Benjamin Shoesmith's Obituary
Benjamin Shoesmith (Ben Smith) of Cinnaminson peacefully departed this world on Friday, December 22, 2023, by the side of his loving girlfriend, Jessica. He was 43.
Born in Marlton, NJ, Benjamin was a beloved son of John and Pat Shoesmith and a cherished sibling of Alan and Ian. Ben spent his childhood years camping with his parents and brothers, traveling the country to visit family, attending several summer camps and enrolling in the Young Marines.
Ben loved rocking out on the drums and creating music with numerous friends throughout the years. He loved jamming out in drum circles and on his drum set at home. He spent a few of his early adult summers, living in Wildwood with his brother, Alan.
As Ben grew into a young man, his love for carpentry grew as well. He started his career in woodshop at Yale. At 19, he met his mentor, Lorne “Pappy” Murray, his career took off. Ben often credited him with teaching him everything he knew. He worked his entire life in construction, working for local construction companies with his brother, Ian and working in the Carpenters Union, where he made many lifelong friends. Ben was a jack of all trades and a master of many. His wheels were always turning, constantly learning. Any problem Ben encountered, he always found a solution. His knowledge knew no bounds. His creativity was out of this world.
Ben had only just changed career paths this year, to something a little easier on the body but still having to use his impressive problem solving skills. He had just become a calibration technician for Complete Control Services in Egg Harbor City, with his longtime friend, Brian McGrath. He truly enjoyed and was excited for this career change, as he even spent his off time reading manuals and watching endless instructional videos to learn as much as he could.
Ben also loved playing pool. He competed in numerous APA tournaments through the years at local pool halls and bars and also competing in Atlantic City. More recently playing at local 9 ball tournaments at the Park Tavern, Palmyra. He was always ready to shoot a game or two with friends.
If you knew Ben, you knew he loved to ride. Being on his motorcycle was a release for him. He took many long trips, that most wouldn’t, all around the East Coast. His favorite rides were the Tail of the Dragon, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Delaware Water Gap and most recently his ride to Mt. Washington.
In matters of the heart, Benjamin was deeply cherished by his best friend and soulmate, Jessica Kirkpatrick. They have been almost inseparable over the past 5 ½ years. From travelling hours back and forth to see each other to going on days long adventures on Ben’s motorcycle to bar hopping to sitting in the comfort of home with each other watching TV, they were always together. Their love meant the world to him, giving them both “all the butterflies”.
Benjamin leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth that extends beyond his immediate family. His parents, John and Pat. Siblings Ian and Alan (Zoe), niece, Helen and nephew, Ralph of Vermont. Cousins, Adele (Dean) of Alabama and Jonathan (Karen) of Maine, as well as, numerous extended family members.
Benjamin's presence touched the lives of copious amounts of people in every adventure he had. He always made friends wherever he went, but he stuck to certain people over the years that were truly his people. We will forever miss Ben and the impact he had on all our lives. As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate the rich tapestry of his life and the enduring love he leaves behind. Ride free, Benny.
A Celebration of Life for Ben will be held at Bobby Ray’s Tavern, Pennsauken on Saturday, January 6th, 2024 at 2pm.
Jessica and the family would like to thank the whole staff at Jefferson, Cherry Hill, Jefferson University, Philadelphia and Samaritan, Voorhees for their exceptional care and compassion during Ben’s final weeks.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ben’s GoFundMe
https://gofund.me/76921c93
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