Benjamin Mark Buff

1997 - 2023

Benjamin Mark Buff

August 5, 1997 - February 24, 2023

Benjamin Mark Buff, our beloved son, grandson, brother and friend, passed away Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, at the young age of 25.

Born Aug. 5, 1997, he was the middleborn of three boys. He grew up in Burke County and graduated from Robert L. Patton High School in Morganton. He attended Western Piedmont Community College and was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Morganton.

Ben was a natural athlete and exceptional baseball player. He was known for his proclivity for golf, snowboarding and dirt biking. He possessed a fearless spirit. A gentle giant, though occasionally ill-tempered and regularly insistent, Ben was a treasure, a loyal and faithful son, and a brother and friend who loved his family. He was most content when surrounded by family and friends, especially those times, when at his request, his mom would prepare a large meal comprised entirely of Ben's favorites. He was her little prince who gave big bear hugs. A decorated athlete, he loved sharing his skills in baseball, reinventing the opportunity to be on the field, he found joy in coaching youth recreational teams. His fiercely impatient nature enjoyed a stark transformation within the role of coach, an admirable characteristic he learned from his favorite, most steadfast and patient coach and fan, Gene "Poppa" Page. Ben's short life, abruptly ended, cast the ultimate hopelessness on his dreams, goals and prospective milestones, leaving those behind who adore him, absent the privilege of enjoying the journey with him. Ben's life was and will continue to be, a blessing. In the words of Saint John Henry Newman, "May He support us all the day long, till the shades lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in His mercy may He give us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last." Ben is now safe and at peace.

Ben is survived by his devoted mother, Lisa Page Buff Ayotte (Mike); his father, Raymond Mark Buff (Katherina); brothers, William Myers Buff and Samuel Page Buff; grandparents, William Eugene Page and Evelyn Powell Page; grandmother, Pat Williams; grandmother, Delores Nichols Buff; uncle, R. Kurt Page (Paula); aunt, Sharlene Buff Hipple (John); aunt, Laura Myers Stabler; friend and mentor, Hollan Steen; longtime friend, Sara Devan Berry; extended family, Makenna Katherine Clark, Phoenix Shannon Ayotte, Stephen Michael Ayotte (Anna) and Zachary Coble Ayotte.

Ben was preceded in death by his grandfather, Bennie Archie Buff.

A service of celebration and thanksgiving for the life of Benjamin Mark Buff will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 12, at Hidden Hill Venue, 6572 Burkemont Road in Morganton. Entombment at Forest Hill Cemetery in Morganton will be private and scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Asheville Recovery Center Scholarship Fund, 9 Old Burnsville Hill Road, Suite 5, Asheville, NC 28804.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese is assisting the family.