Obituary of Benjamin Tilton Kernan

Benjamin Tilton Kernan, a beloved father, grandfather, and avid traveler, passed away peacefully on July 28th at the age of eighty-two in his home in Keene Valley, New York. Born and raised in Manhattan, Ben spent his formative summers between Fishers Island and Keene Valley, where he cultivated a lifelong love for nature and adventure. Ben was a warm-hearted, loyal, and spiritual man, who remained a central part of every community in which he lived. As a teenager, Ben attended Portsmouth Abbey School in Newport, Rhode Island. He subsequently received his bachelor's degree from Georgetown University. After completing his education, he entered the Peace Corps and spent two years in Chile. He then returned to Manhattan and later settled in Katonah, NY with his then-wife and their two daughters, Sophie and Maud. Later in life, Ben discovered his true passion for travel. In the nineties, he spent a transformative seven years living in Mbale, Uganda, where he taught English and history and made lasting friendships with the local community. His journeys and Catholic faith also took him across the globe to India, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina, places that held a special place in his heart. For a decade, Ben owned and operated a farm in Orwell, Vermont, followed by real estate interests in Panama City Beach, Florida. Ben returned to the Adirondack mountains to retire, settling full-time in Keene Valley. His recent constant companion, Sasha, was a beloved border collie. Ben nearly always had a dog by his side, from Cleo to Samba to Tazz, and the bond of a regular companion was a testament to his love for animals. Ben is survived by his two devoted daughters, Maud and Sophie, son-in-law, Michael, and six cherished grandchildren, Anna, Declan, Tobin, Luke, Rowan and Jake. He is preceded in death by his siblings, Ann and Francis. Ben's legacy of enthusiasm, exploration, and a love for adventure and unique experiences will continue to inspire his family and those who knew him. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, August 2nd at 11:00 AM at Saint Brendan's Catholic Church in Keene, NY. The M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home in Lake Placid is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a memory or leave condolences.