I had a dream about Mr. Loftin  last night! I don't remember specifics but it felt very encouraging (no surprise :)) He showed me a photo of himself in the dream, so this morning I did a google search to see if there was an image of him, as I had him as a teacher over 45 years ago so don't remember what he looked like. I enjoyed seeing my sister Marganne's post in his obituary. Still, to this day, I can feel the impact that Mr. Loftin made on my truest, core self. He was a wise, soulful and playful human. Thank you, Mr. Loftin, for being such an impactful teacher during your time on earth. You lived from your heart, and I feel you in mine.

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I grew up with Ben, Steve and 
the family in Parker Heights.
My deepest sympanthies to the 
family.

Dear Pat, Stacey & Scott -

I am so sorry to hear of Ben's passing.  He was a truley wonderful man who obviously touch the lives of many many people.  So many of my memories from growing up in View Ridge involved the Loftin clan and I remember more than a few times of thinking of Ben as my "other dad".  From coaching our basketball team to driving Stacey up to our ski lessons EVERY saturday, Ben's life seemed so centered around his family and he always seems to welcome Stacy & Scott's friends into that circle.  From what I heard at his memorial today, he seemed to carry that passion and involvement into his classroom.  As I think about my 2 daughters preparing for school I just hope that they are fortunate enough to have a teacher that is as caring as Ben who they will always remember as such a positive role model.

You are all in our thoughts during this difficult time.

Love, Kirsten

When I think of my years at Clyde Hill Elementary, I think of "Mr. Loftin".  He was my 5th grade teacher in 1971.  Imagine my delight to see him 25 years later as a substitute teacher for my daughter's class at Clyde Hill!  He even remembered my name after all of those years!He touched the lives of so many people, and I am especially glad that he touched mine.  

We are so sorry to hear of Ben's death. He taught Jim and Michelle at Clyde Hill and was one of their favorites. Such a special teacher.

Ben was a special friend to both of us and our family.  I have fond memories of coaching Little League baseball and Church League basketball with him.  He always showed a lot of interest in our children's lives and was a great example for them.  We have 2 school teachers in the family who thought of him as a role model. We are all going to miss him very much.
     Gordon

Ben Loftin was one of my children's favorite teachers at Clyde Hill starting with Linda in 1969. I was a room mother and helper so I got to know Ben very well.  We all believe he was one of the most caring, inspirational teachers and a wonderful person. Whenever we went to a Fair, we had to go see Mr. Loftin and get a scone before we did anything else. 
We were so saddened and shocked to hear of his death.I saw him last year when he was subbing at my grandson's school and we had such a great time catching up on each other's children's lives. 
Please accept our deepest sympathies, and know that he will live on forever in our hearts.With all our love. 

I know we will be sharing stories of "Wild Ben" with Scott, Natasha, Nathan and my own family for years to come.

Growing up as a friend of Scott's, I have fond memories of cruising View Ridge on church paper drives in ol' Yellow, the Loftins' monstrous yellow station wagon.

Ben always had a smile and a full refrigerator of cold pop for us kids and, when we got older of course, pop switched to beer and a swisher sweet cigar as well. 

When I lived in Yakima, I always looked forward to the Central Washington State Fair.  Ben would always provide me and the other TV reporters that I'd bring by the booth more scones than we could eat. Everyone in the newsroom loved "Ben, the Scone Man!" I'm not sure how those poor folks made any money over there!

Julie, of course, has many fond memories of Ben as well, many from holidays at Ocean Shores.  In 1999, Ben was a special guest in Julie's class instructing the kids in proper scone-making technique.  

Scone breakfasts have become tradition at our house because of Ben, just as I imagine they have for many others.

Ben was truly one of the hardest-working, kindest and most gentle men I've ever met. He made sure to pass those qualities on to Scott before he left.

This is a great loss, but I think we should all be comforted knowing that Wild Ben's memory will be carried on by all of us and the wonderful stories he has provided.



Dear Pat and family,

We were sorry to learn of Ben's death.  Our children went to Medina School, but we always heard wonderful things from our Clyde Hill friends about the great teacher, "Mr. Loftin."  Several weeks ago I was visiting with a friend's daughter and she was telling me how much she was enjoying her sub at Clyde Hill.  After a bit of questioning, I learned that this special sub was Mr. Loftin.  Ben was making a differnce in student's lives to the very end of his own life.  How fortunate that so many chidren could have such a very special teacher. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

Fondly,

Don and Mary Lewison 

Pat and Stacey and family:
I wish there were words to use that would make things better.  Or a magic wand that would take the hurt and emptiness away.  My thoughts and prayers are all I have and I give them all to you.

Love,
Nancy Neisinger
N2

Mr. Loftin was my brother Charlies fifth grade teacher.  He was my reading teacher in 4th grade.  He was an amazing teacher.  He made kids want to learn.  I just talked to him two weeks ago when he was substituting for Mrs. Guerke at Clyde Hill.  I told the whole class how great he was and they were lucky to have him there.  I also remember going to the Puyallup Fair and my Mom would tell us how the scones were from Mr. Loftin.  I am so grateful that we have been lucky enough to be a part of Mr. Loftins life.  

Our sincere heartfelt wishes to Pat, Stacey and Scott, their families, and to the Wise and Loftin families for the loss of one of the finest individuals we have known.
We have always considered Ben and Pat, along with Ron and Elsa, their respective families and Mr. Wise as our extended family, and the loss of Ben leaves a giant void.  He will always be remembered for his kindness, patience with Pat, and "dough & jelly" all over his body at the fairs.He will be missed.

My love and prayers to Pat, Stacey and Scott.

Ben was a wonderful gagster--When we Had Fish & Chips at ESF, our daughers and my late susband Don, and I loved putting rubber bands in his cup of chowder, etc, he would then favor us with jamless scones, etc.  I always remember his smiling face.  Bev, from Horizon Seafoods

Dear Loftin Family,

We wish to extend our sympathy to your family.  Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Bob and Barbara Wright

Pat,

Sorry to read about Ben's passing.  My prayers go out to you and your family.  I often think of the good times we Les, Wes, Mary, and you had in our years at Stanton.  Again, my deepest condolences to you and your family.

Jess Maltos

Ben's passing is of great sadness to Mike and I.  He was so selfless, fun and a genuine kind guy.  

Jessica loved him at first sight and will miss "Mr. Ben" at the beach. Kids and dogs know the real thing when they see it.

May prayers, relatives and good friends comfort you through this time of very painful loss.





Dear Pat, Skeeter and family,

Was very sorry to read about Ben's death.  He was a very special teacher and friend during his years at Clyde Hill.  I can't remember if Sarah, Ben and Rhonda all had him but I do remember working with him at the school and being one of his room mothers. He was always delightful to work with and enjoyed exchanging family anecdotes with him.  He shared so much of himself with his students and their parents.  I know he will be greatly missed.  

With deepest sympathy,

Roz and Phil Greene

My deepest condolences to Ben's family.  As a former PTA President at Clyde Hill and having sent 4 children to school there, I have wonderful memories of Ben. He was very much loved and respected. What a wonderful role model he was for our kids.  His great smile, energy and love of those around him will be missed.  We were fortunate to have known him.  

I have so many wonderful memories of Mr. Loftin.  Going to our 5th grade camp out from Clyde Hill was definitely a highlight.  He always made us feel special when he saw me and my siblings Sarah and Ben standing in line for scones at the State Fair in Monroe.  He would tell us to go to the back door and he'd hand us a free large bag full of fresh scones.  I can't go to a fair without thinking of him - and craving a scone!

I loved his science lessons, but I have to say that my favorite memories took place before school started in September.  My friends and I would go to the school to help him set up his room.  He was always thrilled to see us and enjoyed the help.  We had a great time.

Mr. Loftin - Thank you for sharing yourself with us!

Rhonda Greene
279 Lockwood St.
Castle Rock, CO 80104

We extend our sympathies to the family  in the loss of Ben.

 From Pauline's neighbor 

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Ben Loftin. I was blessed to have Mr. Loftin as my fifth grade teacher at Clyde HIll way back in 1991-1992. Ben has and always will be my favorite teacher. He has been one of the most influential persons in my life. Although I am a sophomore at the UW now, Mr Loftin has never left my thoughts and prayers. I will miss him dearly. Thanks for the memories Mr. Loftin!

Mr. Loftin was my 5th grade teacher at Clyde Hill in 1980.  He and I were Pac-Ten football fans and enjoyed discussing the results of Husky football games or how my junior football team was doing.  Mr. Loftin was a huge influence on my confidence and growth in School.  I had struggled in my earlier years at Clyde Hill, and with his confidence in me I was able to become a strong student in my later years.  I still have a gift that Mr. Loftin gave to me back in 5th grade.  It was a poster from 1968 of the Pac 8 football mascotts.  I have it framed in my office.  He was a great man I and am greatful for the time I was able to spend with him and to learn from him.  



We, on earth, are saddened that Ben has left this level of consciousness; however, I'll bet the angels in heaven are smiling to have such a joyous spirit back amongst them!  

Ben and I worked together for many years at Clyde Hill Elementary School.  He was a wonderful person and a respected teacher.  He always had a ready smile and such nice energy---a real good guy!  We enjoyed many laughs together.  He often treated the faculty w/ his scones. He was the kind of teacher that one would want for kids!  He made footprints in many people's hearts.  He will be remembered with fondness!

My love & prayers are extended to Pat, Stacy, & Scott and all of his beloved family.


It was a honor to know and work with Ben in Bellevue Schools.  He was one of the great men elementary teachers who was a wonderful role model for his students.
My sympathy to all of the family.  I know that he will be missed by many.

Dear Pat and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Lorraine Velander from the beach sent us word. We were so excited to see you the next time we were down to the beach to tell Ben that the birdhouse he gave the girls now has a bird in it.  Megan and Emily wanted to tell Ben about their 'new neighbor'.  We send our love and prayers to you.  We will all miss Ben.




Dear Loftin Family,
I would like to extend my sympathy to your Family.
Mr Loftin was a Substitute teacher in my third grade class for 3 Months at Cherry Crest Elementary back in 1998. He used to call me Mr.Naveed! He was a great and kind substitute the best I ever Had   

    Thanks for the Memories Mr. Loftin  ----------------

  Love always Naveed Naficy Mr.Naveed

 

Pat, Stacey and Scott,
  Many years have passed since I have seen you. But my memories are vivid of times at Roosevelt High School PTSA meetings when you Pat, and Ben were very involved in everything that went on. I was head counselor then, and I remember some wonderful and funny times at evening PTSA meetings in homes, one in particular with Linda Howard, when we laughed so hard about our own adolecence. Miss Naval Supply Depot and Miss Everett, as I recall.
  I was so saddened to hear of Ben's untimely passing. 
Please accept my deepest sympathies and profound prayers for a time of healing in the days and weeks and months ahead.
    Your family has brought so much joy to others. It is time for us to return to you a little of that joy in a time when the light must seem to have gone out of the world.
In grace and peace,
Cathy

Dear Pat and Tate:

Although I did not have the pleasure of knowing your beloved husband and father, through the both of you I know he was a very special human being.  He obviously left his indelible mark of kindness and caring in the both of you for I see it in your actions each day at school...  He will be very proud.  

I know the pain of your loss is great right now, but gradually the hurt will give way to happy and fond memories of the man you love...

Lourdes Pirtle

OBITUARY

Ben Darrell Loftin

December 31, 1969 – December 31, 1969

Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home & Cemetery

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