Benjamin Vaughn Cordell (self-proclaimed Ryan Gosling/Jared Goff lookalike), aged 24, left this world suddenly on August 19, 2020 to join his four grandparents and his beloved childhood wiener dog, Bonnie. He is survived by his parents, Jennifer and Vaughn; his older sister Bethany; his older brother Duncan; his younger sister Belle; his best friends Hayden Binde and Josh Hunsaker; dozens of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends; and his dog Dexter. On a day that Ben should have been sitting on a quiet fishing boat with Dad, I’m sitting here writing about his life in the past tense. Thank you for taking the time to read this and celebrate the life of the world’s best Beer Pong player with us.
From the moment Ben came into this world at nearly 11 pounds (Mom told me to specify that it was a c-section), the entire universe revolved around his magnetic personality. As soon as he could open his bright blue eyes, that mischievous twinkle captivated each and every one of us.
Ben did everything right to solidify his place as Mom’s favorite from the beginning. He’d pick wildflowers each weekend for her- as many as he could fit in his chubby little fist- not with the sole motivation to make Mom smile, but also to look his brother and sisters in the eye, reminding us without words that we weren’t him. Occasionally he’d push it a little too far with his siblings and be forced to sit on the couch holding their hands… perhaps once from the infamous ‘accidental’ release of his entire ant farm inside the house. Who knows.
Benny was also a founding member of the BS Club (Brother-Sister Club… met weekly in the backyard shed), and the dutiful secretary of said organization. He took terrible notes, and Duncan was an even worse vice president, but their love for their type-A sister led them to spend many hours in meetings/playing school/playing church/playing anything where she got to be in charge.
Ben may or may not hold the current record for most skipped classes at Helena High. When Dad called the office on his very last day of high school to ‘excuse’ him from his final period, the sweet little secretary on the phone gently joked: “I’m going to miss that kid- he’s got a heart of gold- but we’re going to have to lay one of us off now that we won’t have to keep up with him.”
There is no shortage of Ben stories to tell, and the last few days at the Cordell house have been a testament to that. His cousin Keifer spoke of the time Ben was the only one to answer his call the night of a painful breakup and said to him “sweet dude, this weekend is double points weekend on Runescape! More time to play!” In fact, that has been a frequent theme woven through all of the stories… how Ben was always the one there for you.
He lived to torment his sisters- particularly Belle. From forcing her to play ‘jail’ when they were little (he played the sleepy guard that always seemed to wake up just as she was sprinting past) to being adults together, and looking her up and down anytime they went out with an eye brow raised: “did Dad REALLY let you leave the house like that?” The stack of golf score cards in Belle’s car is more proof of the true nature of their relationship… a different nickname on each one, absolutely none of which we can print here.
Ben spent the final few years of life just as he started… in lockstep with his brother, Duncan. They moved into a beautiful house together earlier this year, frequented their favorite breweries, and stayed up until all hours of the night playing video games. You’d hardly see one without the other, and their relationship can be perfectly summed up in Ben’s last text to Duncan… “you owe me a pack of lunch meat, dude.”
We’d ask you all to remember Ben the way we will… claiming shotgun in your car, stealing the music cord to play one of his ‘bangers,’ and looking to his left at you with that famous twinkle in his eye, grinning ear to ear, saying… “let’s go, baby!”
In lieu of flowers, please pay someone’s open bar tab in Ben’s name.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday August 26, 2020
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 West Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday August 26, 2020
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 West Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Share
Mary Kay Bennett says
Gone too soon!
✨🙏🏻✨😢✨
Bobbie Scott says
Duncan, Jen and family. Words aren’t enough to tell you how sorry I am for the loss of your sweet son, Ben. My heart is breaking for you. Sending prayers and hugs!
Kathy Karr says
I am so saddened to hear of Ben’s passing. He was so special, one of my favorites. Your family is in my prayers during this most difficult time.
Carmae Fawaz says
Jen and Vaughn,
We cannot express our sadness in hearing of the death of your son, Ben. Our families have always been so intertwined and your loss is felt deeply in our own. We know that God is holding you close and dear as you walk this road. Know that you are held in our thoughts and prayers as well.
Blessings and love to you and your family.
Al and Cecile Volesky and Garrett and Carmae Fawaz
Todd M Samson says
I will always remember him as nice 6th grader that liked my class!
Cathy Pocha says
This is an absolute beautiful tribute! and in such an Ahern/Cordell way! love you all so much <3
Karen Hutchinson says
Such a wonderful reflection on Ben! My love and prayers to all of you!
Anna Jayne Pentecost says
I never got to know Ben personally, only stories from Sammy and Chris but I’m in tears with a smile on my face. You’ve done your brother proud in this tribute to him.The world has lost a good one.
Beth Walsh says
Ben was always attentive and hard working in my class. I remember that twinkle in his eye well. I am sending lots of hugs and prayers for all of you. My heart is with you all!
Jacqueline Fish Rossi says
There are just no words for how you loss has affected all of us Ben. Rest now, because you will see all of your family again someday. Love you ALWAYS cousin ❤️❤️❤️
Aly Christians says
So sorry for the family’s loss. Ben was an amazing person with a beautiful soul! He will truly be missed <3
Brianne Evans says
Ben and I weren’t close after school, but I remember him as the sweetest kid with the bluest eyes! He always was kind and so talented. Thank you for this wonderful piece written piece about him. He will be missed. I think all East Helena kids are strongly affected when one of us passes – there has been so much loss in our community. To Ben’s family and friends: my heart goes out to you. Words aren’t enough, but I am glad you have each other and all your stories.
Mary Tripp says
My Condolences to you all. Bethany and I graduated together and as a 227 lady, I feel it is only right to send a message to let you all letting you know I’m thinking of you. As a family member losing a loved one the same way, it is never easy. We certainly can be jealous of the angel. God bless you all!
Tracey says
Oh, Cordells, I’m so sorry for your loss. What an amazing young man you raised. May the happy memories help ease your pain. Love to you Jen.
Kathi Tiefenthaler says
Cordell family our hearts ache for you. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Hugs to you all.
Michelle Ludlow says
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending my deepest condolences.
Tara Ferriter-Smith says
I remember those adorable blue eyes lighting up the room when Jen and Ben joined Duncan in the classroom all those years ago. I’ve had a chance to visit with Ben more recently at Bobcat games with Josh and he was an incredible kiddo. Bethany, this is such a beautiful tribute to Ben. Hugs and prayers to you all.
Darold and Lorrie Biltoft says
What a wonderful tribute. We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family
Laura Boltz says
My heart is breaking for you all!! Loves and prayers are being sent your way! Know I am here for you if you ever need!
Jim Ausk says
Sounds like he was a great brother Bethany. Sorry for your loss.
Scott & Cheri Anderson says
So sorry for the sudden loss of Ben. He was taken way too soon and will be missed by so many friends and family! He was a wonderful witty young man who we thought of as family. Our son, Austin, was lucky enough to room with Ben, Hayden, and Josh through their college years at MSU. Together they made many memories that will be cherished forever. We enjoyed spending time with “the guys” whenever we were in Bozeman and are blessed to have fond and funny memories of Ben. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this heartbreaking time. God Bless…
Kent Richards says
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to the entire Cordell family and friends of Ben.
Kathy Dummer says
I have fond memories of having Ben in class. He always smiled and was helpful to others . I am very sad and pray that you will feel God’s comfort and peace.
Trudy says
The biggest, best smile around. Deepest Love and Sympathy to your family.
Tom Schultz says
Wonderful tribute, so sorry for your loss, but happy for the special memories you all have made together.
Jeanette Winslow says
An amazing tribute that only a sister who loved her brother so dearly could write. Ben and Duncan will always be remembered as the really nice guys Ryan walked to school and the bus with. And wasn’t he the brother that convinced Bella that our house was haunted? East Helena has lost a treasure and Heaven has gained an angel. My heart breaks for your family.
Mari Williams says
Much love and prayers to the Cordell family. Mari & Ed Williams
Kathy Ande says
Jen. My heart breaks for you and your family. My mom lost her son, my brother at 23. Thee best thing is to listen to ALL the stories you can. Remember, they are only loaned to us. God takes the best back. Honestly, this will help more later on. I love you and I care.🙏❣🙏
Kayla May says
Bethany and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Ben sounds like a wonderful brother, son and friend. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Edie Witham says
Jen, Vaughn and family,
My heart goes out to all of you and I’m just so very sorry that Ben was taken from you way too soon. Prayers and condolences to all of you. Ben’s personality certainly came through in the writing of his life and I can only imagine how much you will miss him. Nothing I can say will make it any easier but just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers
Kaye says
Dearest Jen, Vaughn & all Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your tribute to Ben is beautiful. I am thinking about all of you.
Gene Fenske says
Jen and Vaughn, my most sincere condolences on your loss.
Chanda Merkel says
When I think of Ben I see his contagious smile. He was such a kind heart and is gone way too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with the Cordell family and all of those who loved Ben.
Dave & Victoria Drummond says
We are so saddened to hear of this loss. Prayers for all who knew and loved him. God bless Ben.
Peri Gilliland says
While I did not know Ben well, I knew he was a very kind and fun person to be around because of how the people who do know him have talked about him since we were kids. My older brother Jake Gilliland hung out with him often when they were younger, as well as my boyfriend Devin Younker. All the family parties that Jake and Devin went to with Jacob are very fond memories of theirs. As Jake’s little sister I, naturally, was always interested in what he and his friends were doing. Runescape was one of the games that Jake played with his buddies and I remember so well him talking about Ben playing and how nice of a guy he was. I had met Ben before and thought he was so cute–this was back around middle school and Ben was a grade ahead of me. If I remember correctly, finding out that Ben had a Runescape was the reason why I joined the online game. Our wizards would meet up every now and then and we would chat. I will always remember Ben as a kind person, one deeply loved and admired by the people in his life. Sending love to his entire amazing family.
Cathy South says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Cathy, Taylor, and Chase South
Judy Salisbury says
I join the rest of the staff with the deepest sorry. Bethany, your tribute is awesome. Jen, if I could hold you at this time, I would. So KNOW I am in my heart. All of you. God, heal and comfort as only You can do.
Ken Sargent says
Thoughts and prayers for your family
Jacob Gilliland says
Getting the opportunity to know Benny and grow up around him and the family makes this the saddest news I have ever received.
Benny was great person who carried so much love for his family and friends. My thoughts and love go out to the Cordells and the rest of the family.
I miss you Benny, with love, Gill.
Linda Hall says
Cordell and Ahern families, I am so saddened by your loss of Ben. Praying for healing, peace and prayers. Sincerely, Linda Hall
Arlene Flynn says
Dear Vaughn and Family,
I was shocked and saddened to read about the loss of your son, Ben. It’s rare to read an obituary that makes you smile through the sadness, but his did. What an impact he made on all of those around him. I hope that these numerous good memories help to ease the burden of your loss and bring you some comfort. My Sincere Condolences, Arlene Flynn
Elisa Piatt says
The service was absolutely beautiful honoring such a beautiful soul. Ben was raised to be one of the most kind, loving and respectable young men I have ever met. I am beyond thankful to have known him. I enjoyed every second I got to spend with Ben. He always knew how to make me smile or laugh. He was truly a gift to this world.My heart goes out to all his family and friends.
In my thoughts always, Elisa Piatt
John Stalzer says
So sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and prayers to all of u. May God be with u during this difficult time and May ur beautiful memory’s help ur heart to heal in time. 🙏🏻💕
Love, John & Sue
Linda Grady says
All my thought and prayers for your loss. A special angel is now in your home.
Linda Grady
Andrea says
I’m so sorry for your loss, Cordell family. I did not know Ben but I know your family has a great deal of love for one another: I see it in the gatherings in your neighboring yard. I hope you find comfort in your memories of Ben and in each other. With deepest sympathy, Andrea and family