Benjamin Ronald Poitras

CONWAY, N.H. – It is with profound sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Benjamin Ronald Poitras, 52, a beloved husband, son, brother, and friend on Sept. 10, 2025. Ben’s life was a testament to love, kindness, and unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and community. His warmth, humor, and compassion brought joy to all who knew him.

Ben was born in Lewiston on Feb. 3, 1973, to Jane (Wing) Giglio and Ronald Poitras. He grew up in Wayne, first living in a geodesic dome and later in North Wayne, in a home built by his parents, his uncle Robin, and his grandparents. Ben enjoyed a lively childhood surrounded by close friends, riding BMX bikes, swimming and diving at the dam, and creating adventures wherever he went. He and his sister Julie shared a special bond, sending secret messages, playing games, and famously sliding down the stairs on couch cushions – much to their mother’s chagrin.

Ben attended Wayne Elementary School and Maranacook Community School, where he played baseball, ran track, and skied competitively. During his senior year, he moved to Bucksport to live with his dad and graduated from Bucksport High School. He later attended the University of Maine at Farmington, where he joined the traveling rugby team, enjoying memorable experiences, including a highlight trip to the UK.

Ben and Julie remained close throughout their lives. They lived together in Boulder, Colo., with Julie’s husband Rick, embracing the outdoors through hiking and exploring all that the Rockies had to offer.

In 2004, Ben moved to North Conway, N.H., to work in the ski industry – a natural fit that allowed him to continue his love for skiing and racing. He also found great joy in hiking the trails of the White Mountains, summiting several of the region’s iconic 4,000-footers.

Fate intervened in 2006 when Ben was convinced to join friends for a night out at Delaney’s – a local gathering spot – where he met the love of his life, Lisa Horgan. After just three dates, he brought her home to meet his family, and from that point on, they were inseparable. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and joy, surrounded by wonderful friends and a close-knit community they cherished deeply.

Ben and Lisa were the proud proprietors of popular retail stores, including The Handcrafters Barn, Hudsons, and Framed Art Superstore, where Ben taught himself the art of custom framing. His creative spirit eventually led to his next venture, Depot Street Signs, where he became a skilled Signsmith, designing and crafting custom signs for the community.

Ben had a deep love for animals, especially dogs. Fondly known as the “Dog Whisperer,” he was a devoted “Dog Daddy” to Cornbread Maxwell and later to Hudson Clifford, his loyal hiking companions who accompanied him to work every day.

Family meant everything to Ben. He adored his Grandmother Wing, enjoyed time with his uncles Terry and Robin, frequently helped his mother and stepdad, Ray, with household projects, and loved spending time with Julie and Rick. He shared a special bond with his father and stepmother, Jan, often helping them in the garden. At family gatherings, he loved connecting with extended family. He always made you feel welcome, with an open smile and a light- hearted spark in his eyes.

Ben is survived by his devoted wife, Lisa Horgan of Conway, N.H.; his mother, Jane Wing Giglio of Wayne; his father, Ron Poitras, and stepmother Jan Hitchcock of Surry; his sister, Julie Poitras Santos, and her husband Rick Santos of Portland; as well as extended family including Emily Watson (Ernie) of Deltona, Fla.; Robin Wing (Ann Griffin) of Mt. Vernon; Libby Shedd (Harry Shedd) of Smyrna, Ga.; Chrystal Wing (Suzanne Hunt) of Portland; Rebecca Wing (Terry Fralich) of Saco; Jackie Wing of Montgomery, N.Y.; numerous in-laws, cousins and their families.

He was predeceased by his stepfather, Raymond Giglio; his mother’s partner, Ralph Record; aunt Lanis Wing Monfried and Thomas Monfried; uncle Ted Wing; aunt Helen Wing; and his beloved grandparents, Morris and Elaine Wing and Alban (Ben) and Anne Poitras.

Ben’s legacy is one of creativity, loyalty, kindness, and deep love for those around him. He will be remembered with smiles, laughter, and gratitude by all who were lucky enough to know him.

Ben’s visitation will be held on Sunday Oct. 12, from 2 to 4 p.m., at Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. A celebration of Ben’s life will be held in the Conway, N.H. area at a later date, to be announced.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Roberts Funeral Home website, http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Conway Humane Society, the Dana Farber Cancer Center, or the Kennebec Land Trust.