At Ben's 10th anniversary get together this month, Lindy asked Ben's good friend Jonty to jot down some thoughts of 10 years ago. Jonty writes:

2008 is a very distinct year in my mind for a number of reasons: I turned 21; it was my final year of university; it was my first time staying in hospital (appendicitis); and, most memorably, it was a time of uncertainty and grief as we witnessed Ben's body deteriorate and eventually succumb to cancer.

Not too long after Ben's diagnosis, we began planning the annual Unichurch September Conference. Pete Young II was given the responsibility of organising the music and the musicians. There was Pete, Penny Jackson, Pete Young I, Stu Lenthall, me and Ben on the drums.

We introduced a few songs at that conference including "Made to Worship" and "How Can I Keep From Singing", the latter of which brings to mind strong memories of Ben. It is a song that expresses the unbreakable joy that comes from knowing the love of Jesus, even in the storms of life and its darkest nights.

Ben was known for his enthusiastic and heavy drumming style. But his arduous treatment had seen his energy and strength deteriorate. I have a distinct memory of Ben lying flat on the floor of the St Jude's building, eyes closed, listening to the rest of the band rehearse.

Over the following weeks, Ben's condition worsened to the point that he was forced to pull out of the conference, which was held in Creswick near Ballarat. Somehow, Ben got himself up to travel the two-hour journey to be with his church family for the final day of the conference. 

That day, Sunday, 14 September 2008, Ben took his place behind the drum kit and picked up the sticks for what I understand was the very last time. And we sung "How Can I Keep From Singing". I remember looking across the platform from my position and watching a bald and battered Ben whacking the snare with every bit of energy he had left to give. It was only a momentary glimpse, but is now a memory that I'll never forget.

***

Three months later, almost to the day, hundreds of Ben's family, friends and others gathered at St Jude's, where we sung "How Can I Keep From Singing". It was a mighty rendition sung with the same passion that Ben brought to the drumkit and in the faith that Ben carried till his last breath.

There is an endless song
Echoes in my soul
I hear the music ring

And though the storms may come
I am holding on
To the rock I cling

How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing

I will lift my eyes
In the darkest night
For I know my Saviour lives

And I will walk with You
Knowing You'll see me through
And sing the songs You give

I can sing in the troubled times
Sing when I win
I can sing when I lose my step
And fall down again
I can sing 'cause You pick me up
Sing 'cause You're there
I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord
When I call to You in prayer
I can sing with my last breath
Sing for I know
That I'll sing with the angels
And the saints around the throne

A random blog because it's nearly 10 years and just because these are smile-worthy

I was thinking of Ben last night at home group actually, about how he sewed a button on my duffle coat for me before I went overseas in 2008, on the same day he told me about the cancer ...

Erin Turnbull

I also want to tell you that as soon as I heard Savage Garden playing at the T&O event of the year I 'saw' Ben in my rear vision mirror of the SAAB – on your first trip home from Argentina he came and visited us and when we drove anywhere it had to be Savage Garden with Ben, James and Tom grooving in the backseat – his grin as I caught him in the mirror – occasionally grinning down at the boys …

Jill Briggs

Happy birthday ... again

You’re 33 Ben and we remember you running, jumping, riding, leaping, skiing, skating, surfing, swimming, laughing. As always, we remember the good times and we miss you as much now as ever.

Happy Birthday Ben.