Benjamin Morton Sr. passed away unexpectedly at his home in Yuba City on September 17, 2021 with his companion Liz Nelson at his side.

Ben was a general contractor and was involved in many projects in Gilroy and the Central Coast from the 1960s through the 1990s. He built many custom homes and apartment buildings in the area, as well as in Olympia, Washington. Ben was also involved in commercial building endeavors including the skate arena on Monterey Road which is fondly remembered by many Gilroy residents.

Ben was a craftsman. He used his talents in business and in his hobbies. While in Gilroy he had a cabinet and pre-hung door shop, Morton's Cabinet Shop and Pre-hung Doors. He had a lifelong passion for Chris-Craft boats, where he used his woodworking skills to restore boats for his personal use and his clients. During his years in Olympia, he spent many hours on his model train hobby and owned a model train supply business.

Ben is survived by his companion Liz Nelson, sons Benjamin Morton, Jr., and Jason L. Morton, and his sister Tamara Hall (Lee).