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Benjamin Houston Obituary
SPENCER - Benjamin Houston, 74, passed away on February 23rd after a courageous battle with leukemia. In accordance with his wishes, he died at home surrounded by his loving family.
In addition to his wife of 48 years, Mary Ann (Martin) he leaves a son, Michael of Auburn, a daughter, Lisa and beloved son-in-law, Tim Onderdonk of Auburn, three grandchildren, Benjamin, Sarah and Lily Fenway, three brothers, Charles, of Auburn, William, of West Palm Beach, Florida and Frederick of Martha's Vineyard, his "favorite brother-in-law", Ronald Martin of Cherry Valley, devoted nephews, Ronald Martin of Hudson and Robert Martin of Spencer, whose partner, Susan Zusczak, was a particular favorite of Ben's, as well as numerous other nieces and nephews. His "Bermuda family" included Patricia, Lionel and Patrice Swan, Raymond and Deborah Tannock, Ruth & Sinclair White, Rosalie Robinson, the late Fay White and numerous friends.
Born in Worcester, Ben lived in Leicester for 33 years before moving to Spencer in 1998. For many years he was affiliated with his family's business, Industrial Suppliers of Worcester, as well as Houston Floral Designs. Before retiring for health reasons he worked for Pioneer Oil Co. in Worcester.
Ben's greatest joys were spending time with his grandchildren, traveling to Bermuda, his "home away from home" and rooting for the Red Sox (or sometimes cursing them). Always concerned with others, Ben was a long-time member of the New England and Bermuda District of Kiwanis, where he served as Lieutenant Governor. He was a past-president of the Kiwanis Club of Worcester as well as a member of the Kiwanis Club of Natick-MetroWest. The support and love shown to him by his Kiwanis family during his illness was overwhelming.
The family would like to extend their thanks to the devoted staff of U Mass Medical Center, in particular the nurses on the 7th and 8th floors, who were his "angels".
The Funeral will be held, Friday, February 28 from the J. HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer, with a Mass at 11 A.M. in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 7 Church St., Spencer. Calling hours are Thursday from 4-7 P.M. in the funeral home. Burial in Mary, Queen of the Rosary Cemetery, Spencer will be at a later date.
Memorial contributions in Ben's name may be made to the Kiwanis Foundation of New England, c/o Wayne Spencer, 89 Swifts Beach Rd, Wareham, MA 02571-1947 or to Second Chance Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515.
www.morin-morrison.com
Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Houston
25 Entries
March 7, 2014
March 7, 2014
Hi Maryann & Family,
My heartfelt sympathy in the loss of "Big Ben". Will miss his visits to Bermuda and the St. George's Kiwanis Club. Will keep you in prayer.
May God continue to keep you in his care,
Denise Trew
March 7, 2014
Hi Mary Ann,
My heartfelt sympathy in the loss of "Big Ben". We shall miss his visits to the St. George's Kiwanis Club and we will keep your family in prayer.
May God bless you,
Denise Trew
March 5, 2014
To Ben's family -- I just learned of Ben's passing -- I'm glad to say I got to know him quite well "back in the day', mostly through my eventual brothers-in-law Paul (Byron) Remillard and Dave Hall -- I'm recalling good memories of a very good person -- my sincere regrets, sympathy and prayers at your loss -- Jack Nicholson, Auburn
March 5, 2014
MaryAnn & family, so sorry for your loss. What a treat to see him at Kiwanis meetings. His spirit was larger than life. Our warmest thoughts.
John & Sherry Gregory
Augusta Kiwanis Club.
March 4, 2014
As a volunteer at the ACC 6th floor at UMass I got to know Ben a bit. He was a brave, honorable man and fun to talk with. I have been away and am saddened to learn of his passing. My condolences to his family. Ed Gardella
Roger Fullam
March 2, 2014
I am so very sorry to hear of Ben's passing. Love and prayers to you and your family Mary Ann.
David Shablin
February 28, 2014
My deepest sympathies!! Ben will be missed!!
February 28, 2014
Mary Ann
It was quite a shock to hear that Benny passed. Jane and I want you to know that our friendship with both of you was very special. He will be missed by all. As we are away, we were not able to pay our respects in person last evening.
With sincere regards,
Phil and Jane Robo
February 27, 2014
Mary Ann,
So sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Your cousin,
Elaine Millett Gavin
Darel& Judy Nowers
February 27, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time, May God keep you strong. We will always remember what a wonderful person Ben was. Always with a smile.
Toni Fox
February 27, 2014
To My Dearest Friends MaryAnn and LIsa, What do you really say at a time like this. My heart and soul goes out to you and your family. You have taken me like a family member many years ago and "Big Ben" will always be in my heart. He was the gentle giant to me, he made me laugh and at times so hard, he made me cry. My heart and prayers go out to you and always know that you can count on me and Ron if you need anything. I love you all and will miss Ben terribly. Love you always Toni & Ron
Linda Soucy
February 26, 2014
MaryAnn, my sincere condolences on your loss. Ben was a true gentle giant. I have great memories of answering the doorbell to find Ben delivering flowers. He always had a big smile and a kind word.
Daryl Sylvia
February 26, 2014
Ben will surely be missed at all the kiwanis functions. His kind words,and smile will be with us forever. I'll miss you Big Ben .......
To Mary ann and family our thoughts and prayers go out to you
During this time of sorrow. Nancy & Daryl Sylvia
Carolyn Perry
February 26, 2014
Mary Ann and family: My best to you all in your grieving. I am also sad to see dear Ben's passing. He sure was one of a kind and on of the reasons tat so many Kiwanis members love to go to the District meetings. Yes - To see Ben and Mary Ann. Mary Ann - I am sure you will continue to attend our meetings. Tell Fred that I spent my summers on Marthas Vineyard growing up. I love the place. Love you all, take care. Carolyn Perry
Pete Michaud
February 26, 2014
I remember working with Ben over 30 years ago at Industrial Suppliers. I know he will be sadly missed. My prayers are with Ben and his family.
Russell Carlson
February 26, 2014
I remember Benny as always ready with a smile. He was a good friend. Sorry to read of his passing.
Thom Faucher
February 26, 2014
Dear Mary Ann and Family,
I have many fond memories of Ben and his great sense of humor while we were growing up. We are saddened by your loss and will keep you all in our prayers.
February 26, 2014
Mary Ann and family sorry for your loss Uncle Benny was a great man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Deborah Pressey
February 25, 2014
Ben was gregarious and kind. I will never forget him, or how he made me feel, always a huge smile and big hug (no matter how much time had passed between seeing one another ).I am grateful for having the pleasure of knowing him ( both personally and as a Nurse). May he rest peacefully. My deepest and sincerest sympathy and blessings to his family.
Jean Baril
February 25, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Houston family during your loss.
nelson leclair
February 25, 2014
Rip Big guy . Mary Ann and family sorry for your loss .
GEORGE DION
February 25, 2014
Ben, so sorry to hear of your passing.
I called fla and told Peter O'Keefe that you had past on to a better place. Gates Lane school will never forget "BIG BEN DAY", when we were fourteen. We drove Mr Hickey nuts with all those posters on the first and second floor. Now you know. GOD BLESS.
GEORGE DION
Jess Roy
February 25, 2014
Ben was one of the greatest patients I have ever taken care of. I feel blessed to have met him and his family. I felt like I had known them forever. Many thoughts and prayers to The Houston Family. He will be missed!
Love always,your nephew.David
David Houston
February 25, 2014
God Speed Benjamin you will surely be missed.
Tom Power
February 25, 2014
I am very sorry for your loss. I worked with Benny for 4 years where he treated me as a friend and has been a friend ever since. I could always count on a big smile and a kind word whenever I saw him. He will truly be missed.
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