MINOT — Benjamin M. Blais, 26, of Minot, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 14. A beautiful soul, gone too soon.

He was born in Lewiston on Dec. 31, 1991, to parents Michael Blais and Jamie (James) Anderson.

He was a member of the Maine Appalachian Trail Club and the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. He was a southbound thru-hiker, hiking the trail in only four months, 10 days. His trail family knew him by his trail name, “Quickstep.”

He attended Hebron Academy, graduating in 2010. Following his thru-hike he attended SUNY and UMO, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science.

Ben worked with his father as a foundryman at the Auburn Stove Foundry. He also worked as a farmer for three seasons at the Root 5 Farm in Fairlee, Vt.

Ben loved nature and being outdoors. He enjoyed hiking, kayaking, farming and gardening. He loved to cook the things he grew. Ben also loved writing and music, and was a self-taught guitarist, as well as an avid hockey player and skater. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and his cat, Marcus. He’ll be remembered as an all-around good guy who enjoyed going on adventures.

Ben was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Marie and Harold James; great-grandparents, Louis and Elizabeth Blais; and a sister-in-law, Kerri Anderson.

He will continue to be missed and loved by his father, Michael Blais (New Gloucester) and his friend, Leigh Sullivan, (Windham); his mother, Jamie Anderson, and her husband, John (Minot); brothers, John Anderson III (Gorham) and Jack Anderson (Minot); grandfather, Louis Blais, and his wife, Irene (Poland Spring); grandmother, Barbara Tisdale (Auburn); his girlfriend, Cristina Pellegrini (Minot); his trail family and trail partner, Brian Mick “Ghost Pirate;” numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends; and his beloved cat, Marcus.

Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralalternatives.net.

Benjamin M. Blais

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