Please share your stories of Ben with his family and friends. Always the life and soul of any party or team, Ben was unforgettable…
Your stories
To Prague with confidence
Dan
I had the pleasure of doing much business with Ben over a number of years, from silliness at awards, to giving Google a hiding and his general mischievous nature. But my favourite memories all stem from a trip where we went to Prague.
With great confidence he took us to the wrong end of the airport where a minibus had to take us to the correct gate.
With great confidence he explained about the local spirits, staking bets on his knowledge, only to be hideously wrong. At which time he passed on the wisdom it was his job to act with confidence and pretend he knew stuff.
That night much silliness and drinking ensued during which he flung Claire into the locals at a salsa club and generally wrecked havoc.
He was a genuine pleasure to spend time with, whether personally or professionally, a man I've missed working with for the last 2 year's and I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear the news.
My thoughts are with you all
A supportive, encouraging and respected manager!
Mia (ex-colleague)
Ben became my manager at summit for only a short time before I left. He was a great manager, listened to my ideas, was supportive of them, encouraged me with what I wanted to do and supported me in my decisions. I am always grateful for that and respected him greatly. His sense of humour and good spirit were infectious. He has definitely gone too soon but the way I see it is he did more than he came to do by far.
I always remember whenever I asked him how he was, he'd always say 'im really good thanks' with a big smile. I asked him why he was so good and he said 'if I say I'm really good then others will be more likely to say they're good too!' it always stuck with me - how happiness can be infectious. Thank you Ben for being exactly the way you were.
Ben
Sylvia Symonds
Ben, a wonderful husband, father, son and son in law. I met Ben 20 years ago when he came with my niece Tracey to watch my son Richard (Tracey’s godson) play football. He was an inspirational young man and it’s was a pleasure to know him. Ben and Tracey had a wonderful family unit and were so united. He was a true family man. One thing always comes to mind when I think of Ben and that was a piece of advice he gave to Richard when he was looking at universerties, “Do business studies not politics Richard it’s easier!!! “ My love and heart go out to Ben, Tracey,darling Poppy and Harry. RIP Ben xx
Christmas in Grantham and learning how to play a hole in one!!!
Naomi Tuxworth
Every year I went to Grantham for Christmas, my favourite day was the 27th when my cousins came for the day, we didn’t see each other much through the year and they were all older than me so I always looked up to all of them! Ben was my port of call when I got tired, I would curl up on his lap and sit for hours, he gave the best hugs, my other favourite memory was at his wedding, first time being a ‘grown up’ around them all and not didn’t I know it, Ben taught me how to introduce a golf ball to a drink! Cue a cracking night and a horrendous hangover the next day!! We may not have seen each other much over the last 25 years but I have followed your amazing journeys with your beautiful family and watched the happiness you have brought to so many people. You were only 45 minutes down the road last month and I wish I had known so we could have had a catch up! I love you dearly and you and your family are in my thoughts every day! Now go find dad and have a pint for all of us! Xxx
Ben, the one we all looked up to
Rachel
My memories of Ben will undoubtedly be all of the parties we have shared together, he really threw himself into the fun and it wouldn’t be a Summit party without Ben getting you drunk! I wouldn’t be at Summit if it wasn’t for Ben, he was the one who inspired me to apply after seeing him talk so emphatically at Hull university. I know he was someone that a lot of people looked up to and if I can be anything like him, I’d be proud.
Aside from work, I will remember Ben as a proud father and husband, I used to love hearing about the adventures the family had been on or what Tracey, Poppy or Harry had achieved. My thoughts are with them and I send them lots of love as we all remember what a great man Ben was.
Ben and our football jokes and our away day at Derby
Nick
Ben will leave such a huge hole in our lives at Summit, not only professionally as a colleague but also personally as a good friend. I had the pleasure of knowing Ben for over 9 years and in that time he was such an inspiration not only to me but everyone at Summit. I’ll miss our football jokes and our away day at Derby a few years ago had so many great moments and funny stories that I’ll remember for a long time. Your legendary drinking ability will no doubt be missed at future Summit events but mostly your presence around the office will be felt by us all on a daily basis. Thank-you for all your help, support and friendship over the years. Our thoughts are with Tracey, Harry and Poppy. You’ll never be forgotten.
Ben as Zorba the Greek actor
Dave Trolle
Manager, mentor, colleague, friend … no words can describe the loss that everyone is feeling right now. Ben was the greatest and kindest of men. Selfless at heart, he would always make time for people no matter how busy he was. Everyone who walked through the doors at Summit looked up to Ben in more ways than one. He was an inspiration and have massive respect for him both professionally and personally. He has been a sounding board for me on countless occasions, helping me navigate many challenges at Summit. When I first met Tracey, Poppy and Harry I could see how much of a family man he was and over time how he became increasingy proud of you all. We shared many great nights out together over the last 12 years, were I quickly realised his drinking talents were to be avoided. It’s a shame a few other Summiteers were slower on the uptake with that! Like me, he was always up for getting dragged into the various events held at Summit. I was proud to perform with him to Zorba the Greek, even though he took the mickey (with good reason) for being completely out of time. My best wishes and thoughts to Tracey, Poppy and Harry and the rest of the family at this difficult time. Although Ben’s time with us was relatively short, his larger than life character and the memories he has given us will live on forever. Dave 'Tiny Thumbs' Trolle xx
Ben was a true inspiration
GIna
Ben was a true inspiration and role model for me, in every sense. He was always there for you when you needed advice or just a chat. His personality is one of a kind and will never ever be forgotten. I will never forget going back to back with Lucy in front of everyone in the company meeting to see who was the shortest. Ben will be missed by us all. Sending all my love and sympathies. I am very sorry for your loss of such a fantastic man.
Ben, our biggest advocate
Tom Waller
I am so sorry for your loss. I first met Ben in the Wolds when he scoulded me for watching YouTube on my lunch break (I think he wanted me to make a good impression). Since then he always made me feel welcome and was our biggest advocate. We spoke at length at the Christmas party and he was always so pleased for us and supportive of our progression. I told Ben about the time Tracey gave me her Pink Lady Apples which he found amusing. He was such a caring and loyal man as well as being the life and soul of the party. He will be sorely missed and forever in our hearts. My deepest sympathies