Ben Mears RIP
It is with deep sadness that I am sharing the news that our friend and colleague, Ben Mears, passed away over the weekend.
Ben joined SideFX in the spring of 2015, and during his time here was a true champion of Houdini. His unbridled enthusiasm and love for the games community and all that SideFX has to offer has always shone through. Ben was unerringly kind, good-natured, upbeat, and generous of spirit. He will be missed by both his SideFX friends and colleagues and the extensive community that he helped to build.
We are in touch with Ben’s family, and have extended our condolences and support. Ben's partner, Sara Mears, has set up a Go Fund me to help pay for funeral expenses .
If you have a fond memory of Ben and would like to share with the community, please add to the comment section below.
Kim Davidson
President and CEO | SideFX Software
Ben stands at the center of the group as SideFX finishes up an education event in Austin Texas in November 2022. He will be missed.
COMMENTS
David Inlines 11 months, 4 weeks ago |
I had the fantastic opportunity to talk several times with him about the use of Houdini in the Disney Speedstom game and do a Houdini HIVE about this. 😔 RIP Ben. I’m sorry
vfxman222 11 months, 4 weeks ago |
I first met Ben through LAHUG around 2017. He was friendly and supportive. Over the years since we had a number of casual and professional conversations at each LAHUG. Many laughs. He always had a smile and was a fun person to be around.
Ben was the driving force behind having me present at LAHUG a couple times, and he was pushing for a third time just this past month. I last saw and talked with him just a few days ago this past Thursday at LAHUG. It still hasn’t sunk in yet, but I will miss him greatly. His absence in the Houdini community is already being felt and will continue for quite a while. I wish his family, and friends peace, and give my deepest condolences.
rizviali110 11 months, 4 weeks ago |
It breaks my heart to learn that Ben is no longer with us. I will always cherish the memories of the time we spent together, especially during my internship and the SIGGRAPH events. He was a shining example of positivity and kindness, and his encouragement and motivation were always uplifting. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Ben.
SaOk 11 months, 4 weeks ago |
So sad to hear. He was the kindest and big support for my indie game project. Thanks for the support and RIP, Ben.
Noboru 11 months, 4 weeks ago |
Ben was really a great guy. I have spoken with him over the years and he was able to put a face to his name this year in San Francisco. You will be missed Ben.
BrianHanke 11 months, 4 weeks ago |
Very sorry to hear this. Ben was always friendly and supportive on Twitter and during Mardini/Houly. Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
eyestorm 11 months, 4 weeks ago |
Every time we spoke at LAHUGS he was really kind. He even helped recommend some of my students for SideFX internships.
My condolences to all who were close to him
LevinW 11 months, 3 weeks ago |
This makes me really sad to hear. Ben was always so supportive and with no doubt inspired many to keep pursuing their passions like he did for me.
You will be missed dearly.
ResilientPictureCompany 11 months, 3 weeks ago |
That is very sad to hear. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Supportive person, any houdini related content I upload on Vimeo there's always a like from Ben Mears.
You'll be missed very much. May your soul rest in peace.
cp3D 11 months, 3 weeks ago |
My deepest condolences to the family and the SideFX community. I didn't have the opportunity to meet him in person , but he responded with kindness and wisdom to every question
Sweetener 11 months, 3 weeks ago |
RIP Ben
alek_volzok 11 months, 3 weeks ago |
It's difficult to come to terms with this - I had only met him two weeks ago at the EPC conference. He was incredibly passionate about the latest developments in the industry, and his enthusiasm was contagious. Not to mention, he was a genuinely kind person. It's truly heartbreaking to hear of his passing.
Felipe Amaya 11 months, 3 weeks ago |
My condolences to his friends and family. It's a great loss for our community.
mujuningaiza 11 months, 3 weeks ago |
It's sad news for the loss to the community. RIP Ben
Aminlashgari 11 months, 3 weeks ago |
RIP Ben
MitchRease 11 months, 3 weeks ago |
I only talk to Ben a couple of times, but in those conversations he left a real impact on me. He was such a passionate dude who cared so much about building people up and helping people. I wish I got to know you more Ben. RIP
RobWik 11 months, 2 weeks ago |
I'm so sorry for the loss. Rest in peace. Thinking of the family and you all at SideFX who lost a colleague and friend.
Anonymous 11 months, 2 weeks ago |
I am so sorry.
random.stroke 11 months, 2 weeks ago |
So sad to read such news here ;( Still, it's life and we're all given a pretty short moment to deal with.
Rest in peace Ben , your videos and knowledge you've shared will live forever <3
George_Hulm 11 months, 2 weeks ago |
My deepest condolences to Ben's family and friends, I am shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. I had the honour of meeting him only very recently, we spent a couple of evenings chatting late into the night and I was very much looking forwards to seeing him again.
Master_Lee_3D 11 months, 1 week ago |
I never met him and did not know him but I am forever grateful to him for having been part of the reason we are all able to enjoy this awesome piece of software. In my culture, we say "Vjecnaja Pamjat", it means Memory Eternal. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family friends and co-SideFX'ers!
Masoud 11 months, 1 week ago |
RIP Ben,
I'm so sorry to hear that.
innogames_technik 7 months ago |
I met him just once in the GamesCom cologone last year. And I can just say I had one of my funniest evenings, thank you for that Ben, RIP!
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