Obituary: Benjamin J. Branscom

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Benjamin J. Branscom

August 5, 1969 – January 12, 2023 

Born in Denver, CO on August 5, 1969 to George and Terry Branscom, Ben passed away at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle on January 12, 2023 from renal failure. Ben’s family moved around several times during his childhood, and he and sister Rebecca Carlson fondly referred to Hillsboro, OR as home due to the five solid years of stories, memories, and friendships forged during their high school years. It wasn’t until 1989 that Ben settled in Washington, following his mom and dad who moved in 1988.

Around Thanksgiving 2000 at the young age of 30, Ben suffered from a heart attack and was hospitalized. He would need a new heart if he were to survive. Six months spent with a machine doing the work of that vital organ, as his family surrounded him, preparing for the worst, a young doctor, Dr. Fishbein, who Ben held in the highest regard until he passed, asked his mother, “A heart has become available. Would you like to proceed with a transplant?” “YES!,” she exclaimed. The transplant was successful, and Ben was given seven years to live. He blew by that and died 22 years later, a true miracle in more ways than one. He liked to celebrate his “heart birthday”, April 8, 2001, more than his actual birthday.

In 2004, Ben’s life changed for the better when he met Jennifer (Ball). November 27, 2004 he took her on a date to the Olive Garden followed by a drive along Chuckanut where he sweetly asked for permission to kiss her. The rest was history. Jennifer and her children Bailey, Tanner, and Jaidon loved Ben as their dad and soon a house filled with love and way too many dogs became home for the Branscom family. Ben had an inappropriate sense of humor and would often laugh until he cried. He was a friend to all, a loving soul, and a true gift to be around.

Ben was preceded in death by his Grandpa Elm in 1976; Uncle Mick in 2007 and his Grandma Betty in 2008. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer; children Bailey (Joe), Tanner (Elane), and Jaidon; grandson TJ; parents George and Terry; sister Rebecca and her children Hailey and Tyler; his Uncle Tom and Aunt Robin. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of
Whatcom County.


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