BURLINGTON, WASH.

MARCH 22, 1991 – OCT. 7, 2016

Benjamin Joseph Labak passed away Oct. 7, 2016 at his home in Burlington, Wash. He was 25 years old and, after struggling for many years, he lost his battle with the disease of addiction.

Ben was born March 22, 1991, in Pittsburg, Calif., to his parents Patricia (Toyne) Dignum and John Labak. In 2001, he moved to Port Townsend, Wash. with his mother and siblings. While attending school there, he formed relationships with his best friends, and those ties were always very important to him. Although he had been living in Skagit Valley recently, he considered Port Townsend his hometown.

Benjamin came from a musically inclined family on both sides, he loved music and was an excellent guitarist and lyricist. Intense and intelligent, he was a scholar at heart. He was also quite a history buff, and avidly pursued knowledge of his own ancestry.

In 2011, he and Shayla Handly were blessed with a son, Ryder, whom he loved with all his heart.

Ben is survived by his mother, Patti and stepfather, Lonnie Swanson; siblings Kelley Toyne, Gabriel and Aubrey Dignum; and stepbrother Richard Dignum, Jr.; son Ryder and his mother Shayla. He is also survived by Gabrielle Moore, a special member of the family with whom he had a close relationship, and her daughter Alexandrea. He was preceded in death by his father, John.

A celebration of Benjamin's life is scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 26 at New Life Church at 1636 Hastings St., Port Townsend.