Benjamin C. Danner, sunrise - August 7, 1928 sunset - November 1, 2014


It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ben, in Edmonds, Washington at the age of 86. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Ben was raised in Texas and California. He served in the Navy at the end of WWII until 1949. Ben and his wife Laurie met in San Diego. They relocated to Seattle and together built their family home in Edmonds, where they lived for the past 55 years while raising four children and many lifelong memories.
Survived by Laurie, his wife of 60 years, Ben was preceded in death by his daughter Karen, who is survived by her children Jeffrey and Laura. Other surviving family members include Karl (Maryanne and children Tom, Jackie and Lindsey), John (Michele and children James and Jennifer), Judy (children Autumn and Cameron), and 4 great-grandchildren.
Ben was a Life Insurance Broker, primarily representing Mutual of New York, Connecticut Mutual, Mass Mutual and Jackson National. He was well respected in the industry and took great pleasure in mentoring new agents.
Ben was involved in many Masonic organizations throughout the years. He served as Master of Edmonds Lodge #165, Master of Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research #281, High Priest of University Royal Arch, 32nd Degree Seattle Scottish Rite, Nile Shrine Drill Team, and held numerous Grand Lodge positions. A Senior DeMolay from Bakersfield, California, he also served as an Advisor for three chapters in Washington and was instrumental in founding the Washington State DeMolay Priory. Ben's service to DeMolay was distinguished with meritorious recognition of Chevalier, Cross of Honor, and Legion of Honor. Ben also dedicated his energies to Jobs Daughters, Rainbow for Girls, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Special Olympics.
Ben an avid upland game bird hunter, he raised and trained many field and bench show dogs. Ben loved his dogs and they were all members of the family.
An ardent baseball fan, Ben was a devoted Dodger and National League fan until the Seattle Mariners were formed. Everything stopped for a ballgame, and he often called to family members during a game to make sure everyone saw the play.
Ben was a gentle man, and always a gentleman. He was a scholar, author and teacher. He possessed tremendous wit and had a wonderful sense of humor. Ben was revered by everyone lucky enough to know him.