Benjamin W. Cashen ’02

ROCKLAND — Benjamin Ward Cashen, 35, dockmaster at Wayfarer Marine, passed away April 26, 2015. Ben left this world peacefully with his wife, Emily, by his side at the Sussman House in Rockport. Flags in Camden Harbor flew at half-mast in his memory.

Ben was born to Robert and Joan Cashen in Newburyport, Mass., on Jan. 22, 1980. During his childhood, he fell in love with boats and the water. He refined his skills and built upon his passion while attending Maine Maritime Academy in Castine. He graduated with an undergraduate degree in marina management in 2002, and immediately began his career at Wayfarer.

Ben was known in Camden Harbor, and within the boating community, as the voice on VHF channel 71, welcoming boaters to the harbor. He was active on the Camden Harbor Committee. During his time at Wayfarer, he spread his philosophy of giving selflessly as he greeted sailors from around the world and made everyone feel like family.

Ben’s passion for boats, Penobscot Bay and the water was evident with the amount of time he spent in the harbor. In his free time, he helped customers refine their boat driving skills, rowed around the harbor with members of the Camden Harbor Rowing Club and enjoyed adventures on his Grady-White.

Ben had an enduring appreciation for life and seeing new places. Throughout his battle with cancer, Ben never complained or missed a day of life. He lived every day to the fullest, marrying Emily on Sept. 13, 2014. Ben maintained his humor, dignity, and most importantly, his love of friends and family. His friends often heard him saying, “I am the luckiest man alive.”

Ben is survived by his wife, Emily Harwood Cashen; his parents, Joan and Robert Cashen of Raymond, N.H.; a brother, Matt Cashen of Gilroy, Calif.; his paternal grandmother, Helen Trefry of Rocky Hill, Conn.; his aunts and uncles, Janet and Warren Bingham of Lower Waterford, Vt., Jane and Joseph DeSimone of Rocky Hill, Conn., and Kathia Ward of Warren; his customers and co-workers at Wayfarer, and hundreds of friends in the global boating community.

Ben was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Marjorie and Russell Ward; and his uncle, Edward Ward.

A celebration of Ben’s life will he held Saturday, June 6 at 3 p.m. at Wayfarer Marine in Camden. The Rev. Capt. Jeffrey C. Lewis will officiate. Reflecting Ben’s personality, a dock party will follow with friends, customers and family at Wayfarer.

The Benjamin Ward Cashen Memorial Scholarship has been established at Maine Maritime Academy. Donations should reference the Benjamin Ward Cashen Memorial Scholarship, and be addressed to the Benjamin Ward Cashen Memorial Scholarship, Maine Maritime Academy, Development Office, Pleasant Street, Castine, ME 04420.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.