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Ben Aspen Obituary
Ben was born and died in Seattle's Swedish Hospital just shy of his 92nd birthday. He was the son of Norwegian immigrants, Ben and Borghild Aspen and big brother to sister, Marilyn. He is survived by his wife of 67 years Barbara, sister Marilyn Wilkins, daughter Ann (Chris), son Gib (Liz) and 2 grandsons, Stefan and Nigel who dearly loved their "FarFar".
A pivotal life event for Ben was spending his 7th and 8th year in Alesund, Norway with his mother and young sister while his father was plying Alaskan waters as a ship captain for Alaska Steamship Company.
He was captivated by Charles Lindbergh at a young age and pursued his love of aviation. Ben served in the Marines where he flew domestically. Then he became a commercial airline pilot for West Coast Airlines ultimately retiring as a Captain from Northwest Airlines after 37 years of service.
Ben also loved the water, spending time with his family on Puget Sound, living in Gig Harbor, Kauai Hawaii and finally on the Seattle waterfront. Ben and Barbara also loved Priest Lake Idaho where he built their family cabin. The hills surrounding the lake always reminded him of the fjords in Norway. Ben and Barbara also traveled the world together often with family and friends.
He was kind, fair and his sense of humor and zest for life knew no bounds. If everyone lived on his wavelength the world would be a better place. May the legacy of FarFar live on.
A celebration of life will be held at the Seattle Yacht Club on Tuesday, September 17th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
The Seattle Yacht Club is located at 1807 East Hamlin Street, Seattle WA 98112.
In lieu of flowers please send remembrance's to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ben Aspen
Sponsored by The Family.
3 Entries
Christine Potter/Parker
August 20, 2020
I had the honor and pleasure of flying with Captain Ben Aspen over the course of 35 years, as a Flight Attendant and enjoyed the experience and honor as he was such an affable, gentle, kind man and great pilot with a charming laugh and easy going persona.
I would like to imagine that Captain Aspen is enjoying himself as this is written soaring still thru the skies with a twinkle in his eyes and with a bright smile on his face, as he always possessed!
You definitely were a favorite of us Flight Attendants and Pilots, alike!
Enjoy the ride Captain Aspen!
Sincerely, Christine Potter/Parker and Wayne Parker as well......
Sue Cufley
September 9, 2019
I was a flight attendant in the 1960's and 1970's and flew with Ben at West Coast and Hughes RW
Ben was such a kind,caring, friendly and always smiling pilot
It was a real joy to fly with him ..
I know he will be missed by so many ..
R.I.P Ben
Scott Woll
September 9, 2019
Ben will always be remembered by is fellow crew members, especially the Flight Attendants, as a wonderful, supportive and professional gentleman.
It was always a joy to be a part of his crew and he will be missed dearly by all who had the pleasure to know and work with him over the years and thru all the airline mergers.
I flew with him starting at Hughes Airwest and up til his retirement. He was and still is, held in the highest regard.
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