Benjamin "Ben" Alden Willson

Benjamin “Ben” Alden Willson, lovingly known to many as “Big Ben,” passed away unexpectedly on August 8, 2025, at the age of 50. He was born on April 12, 1975, at Clark Air Base in Angeles City, Philippines, to Cynthia J. Poulin and Gary A. Willson. He made his home in Granby, Vermont, where he was surrounded by family, friends, and the natural beauty he cherished.

From an early age, Ben had a love for trucks and fire engines, which led him into a life of hard work and dedication. He graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy and began his career as a truck driver at just 18 years old. Over 32 years on the road, he saw more of the country than most people will ever experience—mountains and valleys, rivers and oceans, forests, deserts, villages, towns, and cities. Each mile was a story, and each journey carried his quiet strength and commitment.

Ben also gave back to his community as a volunteer firefighter with the Waterford Fire Department in his younger years, fulfilling the dream of the boy who once wanted to be a firefighter.

Above all, Ben’s greatest pride was in his family. He is survived by his son Thyler; his parents, Cynthia J. Poulin and Gary A. Willson; his sister, Jennifer L. D’Auria and her husband Vincenzo; his nieces and nephews, Meghan, Matthew, Antonio, Brayden, and Melanie; and his aunts and uncles, Ramona Mann, among many others who loved him dearly. He is also remembered with love by his lifelong best friend and brother, Todd Sumner.

Those who knew Ben will remember him as a gentle giant with a heart of gold—a man who would do anything for anyone. He loved hunting, camping with family and friends, and gathering around bonfires to cook over an open flame, often with a Crown Royal and Coke in hand. He was at his happiest outdoors, surrounded by the people he loved most. His sister said it best: he was a big, kind-hearted person who lived for his family and friends and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.

Ben was predeceased by his grandparents, Edith and Raymond Willson, and Leota and Raymond Poulin.

A celebration of Ben’s life will be held at a later date. A GoFundMe has been created to help his family with the financial aspects of losing Ben, laying him to rest, and ensuring his affairs are in order. The GoFundMe is named Help Us Honor the Life of Benjamin “Big Ben” Willson, and that can be found directly on GoFundMe or through Jennifers Facebook page. The celebration of life is expected to be in early October, but exact details will also be available on facebook when they are finalized.

Though his time with us was far too short, Ben leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and strength. He will be forever missed and never forgotten.

Memories and condolences may be shared with family at CaledoniaLifeServices.com.