Benjamin Loveland

We lost a warrior. Ben Loveland, 73, of Parrish, FL died November 5th in his home surrounded by family, after a 3-year battle with cancer caused by Agent Orange.

Ben was born June 20, 1945 in Wenatchee, WA. He was adopted by Grace and Frank Loveland. Ben attended high school in Wenatchee and studied meteorology at George Washington University.  Ben served in the US Army as a gunner in Germany and Warrant Officer 3 Aviator, flying both fixed and rotary wing aircraft throughout Southeast Asia and Europe during the Vietnam War. After his military service, Ben was a civilian aviation pilot for 20 years, flying in Alaska, St. Thomas, New York and the Pacific Northwest. He was a real estate Broker and small business owner. Ben was a member of, or associated with, the Veterans of Foreign War as a Commander, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Guardian ad Litem of Florida, Knights of Columbus, and was an Eagle Scout.

Ben is survived by his wife of 30 years Mandra Stewart, his former wife Giselle Loveland. Children, Christine Loveland and Michael Stogsdill, Lisa Loveland and Ben Haslund, David Loveland, Shannon Brunskill and grandchildren, Maya, Michael, Ayda, Ethan, Lucas, Jesse, Bianca and Alessandro, and his three cats, Si, Am, and Shadow. Ben is also survived by his sister, Christy Martin and nephew Chuck Martin whom he met recently after decades of separation.

Over the last 20 years of living in Florida, Ben was an avid golfer, enjoyed salt water fishing, Spring Training baseball, Tampa Bay Rays games; James Bond, Pirates of the Caribbean and sci-fi movies; traveling, naps and Pinot Grigio with friends on the deck; as well as lots of play and adventures with his grandchildren. Many waterside bars will miss his bar tab.

Special thanks to Florida Cancer Center, 21st Century Radiation and Tidewell Hospice for their excellent care.

Ben will be remembered by his family, friends and golfing buddies as a loving husband, father and grandfather, proud patriot, US Army veteran and avid golfer.