1970 – 2015
SABATTUS — On Sunday, April 12, with sadness and shock, we lost an amazing, loving husband and friend, Benjamin Anthony Firth.
Ben was born in Atlanta, Ga., Feb. 20, 1970. He spent time in West Virginia as a young boy, enjoying the caves around his grandmother’s home. Ben grew up in North Carolina and was living in Sabattus with his wife, Bethany Firth.
Ben was most content on the water. At the age of 12, He would drive his grandfather’s truck so that he could take the boat to set out crab pots. He spent time crabbing on the Pungo River and working with Elaine Mayo and her family. Ben enjoyed hunting almost as much as he enjoyed being on the water.
When listening to ‘80s music, he would talk about his time being a DJ at Mattamuskeet High School. He later graduated from Northside High School in Pinetown. Shortly after graduation, he purchased his first commercial fishing boat. He used this to fish in the Swan Quarter and Ocracoke, N.C., area. Ben continued his life on the water and became the captain of an oil vessel with Vane Brothers of Baltimore, Md. He was recently recognized for 20 years of employment and took great pride in caring for the DS-59.
It was on a crew change day that Ben met Bethany in the Atlanta airport at the Sweetwater Draft House & Grill. Within a few months, Ben was visiting Maine and became a resident of the state shortly thereafter.
Looking for moose, spending time in Rangeley, fishing, and working on their home filled their time together. Ben looked forward to karaoke nights with friends and would practice his country favorites around the house. He showed his love for his friends and family as often as he could, always being available if needed. He enjoyed working with wood and could create anything with his vision.
On Tuesday, April 7, under a covered bridge in Vermont, he married his best friend, Bethany L. Douglass.
He is survived by his wife, Bethany Firth of Sabattus; many friends and his family of Pinetown, N.C., Mitchell and Virgina Keech and their children, Justin and Madison, with whom he cherished his time. He will be greatly missed by his Maine brother, Bob Cote and wife, Sally.
He was predeceased by his father-in- law, Jerry Douglass.
The Douglass family will miss and hold on to their memories.
Messages of condolence for Ben may be sent to www.finleyfuneralhome.com.
Send questions/comments to the editors.