Remembering his vision, leadership, and impact
Obituary
Bennett “Ben” Earl Northcutt, 72, passed away on May 29, 2024, after battling pancreatic cancer for nearly four years. He was lovingly surrounded by family and friends and remained positive until the very end.
Ben was born on May 23, 1952, to Robert Northcutt and Mary Rimington in Peoria, Illinois. Ben earned a Bachelor of Science in Botany and a Masters in Plant Ecology, both from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Ben married Kathy Northcutt in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 1986 and they had their daughter Kelly. Ben also helped raise Kathy’s two children Sarah and Ben Coleman. Ben married Deborah Morgan in 2019 and enjoyed time with her daughter Erin, sons Chris and John, and grandchildren Annalee and Silas.
Highlights of Ben’s career include being the Executive Director of the International Erosion Control Association for over 20 years and spending the last decade as Membership Director for the Colorado Greenhouse and Nursery Association. Ben retired in May 2024.
Ben’s hobbies included mountain biking, water skiing, hiking, downhill skiing, camping, and enjoying time with family and friends. Ben is survived by his wife, Deborah; brother, Greg Northcutt; and his daughter Kelly, and he will be deeply missed by those he loved.
Achievements
Ben's involvement with IECA began as an invited speaker for the 1984 annual conference in Denver, CO when he was an erosion control contractor out of Steamboat Springs. In 1988, he was hired as Executive Director at a time when there were about 300 members. When Ben departed as Executive Director in 2007, membership had grown to over 2,000 people, the IECA chapters were formed, the IECA Awards of Excellence began and IECA became the global resource for fostering the control of erosion and reducing sediment from entering our planet’s waterbodies. During this time, regional chapters developed within the U.S. and four continents to help connect members and disseminate information on a local level.
Legacy
"My time at IECA has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life," said Northcutt. "And even though the IECA of today is vastly different than it was back in the mid 80's, I'm still very proud to be part of an organization that truly cares about the people it serves as well as the people that lead it."
Ron Faucher, CPESC, former president of IECA's Board of Directors, praised Northcutt for his work with the association. "Ben stepped in to lead IECA when we were in our infancy and has successfully brought us through all those years of growth. He has worked alongside many volunteer boards, guiding IECA's development over the years and helping to make this organization a major player in our industry."
"Ben has been an outstanding representative for IECA as we have expanded our message of education and information all over the world “
Conclusion
Ben Northcutt was a remarkable leader, a passionate advocate, and a dear friend. He was the Executive Director of our organization for over 19 years, and he left an indelible legacy of achievements, contributions, and impact. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. He will always be a part of our organization, and our organization will always be a part of him. Thank you, Ben, for everything you have done for us, and for the world. Rest in peace, and in power.