May 2, 1946 - June 28, 2020
Laughter was the soundtrack to Ben's creative life. Wherever he went, his dry, slightly sarcastic sense of humor charmed friends and strangers alike.
Perhaps it was something in the water in Hinckley, Utah where he spent the first two years of his life before his father, Benjamin Grant Theobald, moved the house, his three half brothers and two half sisters, mother; Virginia may Tripp to Delta, Utah. There he milked the cows, fed the chickens, harvested and bound the hay as well as helping his dad in the O.K. Tire shop near the family home.
At Delta High School he was on the wrestling team and an all state track team member. But it was his friends and dragging Main St. in his shiny dodge that he enjoyed most. After graduating in 65, he attended beauty school in Salt Lake City. He graduated with honors. He headed to San Francisco in 1968 and never looked back. He lived there 35 years.
He loved the city and the city loved him. He became a star in the fashion world; styling wigs for customers of the high end department stores. The lines at Macy’s would start forming early to see the man advertised in the papers as a magician. He traveled Northern California. Doing this until the company, Tovar Tresses closed in the late 70s. He had other jobs selling furniture and designing interiors for many of the buyers. He viewed the world through artistic eyes. He was equally capable repairing cars, fixing computers, building houses and just about any skill that required a coordination of mental and manual skills.
In the fall of 1977 he & Michael Devanna met to commence a 44 year, love filled relationship. It was then that Benny realized the long time dream of restoring and living in an 1888 Victorian house. The lovely home gave him years of happiness.
He lived there until 2004 took them to Prescott, Arizona where he eventually retired in 2008. Travel was a large component of his activities. He and Michael circled the globe three times, often returning to favorite places like India and the South Pacific. However, the highlight of all these years together was his marriage to Michael on August 12, of 2008 in Alameda, California.
A singular aspect of his character was the ability to calm a screaming baby (no matter whose) or instantly endearing the wildest dog or cat. Uncanny how they sensed his intrinsic kindness.......goodness…….gentleness.
On June 28, 2020 after four years of struggling against emphysema, his vibrant spirit passed as he slept. He was preceded in death by his father, Benjamin his mother, Virginia (Tripp), brothers Ronald & Charles Thayer, Sisters Joyce Dome and Stella Stice.
His body was cremated on Wednesday July 1. Interment and a joyous Celebration of His Life will happen in Delta, Utah as soon as the Covid restriction permits.
