Cynthia
Vann writes:
Ben Snow died on Feb 3rd., 2012.
He was David Snow's brother and
a well-known Cass Ave fellow (we went to WSU and lived at
Cass & Seldon).
Published
in Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram
on February 8, 2012
Benjamin Snow
PORTLAND -- It is with great sorrow that the children of Benjamin
Snow announce his death on Friday, Feb. 3, 2012.
Born in Boston, Mass., on Dec. 18, 1955, to June and Nicholas
Snow, Ben and his brothers, David, Mark and Jacob were raised
in Detroit, Mich., in the days of Motown and an ever evolving
social and political climate.
He attended Cass Tech Arts High School in Detroit and graduated
in 1973. Though he specialized in jewelry design, his education
there gave him skills in a broad range of media, and a taste
for combining disparate elements into something new and exciting.
When considering higher education, he thought about becoming
a cartographer, a railroad engineer or a sea captain. The
call to the sea and the history of those who had come before
him influenced his decision to attend Maine Maritime Academy.
He graduated in 1981.
After 10 years shipping all over the world, Ben began a second
career as a shipping agent for Chase Levitt in Portland, and
eventually as the Operations Manager for the City of Portland's
waterfront. Ben was instrumental in bringing the cruise ship
business to Portland and was the coordinator and facilitator
in the building of Portland's newest and biggest infrastructure
project, Portland Gateway.
It is impossible to choose a single medium, specialty, philosophy,
or perspective that could encapsulate or define Ben. He looked
for and found meaning in everything. From a simple conversation
with a child, to a professional interaction with another waterfront
worker, to a loud debate about modern art or ancient European
history, Ben recognized each moment, each experience, each
encounter as an opportunity to look deep and extract some
important truth about the world.
In the last years of his life, he worked with his usual passion
to integrate the disparate parts and pieces of himself. He
discovered and rediscovered his angels, battled his devils,
and committed anew to a life of integrity, founded in love
and expressed through art. He wrestled with truth, beauty
and the bizarre nature of the world.
In the end, he died as he had lived, in a warm and inviting
space that he made his own and invited others into, surrounded
by beautiful things, brilliant people, love, laughter, and
the best conversation.
He is survived by his children, Bethany Snow of Scarborough,
and Abram Snow of Old Orchard Beach; his father, Nicholas
Snow and his wife Cathy Baker of Spruce Head; his brothers,
Mark Snow of Owls Head and Jacob Snow of South Thomaston,
and his sister, Caitlin Clark of Spruce Head. He was predeceased
by his mother, June Snow; and brother, David Snow.
A gathering to remember his life will be held at the Mariner's
Church in Portland's Old Port on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, at
2 p.m.
Condolences may be sent to his family at 75 Gorham Rd.
Scarborough, Maine 04074
Benjamin Snow.
Any comments, eulogies about Ben, please place them here. |