Beloved Lower Haight Resident "Big Ben" Passes Away

Ben Candler, a fixture of the neighborhood known affectionately as "Big Ben", passed away early Sunday morning, succumbing to a battle with cancer. He was 50 years old.

In addition to his height (he was 6'5", according to friends), Ben was known for his gentle kindness and love for the neighborhood. Born and raised in the Lower Haight, he could typically be spotted smiling from his stoop on Steiner, greeting patrons at the door of Molotov's, or spreading deep laughs and hearty handshakes throughout the neighborhood. We asked his friend Martin Olive, executive director of the Vapor Room, to share some words about Ben.

"The Lower Haight has lost one of its most beloved and cherished residents on New Years Day 2012, early morning. Big Ben was born on June 10th, 1961 and was taken from his family and friends much too soon at a young 50 years of age. Big Ben was born and raised in the Lower Haight and loved this neighborhood more than anyone I've ever met in my 11 years living and working here. I consider Big Ben a friend who I am blessed to have known, and I know that many others feel that blessing as well. Everything about Ben was big; his stature, as a sentinel of the Lower Haight always watching and protecting. His voice; large, loud and reassuring. His hands were immense, and when you shook his hand (if you were lucky enough) you were held fully and respectfully in it. His smile was always full of warmth and joy and spread from ear to ear, especially so when you'd make him laugh (which was pretty easy, actually). I like to think that Ben had no choice but to be that big of a dude, just to contain the kindness, concern and love he so freely shared with everyone he met in the neighborhood. He was a man of great honor, intelligence, strength and loyalty, and I will miss him dearly and think of him often. He'd had a rough year of illness and recovered from it like the gladiator we know him to be. Unfortunately, his illness came back aggressively a month or so ago, and it took his life suddenly and unexpectedly. I wish Ben were still here today. I would have liked to have known him until we were both old and grey. I would have liked to have continued seeing him on his stoop and on the block for years to come. Tragically, that wasn't in the cards, and my life is less full with him gone. But my life is fuller having known him and I'm grateful for that. I will always remember him as larger than life because that's what he was. Rest in Peace Big Ben, thanks for keeping an eye on us here."

Martin adds that for those who would like to contribute to Big Ben's family in their time of mourning, there is a 'Big BENvelope' at Molotov's (582 Haight Street). All contributions will be given directly to Big Ben's mother.