Ben West

With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Ben Edwin West on March 15, 2024 in Houston, TX. Ben was born in Fairbanks, Alaska on September 10, 1965 but got to Texas as quickly as he could at the age of 4. It would have been much sooner had he been better able to control his destiny at that young age. He was a proud member of the Eisenhower High School Mighty Eagle Marching Band where he played the trumpet. This is where he met his future wife, Kristin Robertson, 45 years ago. He made many life long, special friends during this time. Ben went on to graduate from the University of Houston with a degree in accounting. Although the degree sounds boring, the man was not. Ben and Kristin were married March 12, 1988 at the Rothko Chapel in Houston, TX. They soon welcomed daughters Erin and Madison to this wonderful world which led to a very active time of life rushing from soccer games to school activities to all of the other activities that are a part of an active family life. Ben found that he had a green thumb and was talented at growing watermelon vines that took over the backyard as well as cucumber vines that took over the watermelon vines. We will all cherish the memories of him chasing off the squirrels and screaming when he came upon snakes in the veggie patch. As was the case with many of Ben’s hobbies, he then moved with gusto to building Legos which quickly took over the home décor. Ben leaves behind his wife of 36 years, Kristin, as well as their daughters Erin Torres and Madison West. In 2023, our family was blessed when we added Erin’s husband Rob Torres as well as our precious granddaughter Quinn Rhea Torres. Ben leaves an extended family that includes Mike and Judy Robertson, Ritchie Robertson and wife Kathy, Casey Robertson and Tracy Driggers as well as nephews Jacob, Ryan and Taylor. We have many hilarious holiday gatherings that will live on in our memories that may or may not have included many quotes from Talledega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby as well as some very entertaining gift exhanges. Ben also leaves to cherish memories his siblings, Candy Diezi and husband Jack, Larry West and wife Donna and Jeff Slaton and wife Kay. His nephews Robert, Jon, Shawn and Josh were very much loved by Ben as were many great nieces and nephews . Extended family includes Ken and Jane Rupard. He is predeceased by sister Melanie Slaton who was his hero. We must also mention Ben’s beloved chihuahua, Mr. Big or Biggie as Ben so fondly called him. Little Biggie misses his Ben as they were Thunder Buddies and loved each other so much. Ben was a sweet, caring man that loved his family and friends without end. He had a very clever sense of humor that left many in tears from laughing so hard. He wanted so badly for all to be happy but as we know, this can be quite a challenging feat for mortal man. At this time of sadness we must remember the words of Dr. Seuss – “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” And there is no doubt that friends and family are smiling because Ben was a part of our lives through good times and bad times. Ben was loved and will be loved forever and always..amen. We would also like to mention the importance of organ donation and urge others to consider registering to be an organ, eye and tissue donor through Donate Life America. It is because of a decision made by a family years ago that Ben was able to see both daughters graduate from high school, college, the birth of the Quinn, etc. So many more memories to be cherished because of that selfless gift by a donor family. And in death, Ben also became a donor.

Ben West

September 10, 1965 - March 15, 2024