Benjamin Brooksmith

It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our beloved son, Benjamin Scott Brooksmith. He came into our lives on April 15, 1986 and was taken from us on January 19, 2010 at the tender age of 23. Ben was born in Cheyenne, Wyo., and lived the first six years of his life in Massachusetts. Our family moved to Fort Collins in 1991, where we have since resided. Ben attended Lopez Elementary, Webber Junior High and graduated in 2004 from Rocky Mountain High School. Ben was such a strong kid. He was as smart as he was ornery, handsome and funny. He learned to ride a bike without training wheels at the age of three. From then on, it was go, go, go. At the age of eight, he discovered the numerous national races, he acquired many victories as well as defeats, but most importantly a multitude of life-long memories and friends. We're sure Ben is thanking each and every one of his riding buddies for their love and support to his family during this sad time. Looking back on Ben's short life, we remember his love of being outdoors and fishing. As a young boy he would spend hours upon hours at Troutman Park ponds, hopeful everyday he was going to score a big one. Boy, did he love those fishing trips with his Uncle John and Aunt Nancy, especially ice fishing at Lake John. We'll always remember the picture of his bright, toothless grin, holding up his catch of the most beautiful cutthroat you've ever seen. The last couple of years he enjoyed being with his family and friends, boating and floating on Horsetooth Reservoir. Ben was a skilled craftsman, learning his trade from his father and dear friend Mark Iverson. He loved what he did. These past few years he traveled extensively with his father working in Wyoming, enabling them to become the best of friends. His dad will so miss the "high fives" that were customary upon their re-entrance to Fort Collins, "We made it home safe and sound, job well done." Ben is survived by his parents, Gary and Kim Brooksmith and loving sisters Kali (Matt) Jorgensen and Amanda Brooksmith. He is also survived by his baby nephew, Miles, who he so dearly loved. Other survivors include his Nana and Papa (Alinda and John Boron) Las Vegas, Nevada; Grandma and Grandpa (Glenn and Esther Steffen) Fort Collins; Uncles Brandon, Chris (Ashley), John, Leon (Laurie), Kerwin (Lisa), Rex (Joleen) Gary W. (Maggie) and great Uncle Les. Aunts Lisa (Cola), Shawn (Brian). Cousins Amy, Matt, Fallin, Noah, Joshua, Abigail, Natalie, Jack, Kevin, Olivia, Ian, Sarah and Anna and numerous family. He is also survived by his namesake, Dr. Scotty Thomas (Alice Faye). He was preceded in death by his great-grandmother Nanny and his dear Aunt Janell. A celebration of his life will be held 11 a.m. Monday, January 25, 2010, at First Baptist Church, 900 E. Prospect, Fort Collins. Reception following with direction provided at the service. Please join us to share your memories.

Benjamin Brooksmith

April 15, 1986 - January 18, 2010