Benjamin "Ben" Austin Poole

Benjamin Austin Poole, age 36, passed away Monday, July 24, 2023. Ben was born October 31, 1986, in Sandy, Utah, to Stanley Harold Poole and Sheryl Johnson Poole.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved Ben. A light that burned bright and touched many lives. A daring fisherman who fearlessly roamed the vast wilderness of Alaska. Ben departed this world at the tender age of 36, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the memories of all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Ben was an extraordinary individual from the very beginning. He was drawn to the untamed beauty of nature and the call of the wild at a very young age. Instead of watching morning cartoons, he watched the fishing channel. His passion for the outdoors, for hunting, and fishing would shape his life's journey. 

As Ben matured, his love for the Alaskan wilderness flourished, and he fearlessly pursued experiences that many could only dream of. Ben faced the rugged mountains of Alaska and loved to tell his story of shooting a world record bear with a compound bow.  

His daring spirit didn't end with the bears. He achieved his dream of owning and operating a commercial salmon fishing boat in Alaska by the time he was 20. His bond with marine life was unlike any other. Swimming with killer whales was one of the many fearless (and wreckless!) pursuits that captured his wild soul. As adventurous as he was, Ben also found peace in the silence of the wilderness. 

Beyond his bold endeavors, Ben was a loving son, a caring sibling, and a loyal friend. He was kind and considerate. His presence had the remarkable ability to lift the spirits of those around him and bring them joy and happiness. His enthusiastic charm and quick smile were contagious. He remained positive even during the most difficult challenges. He was quick to say, “thank you” or “I love you Mom”. He openly expressed gratitude for his parents and siblings who were his constant support even during the darkest days. He loved and missed his daughter Zoe, who remains in Alaska.  

Throughout his life, Ben was always tinkering, exploring, and working on his entrepreneurial ideas. He invented a new fishing lure and was awarded a provisional patent. He was a gifted singer and self-taught guitar player. He also taught himself Spanish and could speak the language fluently.  

While he was the first one to do a crazy dare and encourage others to follow, he also was a comforting nurturer. It was not uncommon to hear, “Ben has more talent in his little finger than I could ever dream of having”, or “he is the best worker ever”, and “I love him like my own brother, even though I just met him”.  

Entertaining the family was one of his favorite things to do. When the nieces or nephews came to visit, he was the first one to take them hunting for lizards or toads. He could play dolls with a young niece or make bows and arrows out of sticks with his nephews. Ben would create crafts and play games at their request. His last night on earth was spent enjoying a family meal and reminiscing on good times. Then, like the Pied Piper he was, he took all the kids outside to light fireworks. 

Though Ben's physical heart ultimately gave out, and his time with us was cut tragically short, we find comfort in knowing that he lived a life filled with passion, courage, and genuine joy. His next dream was to complete the lineman school courses he was taking and fly a powered parachute across America. We are sure Ben is now taking that flight.

As we gather to bid farewell to our charismatic brother, let us celebrate the life he lived. May his brave and adventurous spirit continue to inspire us all to embrace life's challenges fearlessly, just as he did. 

Dear Ben, we will always remember how you loved to say “Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Peace out!”. Know that your legacy will forever guide us through life's uncharted waters. Enjoy your flight. Peace out.

Ben is survived by his beautiful daughter, Zoe Poole (Ketchikan, AK), his parents Stan and Sheryl Poole (St George, UT), siblings, Daniel and Heidi Poole and their children Noa, Luka, and Ezra (SLC, Utah), Christopher and Sara Poole and their children Olivia, Austin, and Nixon (St George, UT), Stanley “Scott” and Mariza Poole (Las Vegas, NV), his twin Shelly and Garrett Messerly and their children Julia, Katelyn, and Brock (Layton, UT), Kristen and Alex Willden and family (Chicago, Il), his grandparents Sheldon and Shirley Johnson as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins who all love him.  

A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 30, 2023, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 31, 2023, at 11:00 am, with a visitation prior to services starting at 9:30 – 10:30 am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1625 North Lava Flow Drive, St. George, Utah.

The interment will take place at Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 South Dixie Drive, Saint George, Utah, immediately following the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an education fund for his daughter Zoe Poole at the venmo account @Stan-Poole-1. 

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St George, Utah, (435) 673-2454.

Friends and family are invited to sign Ben’s online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com.