Obituary of Benjamin A. Avery

Benjamin Alfred Avery, 86, died on Wednesday, December 16, 2015, at the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta, after suffering for many years from Alzheimer’s disease. He was born in Coopers Mill on August 21, 1929, the son of Waldo Avery and Cora Griffin. He attended Cony High School, then traveled to Alaska to work as a gandy dancer for the railroad. His adventurous spirit next led him to San Francisco to pan for gold. Ben was drafted and served in the US Army in Japan during the Korean War. He returned to Maine in 1953 and found work as a brick mason at the Maine State Hospital, which led to his interests in masonry and carpentry. He met his lifelong love and companion in 1959, Betty Strout. They were married in 1961 and had two children, Jillaine and Dick. While renovating the Windsor Fair Exhibition Hall, Ben discovered the world of sulky races. He became a successful horse owner, trainer and driver. Ben stepped back from raising horses to work at Hussey’s General Store in Windsor for ten years, but the love of horses again called to him. Over a period of 30 years, he and his son Dick raised and trained many colts and fillies together. Ben was the proud owner of Jonathan (named after his first grandson) the 1990 Sire Stakes winner. Ben and his friend Creighton Hemphill owned horses together and, during the 1990s, they wintered their horses in Florida at training tracks, so Ben and Betty resided in Florida for 17 winters. Through the years, Ben was active in the Masons, Chapter and Commandery. He was also a Kora Shrine Klown, president of the Northeast Shrine Klown Association and the Kennebec Valley Shrine Club. He was an Elk, a member of the American Legion, and a lifetime member of the VFW, among other organizations. Ben leaves behind his wife Betty of 54 years, his daughter Jillaine and husband John McGough of Brunswick, his son Dick and his wife Angela of Windsor, his grandchildren, Jonathan Avery and his wife Andrea of Windsor, Christian of Augusta, Chandler of Winthrop, Sydney of Windsor and Landon of Windsor. Also, brothers-in-law Elwin Hussey, Arthur Strout and wife Gloria, Edward Strout and wife Warna; sister-in-law Mary Parlin and husband Charles; cousin Donald Ross and wife Esther; several nieces and nephews. Ben also leaves behind many, many friends who enjoyed his upbeat nature and outbursts of amusing songs. His annual corn roasts were legendary. He was predeceased by his parents and his sisters Shirley Hussey and Nan Morin. The family wishes to express their gratitude to hospice and the nurses at the Maine Veterans Home for their excellent care. A Memorial Service to celebrate Ben’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Direct Cremation of Maine Belfast, ME. Memories and condolences may be offered to the family at www.directcremationofmaine.com