Taylor's Blessing

Yesterday was Taylor's blessing. I was having a hard time with it as this is the first big event that Ben wasn't physically here for. It actually turned into a wonderful day. Ryan's whole family was there starting with his parents, sister and brothers and their families, his grandparents, and Kitty and Ron. My Mom and Breanne and her kids were there and also JJ, Stephanie, and Josh. When we got to church I saw that Bre had Ben's funeral program in her church bag with his 3 pictures on it. Ryan put it in his pocket so that we had a physical representation of Ben being in the circle even though we know he was there. Ryan did a beautiful job blessing Taylor and blessed her that she will learn from the examples of those around her and those that have passed which was very special.

The testimonies that were born at church were wonderful to hear and very uplifting. I really enjoyed hearing Ryan bear his testimony as he doesn't do it very often and it takes a big occasion to get him up there. I really love his spiritual side and wish he'd share it more often. He is stronger than he knows and is a great example to me and his kids. I also enjoyed my Mom's testimony and know that it will carry her through this difficult time.

We had a luncheon afterwards that everyone brought something to and it turned out really good. The food was delicious and we enjoyed visiting with one another. It was especially fun to watch Dave and Zac playing around and trying to one up each other. Good try Zac with the squirt bottle but I think Dave got the last laugh!

The day turned out to be a good one despite my reservations at first and I know Ben enjoyed every moment of it as well. Taylor is one lucky girl to have so many people who love her here on this earth and on the other side of the veil.

We love you Ben!

Benjamin Anthony Veri II 1935 ~ 2009

I LIVED, I LAUGHED, I LOVED,AND I LEFT.

Benjamin Anthony Veri returned to his Heavenly Father on May 24, 2009 due to health complications surrounded by his family.

Ben was born to Benjamin Anthony Veri Sr. and Helen Wojpaleski on February 9, 1935 in Solvay, New York. He married Gail Denise Haynes on Sept. 25, 1990 in the Washington D.C. Temple and later sealed in the Jordan River Temple.

He served his country in both the Army and Air Force Branch of the military and is a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Ben loved his family, especially his grandchildren and their activities. He loved date night with his wife attending the Grizzlies hockey games which became a family affair. GO GRIZZ!!! He also loved to fly back to New York to visit with his family there.

Ben is survived by his eternal partner, Gail; his sons Benjamin (Jackie) Veri and Ronald (Cheryl) Veri; his daughters Regina (Robert) Pawlak, Samantha (Ryan) Horsley, and Breanne (Daniel) Jenkins and numerous grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Tom (Wanda), Ronald "Skip" (Kathy), and Vince (Carol).

Ben was preceded in death by his parents and sister Justine "Jay".

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 29, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Parkway 5th Ward, 10200 S. 3200 West, South Jordan. Family and friends may visit Thursday, May 28, 2009 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, and prior to the funeral at the church at 10:00 a.m. Interment, South Jordan City Cemetery. Online condolences at http://www.jenkins-soffe.com/.

We love you Ben and miss you dearly! Thank you for being the Dad and Grampy that you didn't have to be.