pinocchio and Peter from Peter and the Wolf and performed music and skits for the family with his sisters and cousins. He went on to act and sing in school plays and with the Phoenix Children's Theater in several productions. He was a talented musician throughout his life and studied guitar and viola. Ben loved to play and sing with his many friends and family any chance he got. Ben was a generous musician and played with professionals in bands and amateurs around campfires with equal passion. He was a prolific writer and filled notebooks, napkins and receipts with song lyrics, poetry and musings on life. Ben was an adventurous soul and loved sky diving in southern Arizona, remote backpacking in Yosemite and working on deep sea fishing boats in Alaska.

Ben was a devoted father and husband and raised three beautiful children with his wife, Sondra. He was excited about the arrival of his first grandchild and structured all his plans around the due date. He loved being in nature and took his family on many memorable outings and camping trips. Ben was hard working and had many interesting and challenging jobs throughout his life including commercial fishing, landscape construction, airline administration, tissue donation and corporate retail. Ben was a best friend and close confidant to countless friends and family throughout his life and was always there to support and advise those in need. To his extended family and many friends Ben was a stand in big brother, little brother, father or uncle. His kindness and gentle demeanor won over even the hardest of hearts and filled them with light. Ben had an incredible wit and intelligence and brought laughter to everyone around him. When he entered a room, it brightened. Most importantly, Ben was full of love- for his family, his friends and the community. He accepted and loved his family and friends exactly as they were. He was selfless and gave everything he had to those around him. He was a devoted son and beloved brother. He will be loved, cherished, and missed forever.

Ben was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph and his father, John. He is survived by his wife Sondra, daughters Brittany (Daniel) and Sage, son Aiden, mother Miriam, brother Chris (Yasmin), sisters Mara and Monica (Ernesto), and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews that were dear to him.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 at 5pm at the home of Chris Winters and Yasmin Al-Mutawa- 2524 N 53rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008. In lieu of flowers please make donations to a charitable organization that serves the community.