Benjamin Vandermark, 55, of Walton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown following a long illness. The world lost a truly talented and special person who will be dearly missed by all who had the opportunity to know him.

Born June 24, 1966 in Walton, he was a son of Joan Budine and the late Dewey Vandermark.

Benjamin was a fan of nature and it showed in his beautiful artwork. Before his stroke in 2010, he made his living as very talented artist and musician. Following the stroke that took the use of his right hand, God blessed him with the ability to continue making the world more beautiful with his paintings by enabling him to paint just as well with his left hand and continue to tie flies (one of his favorite hobbies) with one hand as well. Ben was also an avid lover of the stars, and in 1982 he was credited with discovering a "Storm" on Jupiter, along with his friend Phillip Budine. Life was an uphill battle for Ben after his stroke, but with his wife Emily by his side, he fought it well. He is no longer bound by physical restraints here on this earth and is running free in heaven with his beloved Jesus.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 23 years Emily Banks Vandermark; mother Joan Budine Vandermark; sisters Teri Stetson (Tim), Tanya Hitt (Bill), Tina Vandermark, Toni Gilbertsen (Walt) and Traci Vandermark; nephews BJ Hitt (Laura), Shane Biggar (Sara), Josh Biggar (Lillie Fields) and Tim Stetson (Julia); nieces Laura Conroy (Matt), Angelica Biggar, Rachel Hollen (George), Joy Trimbell (Mike Giannicchi); friend Jerry Trimbell and many wonderful great nieces and nephews.

Ben was predeceased by his father, Dewey Vandermark and nephew Robert Stetson.

A graveside service to celebrate Ben's life will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 11 A.M. at Walton Cemetery, 55 Fancher Avenue, Walton. A luncheon will immediately follow the graveside service at the Walton First Baptist Church, 55 Townsend Street, Walton.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Courtney Funeral Home, Walton. To leave a message of peace and comfort for Ben's family, please visit his online tribute at www.courtneyfh.com