Benjamin "Ben" Webster Lord
1954 - 2025
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September 10, 1954 - August 29, 2025
IN LOVING MEMORY
Benjamin "Ben" Webster Lord, 70, of Washington, DC, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025, after courageously battling an illness. He was surrounded by his beloved family and his faithful cat, Lisa.
FAMILY AND LOVED ONES
Ben is preceded in death by his loving parents, Dr. Robert Sutherland and Martha Webster Lord. Ben is survived by his sisters: Wendy (John) Lord Vlahakis, Beth (Jeff) Lord Esmont, and Holly (Rich Bobel) Sutherland Lord; nephews: Joe (Valerie) Esmont, Mark (Jaqualine) Esmont, and Michael Vlahakis; nieces: Emilie (Scott Markham) Esmont and Martha (James) Vlahakis Yoo, with whom Ben shared a particularly cherished bond. He is also survived by two daughters Elynor (Geoff) Moxley and Sarah (Mike) Brennan, and five grandchildren, Margaret and Ronia Moxley, Lilia, Connor, and Cameron Brennan.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Ben was born in New Haven, CT, the first born of Dr. Robert Sutherland and Martha Lord. After the family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, they settled in Pittsburgh, PA when Ben was eight years old. He attended High School at St. Andrews School in Middletown, Delaware (Class of 1973), where he formed lifelong friendships and developed his creative writing, art and musical talents. He graduated from Kenyon College in 1977 earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree with an English major. Ben won the Coffin Prize for Prose in 1973.
CAREER AND PASSIONS
Ben began his career with the Taft Group in Washington, D.C., as Director of Philanthropic Research Services for Nonprofit Organizations. He also served as Senior Editor and Production Design Administrator. Later he became an Independent Contractor consulting in research and resource development for various nonprofit foundations, notably, the National Museum of the American Indian, Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Air and Space Museum.
REMEMBRANCE
Ben was known for his gentle spirit, creativity, natural musicality, and love for history, philosophy, and the written word. Family strolls through Dumbarton Oaks, Wolf Trap concerts, watching independent movies, and engaging in spirited debates were among his greatest joys. He also adored his cat, Lisa.
Ben had a witty sense of humor, tactfully creating words and phrases, known as "Ben-isms" into many conversations, causing us to erupt into laughter or understand how upset he really was about something. Our family uses these words and phrases often, with a wink to Ben every time.
Ben had an eye for beauty—and a heart that noticed the little things. At the annual Art and Pottery Show in Glen Echo Park, Maryland, he'd always find the perfect gift for his friends and family. He focused on cups and was keen to find the best coffee cup for each person, matching their personality perfectly. Those mugs were not just for morning coffee—they were tokens of his thoughtfulness, his quiet way of saying, "I love you". He always invited us to shop with him, we would then unwrap our finds over lunch, admiring the glaze and the craftsmanship, laughing at how he always managed to outdo himself. This tradition will live on. Each year, we'll return to that show, seek out something unique and fantastic, and raise a cup in his honor. Ben's kindness, wisdom, and humor will be remembered by those whose lives he touched. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.
GRATITUDE
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Reston Hospital Center nursing staff (2nd floor Progressive Care Unit, the Intensive Care Unit and the West Wing Rehabilitation Unit) and Caregivers Hospice for their exceptional and compassionate care during Ben's extended hospitalization. It is their professionalism, patience and grace that kept us all assured Ben was getting the best care there is to offer.
MEMORIAL AND DONATIONS
In accordance with Ben's wishes, no funeral services will be held. His ashes will be interred at the Webster/Lord family plot in Pepperell, Massachusetts, the date to be determined. Memorial donations may be made in Ben's name to either of the following philanthropies:
Homeward Trails Animal Rescue- Ben adopted Lisa, his beloved cat, from this Cat Rescue
Link to Donation Site: https://www.homewardtrails.org/donate-in-memory/
In Memory of Ben Lord
Notificant Name: Holly Lord
Notificant Email Address: hollyslord@gmail.com
Check Mailing Address: Insert Note with info above-Note In memory of Ben Lord on check
Homeward Trails Animal Rescue
PO Box 10
Fairfax Station, VA 22039
St. Andrews School- All donations will apply to scholarships
Include "Ben Lord Memorial Donation" on all forms
Mail Check - 350 Noxontown Rd, Middletown, DE 19709
Online Donations: https://www.standrews-de.org/giving/give
Make a Gift in Memory of Ben Lord
IN LOVING MEMORY
Benjamin "Ben" Webster Lord, 70, of Washington, DC, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025, after courageously battling an illness. He was surrounded by his beloved family and his faithful cat, Lisa.
FAMILY AND LOVED ONES
Ben is preceded in death by his loving parents, Dr. Robert Sutherland and Martha Webster Lord. Ben is survived by his sisters: Wendy (John) Lord Vlahakis, Beth (Jeff) Lord Esmont, and Holly (Rich Bobel) Sutherland Lord; nephews: Joe (Valerie) Esmont, Mark (Jaqualine) Esmont, and Michael Vlahakis; nieces: Emilie (Scott Markham) Esmont and Martha (James) Vlahakis Yoo, with whom Ben shared a particularly cherished bond. He is also survived by two daughters Elynor (Geoff) Moxley and Sarah (Mike) Brennan, and five grandchildren, Margaret and Ronia Moxley, Lilia, Connor, and Cameron Brennan.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Ben was born in New Haven, CT, the first born of Dr. Robert Sutherland and Martha Lord. After the family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, they settled in Pittsburgh, PA when Ben was eight years old. He attended High School at St. Andrews School in Middletown, Delaware (Class of 1973), where he formed lifelong friendships and developed his creative writing, art and musical talents. He graduated from Kenyon College in 1977 earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree with an English major. Ben won the Coffin Prize for Prose in 1973.
CAREER AND PASSIONS
Ben began his career with the Taft Group in Washington, D.C., as Director of Philanthropic Research Services for Nonprofit Organizations. He also served as Senior Editor and Production Design Administrator. Later he became an Independent Contractor consulting in research and resource development for various nonprofit foundations, notably, the National Museum of the American Indian, Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Air and Space Museum.
REMEMBRANCE
Ben was known for his gentle spirit, creativity, natural musicality, and love for history, philosophy, and the written word. Family strolls through Dumbarton Oaks, Wolf Trap concerts, watching independent movies, and engaging in spirited debates were among his greatest joys. He also adored his cat, Lisa.
Ben had a witty sense of humor, tactfully creating words and phrases, known as "Ben-isms" into many conversations, causing us to erupt into laughter or understand how upset he really was about something. Our family uses these words and phrases often, with a wink to Ben every time.
Ben had an eye for beauty—and a heart that noticed the little things. At the annual Art and Pottery Show in Glen Echo Park, Maryland, he'd always find the perfect gift for his friends and family. He focused on cups and was keen to find the best coffee cup for each person, matching their personality perfectly. Those mugs were not just for morning coffee—they were tokens of his thoughtfulness, his quiet way of saying, "I love you". He always invited us to shop with him, we would then unwrap our finds over lunch, admiring the glaze and the craftsmanship, laughing at how he always managed to outdo himself. This tradition will live on. Each year, we'll return to that show, seek out something unique and fantastic, and raise a cup in his honor. Ben's kindness, wisdom, and humor will be remembered by those whose lives he touched. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.
GRATITUDE
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Reston Hospital Center nursing staff (2nd floor Progressive Care Unit, the Intensive Care Unit and the West Wing Rehabilitation Unit) and Caregivers Hospice for their exceptional and compassionate care during Ben's extended hospitalization. It is their professionalism, patience and grace that kept us all assured Ben was getting the best care there is to offer.
MEMORIAL AND DONATIONS
In accordance with Ben's wishes, no funeral services will be held. His ashes will be interred at the Webster/Lord family plot in Pepperell, Massachusetts, the date to be determined. Memorial donations may be made in Ben's name to either of the following philanthropies:
Homeward Trails Animal Rescue- Ben adopted Lisa, his beloved cat, from this Cat Rescue
Link to Donation Site: https://www.homewardtrails.org/donate-in-memory/
In Memory of Ben Lord
Notificant Name: Holly Lord
Notificant Email Address: hollyslord@gmail.com
Check Mailing Address: Insert Note with info above-Note In memory of Ben Lord on check
Homeward Trails Animal Rescue
PO Box 10
Fairfax Station, VA 22039
St. Andrews School- All donations will apply to scholarships
Include "Ben Lord Memorial Donation" on all forms
Mail Check - 350 Noxontown Rd, Middletown, DE 19709
Online Donations: https://www.standrews-de.org/giving/give
Make a Gift in Memory of Ben Lord
Benjamin "Ben" Webster Lord's Guestbook
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