Benjamin Roy Johnsen, 19, of Hartland, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.
Born December 11, 2005, in Charlottesville, Va., Ben was the cherished only son of Bruce E. Johnsen and Eva Johnsen. Ben was a deeply loving young man whose kindness, warmth, and easy smile touched countless lives. The outpouring of love and support from his many friends and the Hartland-Woodstock community in the days since his passing is a beautiful testament to the way he made everyone around him feel seen and cared for.
A passionate alpine skier, Ben raced with the Woodstock Union High School alpine ski team and the Woodstock Ski Runners, and he proudly represented his school on the soccer field. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 232 in White River Junction, a distinction that spoke to his character, leadership, and willingness to serve others.
In the fall of 2024, Ben began his college journey at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J., where he was a sophomore studying finance, eagerly building toward a bright future.
He was predeceased by his grandparents Roy H. Johnsen and Elizabeth M. Johnsen of Ramsey, N.J., and Betty Huang Hsieh and Chinchung Hsieh of Taipei, Taiwan; and by his cousin Derek Jeffrey Soued of Ramsey, N.J.
Ben is survived by his heartbroken but grateful parents, Bruce and Eva; aunts and uncles Barbara Johnsen Soued (Ballston Spa, N.Y.), Steven R. Johnsen and Laura Sneed Johnsen (Doe Hill, Va.), and Ernest H. Johansen and Mona Johansen (Ocean Township, N.J.); and cousins Erica and David Meccia (Florida); Jeremy and Breanna Johnsen, Jessie Johnsen, Jason Johnsen, and Jake Johnsen (Virginia), along with a wide circle of friends who were like family to him.
Arrangements are entrusted to Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock. Visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 19 from 4-6 p.m. at the Cabot Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held at Saint James Episcopal Church in Woodstock on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 1 p.m. followed by a celebration of Ben’s life at Saskadena Six Ski Area in South Pomfret. More details on the celebration will be published soon.
In lieu of flowers, the family is deeply grateful for the support being offered through the GoFundMe page created by members of the community at tinyurl.com/4wvbjrh6.
Ben’s nineteen years were filled with love given and love received a thousandfold. He will be missed beyond words, and he will never be forgotten — his spirit lives on in every snowy slope, every shared laugh, and every heart he touched.
