Ben Boulden (8 Nov 1969 - 26 Dec 2020)

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In loving memory of Ben Boulden who sadly passed away on 26th December 2020.

Ben Mark Boulden AKA ‘Bouldini’ to his mates and ‘Bubba’ to his wife – you will never have met a happier and more easy-going fella ever.

Born to Hilary and Keith Boulden on 8th November 1969, little brother to Matthew, Ben grew up in Berrylands Surbiton, later moving to Roehampton to live with his dad when his parents sadly separated.

He left school at 15 to work in a video shop – a dream job for someone who was obsessed with movies and remained so all through his life. He opened his own video shop on Roehampton Hight St, ‘Moonlights’ before moving into the minicab trade, following in his dad’s footsteps.

Ben and Matthew were close friends as well as brothers, a small age difference and very similar personalities – happy and easy-going – saw them work together and go on holidays. A memorable trip to Florida and fishing in the Keys where they caught their own dolphin fish they then took to a restaurant to have cooked for them was a favourite memory of Ben’s, along with driving to Scotland in a caravan as children with their much loved and much missed dad Keith.

Ben’s first marriage saw his four children born, Taylor, Mackenzie, Harley and Cassidy and recent years saw Ben become a very proud grandad to Nevaeh, Vienna Rose and Frankie.

His second marriage to Claire took place on 14th November 2019, after some 18 years together and a week after Ben turned 50 years of age. Their wedding was held in Las Vegas, Ben’s ‘happy’ place during a 3-week dream holiday to celebrate his big birthday.

Ben met Claire through her cousin Lee. Ben and Lee were friends since school and remained besties to this day. Their little gang known as ‘The Twats’ (!!) was a true highlight in Ben’s life, their company and friendship something he valued dearly.

Ben and Claire were silly happy, best friends as well as husband and wife and they laughed all the time. It was said more than once by those that know them, their relationship is what every couple should aspire to – continual laughter and they were deeply in love, they had their tough times at the beginning but recent years saw their life become near perfect.

When Claire was flying for British Airways, Ben would often accompany her and was able to experience First Class and Club World travel – a real plus for a man who stood six feet and four inches tall however, he would spend most flights watching movie after movie and not always taking advantage of the flat beds!

Everyone loved Ben, you couldn’t help but warm to this man who had a constant smile on his face. He loved movies and he loved playing poker – and he was pretty good at it.

Ben always thought he would pass young because he and Matthew lost their dad Keith to a heart attack at 42 – the very thing that took Ben so early.

The loss of Ben has seen an outpouring of shock, love and emotion that has completely overwhelmed his family. It is clear from the volume and content of the multiple messages received by Claire and Matthew that he was dearly loved, respected and admired and the pain of losing this incredible person is felt by so many and very deeply.

Rest In Peace Ben – forever in our hearts and never to be forgotten.

Harley Boulden wrote

I know its not a large amount but its the best i can do, i miss you so much and still text and wait for your reply. I love and miss you always me viennarose and frankie x

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Daniel Edler wrote

Only just got told about Ben's passing by Steve! Absolutely shocking, Ben was *THE* friendly face in the early days of The Full House poker club. I can hear his voice now, "hello geezer!!".

All my love to Claire. What a fantastic man Ben was and will be sorely missed.

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Harley Boulden wrote

I know ive already posted on here but i wonder what your doing right now and just want you to know how much me and the children miss you and your sleepovers
Love and miss you so much dad x

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Craig Chapamn wrote

What to say?

I didn't know Ben that well as it was only really in our poker days that I saw him. However, he was one of the people.dowm the poker club I used to hope was in on the nights I was. The laughs I would have with Claire at the table was always amplified by just how full of life Ben was and how their relationship was clearly special for anyone to see from the outside looking in.

I'm so sorry for your loss Claire, Family and everyone that knew and loved him.

RIP and I hope you run good up there.

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Craig Chapamn donated in memory of Ben
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Wendy (Greengrocers) Catchpole donated £20 in memory of Ben

Remembering you with kind thoughts, thinking of all those memories as you grew. Rest in peace

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Elaine Walker donated in memory of Ben

A truly lovely gent who we will miss very much xxx

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Bob Barber wrote

I have many good memories but the ones that are in keeping with the person I knew include seeing him at 9.30 am in Vegas still crazily drunk, and happy of course, as he was celebrating his 40th birthday. and a few years ago he sat at a cash table in Harrahs for almost 24 hours, in the process making about $2,000 and taking allcomers apart. He took a break and we had a nice drink and chat. Ben's easy going attitude is a loss to the world, and of course a massive loss to Claire. Thinking of you XX

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Pat Den Karen Andy Sasha and Lucas posted a picture
Sending love and hugs at this very sad time ...Rest in peace Ben x

Sending love and hugs at this very sad time ...Rest in peace Ben x

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Vicki Tucker posted a picture
(pt2), I can’t believe we’re not going to see your big smile - Bouldini shuffle or hear you say “I’ve had such a lovely time” again, you will be missed so much by so many, hope you’re at a poker table with a JD in hand smiling, rest in peace Bouldini 💔x

(pt2), I can’t believe we’re not going to see your big smile - Bouldini shuffle or hear you say “I’ve had such a lovely time” again, you will be missed so much by so many, hope you’re at a poker table with a JD in hand smiling, rest in peace Bouldini 💔x

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Vicki Tucker posted a picture
Bouldini, so many amazing memories from the last 16+ yrs: you+Larey teaching me poker, us all going to Las Vegas / many dinners at Tiger Joes + elsewhere / many a night at the New Inn, being our wedding usher and celebrating my big bd this year (pt 1)

Bouldini, so many amazing memories from the last 16+ yrs: you+Larey teaching me poker, us all going to Las Vegas / many dinners at Tiger Joes + elsewhere / many a night at the New Inn, being our wedding usher and celebrating my big bd this year (pt 1)

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Anita & Lee Stanborough donated £20 in memory of Ben

A Mega Watt Smile, with a mega watt bear hug. Amazing souls like you Ben are never forgotten. Rest easy Mr B xx

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Ilana Belsky wrote

I remember the first time I met you, we ended up playing HU in a tournament. You said you didn't want to do a deal cause you just loved playing and wanted to carry on, and we laughed the whole time (till you won). Maybe that's why you were the happiest person I know, you did what you loved and were with the woman you loved. Your happiness was infectious, and I'll miss seeing your smiling face. Rest in peace dearest Ben, you will be missed by so many x

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Wendy and Colin Mcdermott donated £50 in memory of Ben

Rest in peace Dear Ben.

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Wendy and Colin Mcdermott wrote

Rest in peace Dear Ben. Your amazing smile will shine in heaven and bet you are teaching the angels to play poker already.

Know that you will be looking down on your wonderful wife and our gorgeous friend Claire. Rest assured we are all here for her and will look after her whilst you are sleeping.

With love and thoughts

Colin & Wendy


Rest in peace Dear Ben. Your amazing smile will shine in heaven and bet you are teaching the angels to play poker already.

Know that you will be looking down on your wonderful wife and our gorgeous friend Claire. Rest assured we are all here for her and will look after her whilst you are sleeping.

With love and thoughts

Colin & Wendy

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Dale Garrad wrote

Ben, you were there the first time I ever paid live poker back at Watermans wayyyy back when... You were calm, you were polite, you were funny and never flustered. You were the first person I ever saw go all in because "they just can't call".. You were right and between us we won a lot of tournaments in Surrey early on because they just couldn't call... As I got to know you and Claire I enjoyed every night when you were both out. It was always tougher on your table than anyone elses but it was always so much more fun... You were genuinely the first person who taught me how to take a bad beat without calling anyone any names - never saw you rattled and your demeanor on and off the tables was an example to all - I feel I was less of a d*ckhead because of you :-) As with everyone else here, I only regret not spending more time in the company of yourself and Claire - I wish we ate more steaks and drank more wine and beer and told more tales - together you were truly wonderful people and I know your family will continue your incredible outlook on life! I will cherish the smile you always had on your face forever! You will be missed by so many... Love you buddy and missing you already xxx

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Sarah Reynolds wrote

To my cherished friend Claire, I only met Ben a couple of times but I remember him phoning me once to politely ask if I could cancel a catch up we had planned as he wanted to take you away for a surprise trip. I wasn’t allowed to cancel until mid morning and I felt awful but happy to help out with his surprise. Claire may special memories bring you moments of comfort. Love always Sarah ( and the whole family) x x

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Kelly Saxby wrote

Dear Ben, my heart broke for you, Claire and all of your family to hear of your sudden passing. You were one of the kindest, happiest and most lovely people I had the pleasure to know, and you and Claire were a match made in heaven. I think every girl wishes for a Bouldini and to have a love like yours.

Rest in peace Ben, my thoughts and lots of love to you, Claire and family,
Kelly xx

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Johnny Kelly wrote

I have known you both for over 10 years now and whenever you came to my place of work, you always made sure and came to say hello. Lovely couple , such a nice fella Ben and will be greatly missed.

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Nick Woodward wrote

Its such a shame to loose you my friend. I only have good and fun memories of you. I remember you always being so upbeat and happy whenever I was around you. You will always be remembered. Love from here Philippines xxxxxx

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Daniel Dean wrote

Ben, will miss you my man 👊🏼 Such a great guy, Jen and I loved you and Claire. You guys were always so happy and friendly, loved seeing you two. My lasting memory will be when I dealt you a royal flush in a cash game. First and only one I’ve ever dealt, the pot wasn’t massive and you still gave me a £50 tip. What a legend! x

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Con Danaher wrote

Claire ,so sorry to hear about Ben,great memories from Spain,all my love Con X

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Lisa Kwei wrote

RIP Ben, I loved your mum dearly and will never forget when you came to stay with us as kids and broke your arm on the skateboard! My mum was mortified! I also remember having a good laugh with you at your mums when I used to clean for her, you always offered me pizza! Fond memories of you and your lovely family. Xxx

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Julie Brum wrote

Ben.. I will never forget your smiling face, I have so many lovely memories and you made my beautiful friend so amazingly happy... I will try my hardest to support and comfort claire bear through this incredibly difficult time... sleep tight darling and fly high with all the Angels.. xx ⭐⭐ Love Jules and Ray

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Julie Brum wrote

Ben.. your smile will be one that will stick with me as I remember you... I will do my best to support and love your Claire bear , you have no idea how much you will be missed ... until we meet again.. shine bright big star ⭐⭐ love Jules and Ray xxx

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Brendan Rawlinson donated £20 in memory of Ben

Rest in Peace, Ben x

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Julie Brum wrote

In our thoughts always Ben xxx

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