Benjamin David Lockard was born on July 10, 1987, in Kennewick, Washington, to Chris and Debbie Lockard. He was our shining star and was taken from us too soon. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping and in the winter snowboarding. The night of January 11, 2008, his planned trip with friends ended tragically with a car accident. He lived by the simple phrases: 'Live everyday to the fullest' and 'If you're not living life on the edge, you're taking up too much space.' Ben's giggle and contagious smile had the ability to make all those around him laugh. He could talk to anyone, from his 85-year-old granddad, to a 5-year-old kindergartner and always could make them feel important. Every summer Ben enjoyed family reunions at the St. Joe River in Idaho, where he touched the lives of his distant family and those who loved him. Being the great older brother he was, Ben would do anything to protect his little sister, Hannah, and always made sure she was happy. He attended Southridge High School and graduated in 2005, continuing on to Washington State University, where he studied natural resources. Ben's dream was to eventually pursue a career in the beloved outdoors. He loved spending time with his friends hunting an camping in the Blue Mountains. Ben left behind the 'Cousins Club,' consisting of Michelle Clark, Kelsey Lockard, Devin Lockard, Lynzie Todino, Spencer Lockard, Maddie Lockard and sister, Hannah Lockard. Michelle and Ben worked together as a team to be role models for their younger cousins. Ben will truly be missed during our family gathering, including: snowboarding trips, camping trips, pool parties and the annual Christmas cookie-decorating party at grandmas. Ben is survived by his parents, Chris and Debbie Lockard, and his sister, Hannah Lockard of Kennewick; grandmother, Bev Lockard; grandparents, Warren and Wanda Wolfe; aunts and uncles: Ken and Cheryl Lockard, Kurt and Camilla Lockard, Kim Todino-Lockard and John and Barb Wolfe, and their children: Chris, Travis, Brittany, and Byron, all of Kennewick. A memorial service will be held at the Cathedral of Joy, located at the end of Gage Boulevard in Richland, on Saturday at 1 p.m. Reception to follow. Anyone touched by Ben's life and smile are welcome to attend. Please bring all your smiles and memories of our beloved Ben.