ISLE AU HAUT — Benjamin E. MacDonald, 57, died unexpectedly Nov. 3, 2015, at his home.

Born in Castine, he was the son of Jane MacDonald and Charles Knowlton. Educated locally, he attended high school on Vinalhaven, graduating in 1976.

Ben considered Isle au Haut home, and he loved it there. He returned to the island following high school and was active in the community there. For many years he served as town treasurer and tax collector. His professional career was spent as a caretaker for several summer residents.

Ben was active with the Maine SeaCoast Mission, he was proud to have accompanied them to Belize, where he assisted with the building of a school. He also spent several years as a lobsterman.

Ben was easygoing, and made friends wherever he went. He was loved by everyone he came in contact with. He will be sadly missed.

Predeceased by his brother, Robert “Bobby” Hall; Benjamin is survived by his mother, Jane Holbrook and his step-father, Kenneth Holbrook of Searsmont and Vinalhaven; his sisters, Barbara Hamilton of Vinalhaven, Barbette LeClair of Orrington, Susan Hall of Waldoboro and Theresa Hall of Union; an uncle, Russell MacDonald of Connecticut; his second cousins, Dorothea “Dottie” Dodge of Isle au Haut, Colie Varic and her family of Stonington, Danny MacDonald of Isle au Haut; his cousins, Harold MacDonald and Melanie Smedberg, both of Connecticut; and a special friend, Matthew Skolnikoff of Isle au Haut.

Memorial services will be held at a later day.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.