The Hardest Post: Bidding Farewell to Ben Swiggett

It is almost impossible to find words to communicate our utter sense of loss after losing one of our best today; Ben Swiggett, long time club member, immediate former club president, and caring/compassionate friend. Ben was a kind, patient and deeply thoughtful soul. From what we understand, he suffered a catastrophic medical crisis in the middle of his ride today and never recovered, despite receiving medical attention at the scene of his crash and then at Highland Hospital. He leaves an indelible mark on this club - he massively grew membership, took time (*so* much time) to get things right, did the right thing by members old and new alike, and understood how important it was to foster community for BBC. That the club is in a healthy state today is largely due to the phenomenal foundation laid by Ben. His presidency represents a boom time for BBC. His shoes are impossible to fill, even for two people.

As a person, Ben was just one of life’s most wonderful humans. Always willing to lend a hand, offer a wheel to draft, or an ear to listen. He stepped back from serving as BBC president in December 2019, but had remained incredibly committed, focused and hard working in the time since - minuting and helping organize board meetings, and coordinating a major effort to upgrade the BBC website. During his retirement he’d enjoyed getting back into swimming and was passionate about his family. As much as we mourn his untimely loss, we know it’s manifold harder for his family - you could not ride with Ben without hearing him talk about the love he had for his family and how proud he was of them. We all feel the loss of a wonderful father.

We’re still adjusting to this shocking loss, it’s too big for us to comprehend right now. To have Ben ripped from us in this way, so soon feels unbearable. We are working on a way for you to share your memories and pictures of Ben with the group and to also show support for his family - now is a time for us to come together and treasure him as a force for good. Wherever you are, please take a moment, raise a glass and be thankful for the time we got to share Ben with the world.

More to follow.

 In deepest sorrow, 
The 2020 Berkeley Bicycle Club Board