Benjamin Altman

Benjamin Irving Altman (also known as Ben, Benny, Benito, Dad, Daddy, and Daddio), died November 3, 2015, in Long Beach, California. Ben was born August 16, 1963 to Rustee Stanton Altman and Stanley J Altman, MD in Salt Lake City, Utah. Ben lived in the Seattle area when he was young, but moved back to Salt Lake City where he lived until he relocated to Long Beach, California almost two years ago.

Ben married Tracy Altman May 25, 2000. They had two awesome sons, Nick and Robbie, several golden retrievers, and a couple of stray cats. Tracy and Ben divorced in 2008, but continued to work together on the common bond of their boys. Ben was a professional photographer, doing freelance work for the local real estate community and other businesses, and pursuing his own artistic endeavors. He also managed photo stock for other professional photographers and taught photography at Salt Lake Community College for many years.

Ben’s journey was a bumpy one and although he didn’t always choose the best route, he never lost sight of the important things in life, friends and family. Ben adored his sons, loved his family, and was a true and lifelong friend to many. He is survived by his sons, Nick (age 12) and Robbie (age 10), and their mother Tracy Altman (SLC, Utah); his step-mother, Lynnette Lewis (SLC, Utah); his siblings, Lisa Altman (Martha Amundsen, Kailua-Kona Hawaii), Sherri Stanton (SLC, Utah), and Rick Stanton (SLC, Utah); his uncle, Frank Altman (Ft. Lauderdale Florida); and MANY friends and loved ones. He was preceded in deathby his father and mother.

Ben found a way to make a celebration out of just about any event.He was a great cook and loved to feed his family and friends, never forgetting the most important part of a meal, dessert and coffee. Please join us for an open-house celebration of Ben’s life, on Saturday, November 21, 2015, from 4-6 pm, at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. Complimentary valet will be provided at the north entrance of the building. Of course, snacks and coffee will be served…

In the true spirit of Ben, please hug someone today and let them know they are loved, all of the time, no matter what.