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Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Last Night / News / RIP Comet Bouncer Ben Hills Killed in Fire
Posted by Eric Grandy on Wed, Nov 11, 2009 at 1:52 PM
The man killed in the house fire reported on Slog this morning was Comet bouncer Ben Hills:
This is terribly sad news. RIP, Ben.
Update: From the comments:
Friends of ben are meeting up at the comet right now to remember how truly awesome of a guy ben hills was.
Posted by R.I.P. Ben on November 11, 2009 at 3:10 PM
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2
I didn't know him all that well, but this is terrible. I hope someone organizes a memorial for friends? I would like to attend...
3
I've known Ben since I was 7 years old, he was one of the nicest people I've ever had the pleasure of being friends with. I'll miss you kid. You always brightened the gloomiest of Seattle days. All toasts go to you
Love ya
Lindsey
Love ya
Lindsey
6
Friends of ben are meeting up at the comet right now to remember how truly awesome of a guy ben hills was.
7
This fucking sucks. I'm sure literally everyone knew Ben and everyone has a story. But when I first moved to Seattle the first job I got was also the shittiest I've ever had. And Ben was one of my coworkers and was one of the only ones that was nice to me. He left a huge impression on me and it made playing at the Comet a better experience. RIP.
8
He was also the drummer for local band The Shy Ones and the sweetest dude in the world. Gonna miss his face. <3 you Ben.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2787/4096…
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2787/4096…
10
Did Ben used to work at Neumos as a barback? If it's the person I am thinking of after looking at that picture, the dude was pretty damn cool with me when I worked there.
R.I.P. Ben
R.I.P. Ben
12
I had the pleasure to work with Ben at Lifelong Thrift for over a year and we had some great times. He had a big heart and was totally hilarious. We will sorely miss his hearty laugh, chipped tooth smile and refreshingly genuine nature.
So sorry to loose you buddy, R.I.P. Ben XOXO
So sorry to loose you buddy, R.I.P. Ben XOXO
16
Love you Ben. Wish we hadn't drifted apart this past year. Wish I had come out to visit more when I had the chance. Friends like you are rare, I'm gonna miss you.
19
Benny, you are an amazing man...my favorite sweetheart. I love and miss you more than my heart can take.
I remeber taking this pic of Benny this summer...he was always such a gorgeous subject. I cry today, and will love him for an eternity.
I remeber taking this pic of Benny this summer...he was always such a gorgeous subject. I cry today, and will love him for an eternity.
20
He was everything you've all said and more. RIP.
Don't smoke in your bed, or in your house...you might accidentally kill a friend!
Don't smoke in your bed, or in your house...you might accidentally kill a friend!
21
Ben. I don't know what to say. I keep thinking about you and laughing cause you were so full of life and I will always love you.
23
He was a bright, bright light and always genuinely sweet friendly to me. It won't be the same without him around.
25
Once I was at one of these crappy little parks on the lake people around here call "beaches", just drinking on the grass with my gf and enjoying the sun. Ben was there, he had obviously been doing the same and was pretty tossed. I was in the corner so he didn't see me right away. This dude walks up from the "beach" holding of all things a surf board and goes to his car to put it away and leave. Ben walks by and sees this complete tool packing up his surf board and obviously was thinking the same as me... What the hell was this douche thinking trying to surf on lake Washington. I over hear Ben walk up to the guy and go "Sweet board brah! Catch any sweet waves!?!?" totally sarcastic. Still makes me laugh. Had a lot of good times working with Ben but that is my favorite memory. RIP.
26
Right off the bat you knew this dude was rad. My thoughts are with his close friends and family and, have been all day.
27
Love ya Ben. You taught me not only was potato salad an acceptable condiment for a hot dog, but that it was in fact the best condiment one could possibly put on a hot dog. You introduced me to my lovely wife and gave us a place to stay so many times. We'll miss your love of condiments, prick riffs, and a good time. But, most of all, we'll miss a bright and genuine friend that made the world a better place. love you.
28
I love you man. Your Smile would brighten up any bar I was bored in. Shitty things happen to good people and it sucks. I'm going to miss you.
31
One of the first people I met when I moved here last year. Super cool guy. Crazy thing is, he lived liked two blocks away from me, and I heard all the fire trucks and whatnot. I wondering what was going on. Fucking sucks it was this... You will be missed. He was def a great dude.
32
I can't begin to start. He was always so reckless and kind. Today has been such a hard day to go through. He was one of best dudes I'd ever met, he had such plans for his future. The comet will never be the same without him, pike st lost an important member of it's community. I lost an amazmg friend that I will always love.
33
This is something that cant even register in your brain. Every thought of him is so acton packed and full of life. Its too hard to believe its true.
34
I didn't know Ben closely but he was seriously the sweetest guy anyone could know. He made you feel special just by saying "hi". It's so sad to lose someone like Ben.
35
I've known Ben for a couple of years and every time my boyfriend and I saw him at the Comet he would come up to us and say, (with an amazing smile on his face), "HELLO BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!!", followed by a huge hug. He was sweet, thoughtful, optimistic, and genuinely kind. RIP to a beautiful person.
37
I don't think I'm alone in saying I'll miss your sweetness and your charm, Ben. You were a wonderful person and will always be in my thoughts.
40
My sweet cousin, it is gut wrenching to hear of all the people you've touched, although not surprising in the least. Wish I was actually writing you something you could hear, but at least those of us who loved you can say it to each other. You were the most bright, loving, hilarious person, and it's not fucking right that you are gone. Thank you to everyone who loved him and shared his beautiful life.
41
BEN'S BIRTHDAY PARTY IS STILL GOING ON AS PLANNED. THIS FRIDAY AT THE VERMILLION ON CAPTIOL HILL(ACROSS FROM VALUE VILLAGE.)FROM 6-10PM
COME CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF BEN HILLS.
XOXO
COME CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF BEN HILLS.
XOXO
42
R.I.P Ben, you were a rad dude! You were always in good spirits. You were always the first to cheer others up. I miss our 5am talks about life, woman and trying to be better people. You were genuine, kind and funny as fuck. I will remember you always.
43
I worked with Ben for a bit at Neumos, and he really was one of the nicest dudes you could meet. I remember one time, long after we worked together, I mentioned to him in passing that I needed a crash for my drum kit. Months later, Ben called me out of the blue on a Friday night and said he'd found one for me. I walked over to Cry Baby and he just gave it to me. Who does that? He was always happy to see you, and he always had a smile on his face. R.I.P. Ben Hills.
45
There will be a Mass @ St Cecilia's Catholic Church in Stanwood WA, Tuesday, November 17th @ 4PM, followed by a wake @ Sons of Norway Hall in Stanwood.
I appreciate all Ben's friends, and the support and love I'm seeing. I'm going to do my best to come down to the Comet Tavern and have a beer in Ben's memory this Saturday early afternoon. We love you all and thank you!
Greg Hills (Ben's dad)
I appreciate all Ben's friends, and the support and love I'm seeing. I'm going to do my best to come down to the Comet Tavern and have a beer in Ben's memory this Saturday early afternoon. We love you all and thank you!
Greg Hills (Ben's dad)
46
Ben, I will miss you with all my heart. I will miss your smile and your laugh and that big gap in your front teeth. We had some great times together and some roughy times too but you were always there to talk to me and console me through some of the roughest times and I hope I was able to be there for you too. You had some much love in your heart and it was taken away from us all much too soon. I'm just so greatful I saw you last week when I played at the comet. You were standing in the front of the crowd singing along to my songs so I pushed the mic out to you and you sang for me. It was such a happy moment. Then later that night you and Tj and kellie and Joe and I played music at tj's practice space at cry baby til 4 in the morning. Thank fucking god I got to see you and spend that great night with you before we lost you forever. You were always so encouraging and supportive of my music and for that I thank you with all my heart. Ben it's gonna hurt so bad next time I play in Seattle in I don't get to see your smiling face right up front singing and laughing with me. Ben I love you dearly. Thank you for the wornderful friendship. Your friend tosten.
47
Ben,
You were and will remain one of the most amazing individuals i heave ever had the privilege of meeting. I remember your infectious smile, laugher and personality. I listen to NIck Cave and think of you and cherish every moment we shared together. I remember all our sleep-overs, and how much we laughed and enjoyed each others company. I miss you with all my heart, you truly are a beautiful soul, and you are missed dearly. Thank you for being you, thank you for the memories. I love you Ben! Always have, and always will-
All my love,
Joey
You were and will remain one of the most amazing individuals i heave ever had the privilege of meeting. I remember your infectious smile, laugher and personality. I listen to NIck Cave and think of you and cherish every moment we shared together. I remember all our sleep-overs, and how much we laughed and enjoyed each others company. I miss you with all my heart, you truly are a beautiful soul, and you are missed dearly. Thank you for being you, thank you for the memories. I love you Ben! Always have, and always will-
All my love,
Joey
49
i always told benny never to fix his cute little tooth ....because he was beautiful with it...i never got so excited to run into someone like him bcause he made me feel like i was the most important thing in this world. May God bless him in heaven and his family here on earth
51
Ben, our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. You touched all of our lifes, and we will miss you more than words can express! Your Camano Island family. The Love boys
53
I was having the crappiest day. It was the kind of day that I had to call in my reinforcements (aka. bff girlfriend to cheer me up). We went to the Comet and in one minute you made such an impression.
You were truley kind and were able to totally show me that there are still pollite and considerate people in this world, and I will never ever ever forget that. Kindness is such a gift. Lets all follow your example and be sweet to one another.
You were truley kind and were able to totally show me that there are still pollite and considerate people in this world, and I will never ever ever forget that. Kindness is such a gift. Lets all follow your example and be sweet to one another.
54
Ben was the guy that no matter what, seemed to have more interest in the people and things around him, than almost anyone. He had a passion for life that was really, unparalleled. I employed him for a period, and was a friend of his in the hood for the last 5 years. We played flag football together and that is when I found out that he was, a fierce competitor. He was never the most gifted athlete (which I could personally appreciate) but he had more conviction than most anyone on the field. I think this went across the board with anything he loved. Hearing him talk about music and literature had the same effect. You realized you were talking to someone who was truly moved by his favorite bands and writers. And if you didn't know who he was talking about, you made a point to check it out.
One day we were playing flag football and I jumped on him trying to get the ball out of his hands. In the process I separated one of his ribs. Something we realized the next day. Not once did he blame me for that. He simply looked at it this way...in his words...if you get on the field, than you should expect to get hurt. That is just part of the game. He continued on for weeks with a fucked up rib cage, until one day it was fine. Not once, did he ever talk about it with anything less than a laugh and a smile. He actually referred to me as a bad ass ball player from there on....and told the story as such.
Point being, he was never one to blame others for any situation he found him self in. He was always complimentary, even with a separated rib. He always smiled when he saw you, and he always had an endearing story or nick name for those he knew.
Ben....we love ya.
One day we were playing flag football and I jumped on him trying to get the ball out of his hands. In the process I separated one of his ribs. Something we realized the next day. Not once did he blame me for that. He simply looked at it this way...in his words...if you get on the field, than you should expect to get hurt. That is just part of the game. He continued on for weeks with a fucked up rib cage, until one day it was fine. Not once, did he ever talk about it with anything less than a laugh and a smile. He actually referred to me as a bad ass ball player from there on....and told the story as such.
Point being, he was never one to blame others for any situation he found him self in. He was always complimentary, even with a separated rib. He always smiled when he saw you, and he always had an endearing story or nick name for those he knew.
Ben....we love ya.
55
Ben used to live below me when I first moved to Summit avenue. We were both 19, and kept eachother company whenever we has spare beer. I always remember how awesome his tatoo *clockwork orange* was, and I always think of him when the book/movie is brought up. After we moved away, I would run into him occasionally on the hill, and he would always pick me up in his arms and spin me around. I will miss him and his killer coronas.
57
Dear Friends,
I wrote the letter below a few days ago. I wanted to share a mother's sorrow with you, but also, a mother's love and concern for you who are hurting so deeply. It was so good to meet you at Bennie's birthday party. You turned my pain into joy and it has carried me through these past few days. Your smiles, stories, and hugs have made a change in me which I can't describe. I have gained a new family, and I can't wait to be with you again on Tuesday.
November 12,2009
I lost my boy yesterday. I lost my Bennie. He was two days shy of 25. He was my angel child, my gift from God. And now he is with God, and he is at peace. And we cry, "Mercy,oh God, give us mercy. Bring him and us to everlasting peace."
Oh my children, oh my dear dear children. How can I tell you of God's love and mercy? How can I teach you of hope and not despair? Only days like these days, and coming through to the other side can you know, "It will be better someday." Only by holding on to each other and and crying, "Love," pleading to the Heavens for "Mercy," and allowing peace to wash over you, will you come to know infinite wisdom.
Bennie loved you with the intensity of his being. I love you as a mother and a teacher. Let us who have walked these roads of sorrow and joy give you the promise of hope. For you, my children, are our hope. Live well, love well. As Ben would say, "I love you all, thank you, good bye."
Marianne McGarry-Bloom (Ben's Mama)
I wrote the letter below a few days ago. I wanted to share a mother's sorrow with you, but also, a mother's love and concern for you who are hurting so deeply. It was so good to meet you at Bennie's birthday party. You turned my pain into joy and it has carried me through these past few days. Your smiles, stories, and hugs have made a change in me which I can't describe. I have gained a new family, and I can't wait to be with you again on Tuesday.
November 12,2009
I lost my boy yesterday. I lost my Bennie. He was two days shy of 25. He was my angel child, my gift from God. And now he is with God, and he is at peace. And we cry, "Mercy,oh God, give us mercy. Bring him and us to everlasting peace."
Oh my children, oh my dear dear children. How can I tell you of God's love and mercy? How can I teach you of hope and not despair? Only days like these days, and coming through to the other side can you know, "It will be better someday." Only by holding on to each other and and crying, "Love," pleading to the Heavens for "Mercy," and allowing peace to wash over you, will you come to know infinite wisdom.
Bennie loved you with the intensity of his being. I love you as a mother and a teacher. Let us who have walked these roads of sorrow and joy give you the promise of hope. For you, my children, are our hope. Live well, love well. As Ben would say, "I love you all, thank you, good bye."
Marianne McGarry-Bloom (Ben's Mama)
58
If anyone needs a ride to Stanwood tomorrow from Seattle, I'll be driving up there and you're welcome to catch a ride with me. Just send me an email.
llorgen@hotmail.com
Lindsey
llorgen@hotmail.com
Lindsey
60
To clear things up, the benefit for Ben will be at COMET on Sunday, November 22. Many bands playing including CHAMPAGNE CHAMPAGNE, WILDILDLIFE, THE GREATEST HITS, BROKEN NOBLES, THE HOTELS, SHINY BEAST, TINY LIGHT, ABSOLUTE MONARCHS, and MORE TO BE ANNOUNCE. Money will go to help Ben's family and Raymond (Ben's good friend, bartender of the comet, now homeless and in need of help)
Hope to see everyone there.
Hope to see everyone there.
61
good bye, Benny. The sun came out just for you. My thoughts are with his friends and family today. Be safe on your travels and love one another.
62
Dear Friends of Ben,
What a magnificent send off you gave my Benjamin today. I am overwhelmed with your love and care. When I looked out at your sea of faces at the Mass today, I felt a tidal wave of life. I know Ben felt it, too. Thank you all for making the trip up in the bus. Thank you for your music and the tributes you paid to Ben. I am proud to call all of you fine people my friends and children. Never have I been so proud of a community of young people.
God has blessed me over and over this week. Your love will carry me a long way.
Marianne
What a magnificent send off you gave my Benjamin today. I am overwhelmed with your love and care. When I looked out at your sea of faces at the Mass today, I felt a tidal wave of life. I know Ben felt it, too. Thank you all for making the trip up in the bus. Thank you for your music and the tributes you paid to Ben. I am proud to call all of you fine people my friends and children. Never have I been so proud of a community of young people.
God has blessed me over and over this week. Your love will carry me a long way.
Marianne
63
Wow! That is all I can say about the love and outpouring that all of Ben's friends gave at his funeral and wake last night. You are an amazing group of people. I simply couldn't believe my eyes when your big bus pulled into that church parking lot. Thank you, thank you, thank you for making Ben's funeral a true celebration of his life. ~Chrisy, Ben's cousin
64
Dear Friends of Ben,
Last night was the most amazing scene at the Comet Tavern. The music rocked and the love flowed. Do you have any idea of how you have graced our family with your kindness and caring? You have transformed a terrible tragedy into goodness and gladness. Your efforts will benefit students at the Seattle Drum School where a memorial scholarship will be set up in Ben's name.
Our hearts overflow with appreciation for you being Ben's family these past
7 years. I am proud to call you Ben's brothers and sisters. If you ever have a need to talk or take a walk, let me know. I live on the island paradise of Camano Island. Any of you who make your way here are so welcome to come to our home. And I am just an hour away if you would like me to come have lunch with you sometime. I do not want to lose connection with you. Ben lives on in you and your love.
God has blessed me abundantly in bringing you into my life. I love you as a mother and a friend.
With gladness and joy,
Marianne McGarry-Bloom
PO Box 577 Stanwood, WA 98292
email: mmb753@verizon.net
home phone: 360.629.0622
Last night was the most amazing scene at the Comet Tavern. The music rocked and the love flowed. Do you have any idea of how you have graced our family with your kindness and caring? You have transformed a terrible tragedy into goodness and gladness. Your efforts will benefit students at the Seattle Drum School where a memorial scholarship will be set up in Ben's name.
Our hearts overflow with appreciation for you being Ben's family these past
7 years. I am proud to call you Ben's brothers and sisters. If you ever have a need to talk or take a walk, let me know. I live on the island paradise of Camano Island. Any of you who make your way here are so welcome to come to our home. And I am just an hour away if you would like me to come have lunch with you sometime. I do not want to lose connection with you. Ben lives on in you and your love.
God has blessed me abundantly in bringing you into my life. I love you as a mother and a friend.
With gladness and joy,
Marianne McGarry-Bloom
PO Box 577 Stanwood, WA 98292
email: mmb753@verizon.net
home phone: 360.629.0622
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