David Knightly, left, was inspired by Ben Conant to take up the violin as a child. On Sunday he remembered Ben by playing his, accompanied by Doug Twitchell. Alison Aloisio photo

PARIS — Ben Conant treated everyone like his best friend. On Sunday, several hundred of his best friends turned out to say goodbye.

Ben, universally described as kind, gentle and generous, passed away suddenly last month, leaving behind decades of service to the Oxford Hills community and beyond.

His presence was still felt at his funeral service at the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, and not just in an abstract, spiritual way. The musical prelude and postlude were recordings of Ben, an accomplished musician, playing the piano.

Ben was also a devout Christian. The service featured a mix of scripture readings, prayers and other religious messages, as well as anecdotal and often humorous remembrances from those who knew him well.

His profound effect on people was clear from the speakers’ stories. David Knightly described his memory as a young child of Ben bringing his violin to a Sunday evening church gathering. Knightly, about 6, sat behind him and heard the violin played for the first time. Ben, sensing his interest, turned around and asked the boy if he would like to hold it.

“It was kind of a risk,” Knightly said to laughter, noting he was not known to be particularly careful with things. Knightly held it and plucked the strings, and then Ben asked him if he would like to have the instrument placed against his back while Ben plucked the strings. “I’ll never forget it. I remember feeling the vibrations going through my body,” said Knightly.

It was a key moment. “I couldn’t wait ’til fourth grade to take lessons,” he said.

Knightly then paid tribute to Ben by stepping onto the auditorium stage and playing the violin.

A common theme among those who shared memories was how Ben, who also served as a preacher, religious camp counselor, and Bible teacher, would spend time visiting in the homes of many families. Nita Theriault, after recounting the many ties her family had with him, told the gathering, “We have lost a very special friend. All of you are examples of how far his influence reached.”

Mark Hatch came to the podium wearing a hat that belonged to Ben. A couple of weeks before he passed away, Ben had forgotten it at Hatch’s house. With the family’s permission, Hatch sported it in tribute as he spoke. Later, his young son Blake wore it as he sat next to his dad in the audience.

Mark Hatch, left, and his son Blake, right, listen to a speaker. A couple of weeks before his passing, Ben forgot a favorite hat at Mark’s house. Mark wore the hat as he shared memories, then, after taking his seat when he finished, Blake donned the hat. Alison Aloisio photo

Sprinkled among the memories were stories of how Ben enlightened everyone with his astonishing knowledge of local history. He served as curator of the Paris Cape Historical Society for decades, having played a key role in its establishment. Many people have noted that through his genealogical research he knew more about their families’ history than the members themselves.

Peter Merrill summed up Ben’s feelings about the people in his life by noting Ben might say a certain person was “his favorite” in a particular category – and he said that about many people. But, said Merrill, there was no contradiction there.

“We can all be favorites,” he said, “because of Ben’s infinite love.”

As the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School auditorium filled up, many of those who knew Ben Conant shared memories among themselves even before the service began. Alison Aloisio photo