Ben passed away at 3:30 this afternoon, shortly after being taken off life-support as he had requested in his Living Will. |
Friday, October 02, 2009
Sad day today!
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91 comments:
Dear Buckles and Barbara and Family. Please accept our sincerest and deepest sympathy to you all. Words cannot express how we feel for you all.
Ben, my brother I wish I knew you were so sick. I just can't believe it.
I love you!!!! I will miss you!
Your sister, Darlene
Dear Barbara and Buckles,
My wife and I extend our deepest sympathy in your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family.
Sue and Bob Kitto
I can't even begin to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Having lost a child myself, I know this is beyond comprehension right now. May the good times and wonderful memories keep your spirits up. My prayers go out to all of you!
Bob
DEAR BUCKLES AND BARBARA,
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU BOTH AND TO YOUR AND BEN'S FAMILIES AT YOUR TRAGIC LOSS.
YOU ARE ALL IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
Barbara and Buckles,
I cannot express in words how sad this is. May the love and support of your friends around the world sustain you all during this oh so difficult time.
With love and sympathy to all of you.
Jack
So sorry to hear this -- Ben was such a live wire , the years we were at C.W.M. ! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all --- Barbara , Buckles , Darleen , and the girls .Yes , it's a sad day today .
You have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your son Ben. May he forever rest in peace. I am sure he has gone to be with Anna May on the highgrass big lot. You can be assured that he is not suffering anymore.
Oh Buckles, Barbara, Darlene and all the family. I just heard about Ben passing away and I am heartbroken for you all. No matter what all happened between us before, all those many years ago, you have all been such a big part of my heart. Some of my best years and times I owe to you all. You are all in my prayers and thoughts. I did not realize that Ben was that sick, and thought since I had not heard anything bad again, that he was getting better. I will always have a special place in my heart for Ben, and so will Shane. Please tell Darlene and the rest of Ben's family that we are so so sad and sorry. Words just cannot come to me right now, to say to you and Barbara and the family. God bless you and keep you strong and in His hands throughout this. Ben was always very special and such a wonderful person. Please accept our sincere condolences at this terrible time. My love goes out to you all. Karen Glenn and family
Dear Barbara, Buckles & family.
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your great loss.
Our prayers are with you at this sad time.
Sue & Rudi.
Our hearts go out to you, Barbara and the family. Our prayers are with you.
Don and Jan Covington
From Johnny Peers:
I am so sorry, God bless Ben,
Johnny Peers
The Circus World lost a Great Performer and a Super Guy today. I know Ben is certainly "Doin Good" now, looking down from that "Big Lot" above. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Dear Barbara, Buckles and family, we are so sorry to hear about Ben and please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
-Greg & Karen DeSanto
Our sincerest condolences in this time of tragic loss for the entire Williams and Woodcock family.
Our hearts and prayers are with you in this time of grief.
God Bless you and God Bless Ben
Bill, Sherry and Cory Powell
Dear Barbara and Buckles,
Our hearts and prayers go out to your family. Sharon and I will be praying for you these next very hard days. What Memories!
Dear Barbara,Buckles,Darlene and family, I was shocked to learn of Ben's death from Karen Glenn. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ben is being welcomed to the big top in the sky by so many others who have preceeded him.
God bless.
Benny, thank you for walking me down the isle at my wedding, it meant so much to me. I will forever have that memory. I will miss you.
Your sister, Renée
Cyndi and I send our deepest sympathies to the Williams/Woodcock family. We will keep Ben in our prayers.
Oh Jesus, Lord Almighty...Barbara and Buckles...I am SO very sad to hear of this news...God bless you all and his family...our thoughts and prayers are with you all....
Lauren Fairchild
Dear Barbara and Buckles my deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to you and your family and may GOD be with you in your hour of need. Gordon Dodge
We express our heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
The word "stunned" is appropriate.
Ben (and Anna Mae) always put forth 100% in the ring.
The world and the World of Circus were fortunate to be entertained by their artistic talents.
Nora and Mike Naughton
Please accept our deepest and most heartfelt condolences. Ben was, and will continue to be an inspiration.
Pat, Terry, Shane and James Cashin
Buckles, I am so sorry to hear of your families loss. Please accept my sincere condolences and know that I will be sending my thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this very sad time. Bless you all.
Clownron
To all of the members of the Woodcock / Williams family: All of us at Circus Harmony send our deepest sympathy and prayers for you all. Saturday is the Bar Mitzvah for Jessica's youngest son and in the prayers for those who mourn, I will remember all of you and my firend Ben along with my father whom I lost just a few weeks ago.
Our world of the circus is a bit smaller now with the loss of this vibrant and great performer. Our real world is a lot smaller for the loss of a good man. Drawing on the heritage of great circus families, Benny created a persona and character in the ring that few have ever achieved. Yet in the backyard, he was just a "working man". My memories of him will always include the times spent just being around him and his unbridled joy of life every day.
To all of the family, I share your pain and hope for your healing.
God will lift him up on angle's wings and hold im in the palm of His hand. And heaven will resound with the command of "Anna Mae - Turn" for ever.
Warren
Wow, i just got home late from an event and read this. God bless all of you guys--we go back so many years, 36 to be exact, and how well i remember Ben performing (first at Circus World and then on the Blue) so magnificently with the equally magnificent Anna Mae--what a pair! What a great act to publicize and remember--forever! All of us who love the circus care about the Woodcocks and tonite we all mourn your loss--too young, too soon--and bow our collective heads in remembrance and in salute to the loss pf a dashing talent.
Buckles & Family
Deepest sympathy to your family
Robert & Bernice Perry
Australia
Barbara and Buckles,
I got up this morning and read the
words and it is so hard to comprehend.
My deepest sympathy to you at this
time. May he truly be at rest now.
And may the good Lord protect his
soul.
John
I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and you family, and all those who knew and love Ben
Dear Barbara and Buckles, I am very sorry for your loss. Ben's bold spirit enlivened us all. My prayers are with you and your family. David Carlyon
Buckles & Barbara,
My deepest heart felt sympathy to your entire family.
Jimmy Cole
Sorry to hear of your loss Buckles.
I have not met you but by reading your blog I feel I have known you for years. I send you my deepest sympathy from all my family here in Australia.
Gary and Caroline Brophy
Circus Sunrise
Dear Buckles, Barbara, and Family,
Our deepest sympathies to you at your loss. The thought of loosing an offspring is sad beyond description. Our thoughts are with you.
Jim and Kathy
My heartfelt condolences to your entire family. Ben's charisma in the ring will always be remembered by all of us. May your own good and special memories of him always live on. My sincere sympathies at such a sudden and surprising loss.
Dick Flint
Baltimore
I have many fond memories of Ben and would like to send my sympathy to the whole family Darryl
So sorry to hear about your loss. Your family will remain in our prayers.
Jeff, Judy, and Allie Darnell
Dear Buckles and Barbara
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
God Bless Ben.
Joe & Gail Giordano
We just never know when our time will come. Ben's came too early. We wish you all our sincerest prayers and condolences, and heartfelt sympathy in this loss.
With fondness and prayers,
Brian and Charmaine, Julie, Gabby and Gillian.
Mary Jane and I send you all our sympathy and all our prayers.
We have spoken often of the time Ben came over to our trailer for Sunday dinner and wonderful visit.
He was such a fine young man and so very talented.
God bless you all.
Barbara & Buckles (and all of your family members!),
June and I will always remember Ben from our time spent together here at CWM. He was a "star among stars".
Many local people, as well as ourselves, wish to express our deepest, sincerest, heartfelt sympathy to you at this terrible time, but rest assured that though he may be gone he will NEVER, EVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!
God Bless you all in your time of need!
Sincerely,
Pete, the Baraboobian! & June
Dear Buckles and Barbara,
May treasured memories bring you peace. With sincere sympathy.
Eric & Pat Beheim
So sorry for your loss, our loss- no other words . . .
Bruce the Clown
Ben and all of the family have been in my prayers, and as always we all hope that no news is good news. After hearing from James Plunkett two days ago that Ben was going downhill, I couldn't believe he would loose his fight! His strength and love for his family will live on, and of course he still lives in all of our hearts! God Bless you Barbara and Buckles, and the entire Williams/Woodcock families and the Circus World Families that all loved him!
Dear Buckles & Barbara & all Bens Family,This is truly a sad time. Bill & I are so sorry for your loss of Ben. Our prayers go out to you to get thru this sad time. Bill & Trudy
Buckles and family: You have our sympathies and in our prayers for comfort.
I will never forget seeing Ben standing atop of Anna May going around the hippodrome track in Evansville at the conclusion of his act. Ben sure had a nack for rocking the house.
"A class Act"
Our heartfelt condolences to the Woodcock/Williams families
To All of Ben's family, Buckles Barbara, Darlene and the girls, my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of Ben. I will always remember the great times we had together on Circus Vargas. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sincerely, Lisa Dufresne
Dear Barbara and Buckles - -
Our heartfelt condolences to both of you. Ben was a stellar performer and of good spirit to the end.
Delia and Richard Reynolds
tessaI want to express my deepest sympathy on your terribile loss. Y Ben's entire family is very much in our hearts and thoughts during this difficult time.
Barry Lipton
Bill,
It is a very sad day. I don’t know quite what to say.
Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies go out to you, Barbara, and Ben’s wife and family.
The Woodcock and Williams' families are in our thoughts and in our prayers.
May God give you and your family strength in this time of sorrow.
Henry and Phylis.
Our deepest sympathy to you all, Buckles, Barbara, Darlene, Skye and Stormy, and the entire Woodcock family --- Just does not seem possible. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Robert and Kay Parker
Dear Buckles and Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. I have many fond memories of working with Ben on Big Apple and I know how much he was loved and how his fans and family will miss him. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. --Howard Wahlberg, BAC, 1986-1989
Barbara and Buckles and the rest of the Family, thoughts and prayers for all of you. Ben was and still is a Shining Star of the Circus World!
Dear Buckles, Barbara and family:
My prayers are with you on this difficult day. God bless.
From Don Curtis...
Buckles,
Our thoughts and sympathy are with you and Barbara at this sad time. Ben's smile, spirit and goodness will remain alive in the hearts of everyone who knew him.
Please convay our regards and best wishes to your family.
Don Curtis & Ann Bartges
Dear Barbara and Buckles,
our extreme sympathy
Rebecca, Marshall and Fresia
Dear Barbara Buckles and Family
My wife and I wish to offer our
sincere condolences at this
most difficult time
Tiki and Chic
Dear Barbara and Buckles,
Just thinking of calling Hope for an update and saw that Ben had passed. We are so sorry he left so young.
Love Uncle Les
Mr. and Mrs. Woodcock and family,
My condolences and prayers to you all.
DanTheBooker
Our sincerest condolences to you and Barbara and family.
Buckles, Barbara & Family,
We are devastated. We were just leaving the Hanneford lot at the Big E and Dwight Hanson had just arrived. When he came over to the van to say hello/goodbye he said, "I guess you heard Ben Williams passed away?" We were dumbstruck and so greatly saddened.
It was so wonderful to have seen Ben in April of last year; he looked and acted like his old self and was the Ben we will always remember. We can only echo the words and feelings of all those who have commented before us.
Ben we will miss you and never forget you. Thanks for the great memories.
Paul & Diane Gutheil
Woodcock/Williams Families..
Sincere and Deepest Sympathy..
Thoughts and prayers are with you..
Jim Zajicek
My sincere condolences to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
-Dan McCallum
i am truely sorry to hear of ben passing i met him in the late 80s and play paint ball in Rode Island and then in franklin sqaure we had a visit and our talk changed and i think saved my life.and ben has been part of my storey since.rest well my friend and tell anna may in line your line always worked with my horses after i got to know you be well dave williams in connecticut
Barbara Buckle and family;
there are no word's in the dictionary, that can said the right thing.
at a time like this,
so so sorry.
Tomorrow Sunday at St. Jude, Sarasota at 9;00
his name will be in the Mass,he will have every one pray for him,
He is now in the best hands, our wonderful Lord,
sincerely Mireille.
Barbara, Buckles and family - I am so sorry to learn of Ben's passing. Please know that he is in a better place now and will suffer no more.
Did Ben have a favorite charity? I would very much like to send a donation in his memory as I'm sure lots of other folks would too. Buckles, please let us know via your Blog.
May Peace be with you all at this very sad time.
Liz(Green)Dane
Our deepest sympathies to you.
Claude and Guy
Montreal
I am at a loss for words. I love you all. Beckie Loter Meress
Buckles,
Our deepest sympathy to you all.
Steve and Stephanie Robinson.
Australia
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Barry Phillips
I'm so sorry for your loss and your pain.
Prayers go out to you and your family.
Dear Buckles & Barbara,
Just came home to read the very sad news. Please accept my sincerest condolences to you and the rest of the family.
Dom Yodice
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Mark and Nini Lavender
Even though Peter has sent our regrets I feel compelled to send my personal love to all of you but especially you Barbara. I wish I was closer in miles so I could help in any way I can. Even though it has been many years I will always cherish our friendship. Please feel free to call any hour day or night if you just need someone to talk to. My prayers are with you. Love, June Sturgis
We are so sorry to hear of Ben's passing. Harry and I extend our deepest sympathy.
Our prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Amy & Harry Muller
Our heartfelt condolences to the Woodcock and Williams families. We were so very sorry to hear the news. Sincerely, Tom and Dione Thompson
I am so very sorry for your loss, and the loss of all those who knew (or simply knew of) Ben.
May God bless, and comfort as can be possible, you all. You have my prayers, thoughts and deep sympathy. Rose
One of the greatest gifts that God gave us is our memories. May you be blessed with dwelling on your happy memories of Ben, and may they give you the strenth to carry you through this difficult time.
Love, Jackie Le Claire
Dear Buckles, Barbara and Family. We were very sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept our condolences at this very difficult time.
Graham Thomas Chipperfield and Family
Dear Buckles and Barbara, Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss. I have taken the liberty of posting Ben's name on the Abbot's bulletin board. The entire monastery of Saint John's Abbey...154 monks - are praying for God's healing love to surround you. I truly believe we will all be together again with eternal sunny skies and grassy lots!
Peace, Br. Paul-Vincent Niebauer O.S.B.
I am sorry for your loss, and I hope your family finds peace.
Best Wishes,
Chris Joyce
Dear Buckles, Barbara and Darlene: We were both so saddened by Ben's passing. All of you have been in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Rick and Janet Pfening
Dear Buckles &
Barbara - -
My most sincere condolences to both of you & to the rest of your families. Thoughts & prayers are with you all!
Mike Melssen
Williams & Woodcock Families:
It is with profound sadness that I join the dozens of others preceeding me, in expressing my condolences on your loss. No one among us shall ever forget Ben's charismatic center-ring performances; expecially with your Anna May. Now they both belong to the ages !
David Reddy
Dear Bill, Barbara and Family,
I remember the first time I saw Ben and Anna May together on Big Apple. It was a revelation, a union of perfect precision. One which I attempted to emulate, but failed.
As I work with my own sons and watch them expand and grow with animals I can not imagine what you are going through. But I do know that Ben as a performer brought tremendous joy and pleasure to countless people.
As with Anna May, we will not see their like again. And when ever I think of HI HAY ANNA MAY I shall remember an act of such incredible, terrible beauty and majesty that ,as now, my tears will fall.
My deepest condolences and sympathy
Michael Hackenberger & Family
Dear Buckels & Barbra
It is our deepest sympathys to everyone for the loss of Ben. He always invited me into his home and treated me with such respect. I will miss him. Adam & Bonnie Hill
To all of Ben's family and many friends,
All will sorely miss Ben. You have my deepest sympathy.
Don Bloomer
Im Verry Sorry to hear about youre loss hope u guy's are doing well!!! Take care, Felicia, Frisco
Dear Buckles,
We are so sorry for your loss.Our deepest sympathy to you and the entire Woodcock and Williams family
Sincerely,
Chuck Pankow and family
Dearest Buckles and Barbara and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers
are with you.
Ellie Potts Barrett
Buckles and Barbara and Families:
Kim joins me in offering our deepest condolences in Ben's passing. He is among those outstanding, charasmatic stars whose like comes along all too seldom, and he is one who cannot be overshadowed.
Kim got me home from the hospital after 16 days there, and I'm on a walker and therapy for the long run. I took a hell of a buster.
God bless all of you.
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