Benjamin Nickerson, 38, of Medford, MA, adored husband of Katie Olsen Nickerson of Santa Ana, CA, died peacefully 12/26/15 at home, on his own terms and in the arms of his wife, following a brave battle against Leukemia. He chose to spend his final weeks surrounded by loved ones. Ben was the beloved son of Benjamin Nickerson of Woodstock, VT and Jane Pompeo of St. Johnsbury, VT; treasured son-in-law of Bill and Ellen Olsen of Payson, AZ. Born 8/9/77, Ben was raised in Medford and VT. A soccer team star, Ben graduated Medford High, '95. As an adult, he moved often, but truly loved Orange County, CA, where he married Katie, whom he fell in love with on a blind date in Boston on 1/15/00. Ben was a Local 7 Ironworker, proudly working his trade, until a work injury in 2007 in CA. Never one to give up, Ben proved doctors wrong by walking again, then becoming a Swiss-trained watchmaker. Ben was an art collector, a Boston sports fan, and dutifully doted on his cats. He was happiest with friends and family, exploring the West with Katie, or planning their adventures. Ben was known for his loyalty, intelligence, stubbornness, wit, work ethic, trustworthiness, curiosity, strength, style, talent, respect for others, and, of course, his tattoos. This was no ordinary life: This was a life well-lived and well-loved, a life that will be deeply missed. In addition to Katie, his parents, and his in-laws, Ben is survived by siblings Clifford, William and his wife Elise, Abigail, and Lily, of VT; grandmother, Joyce Pompeo of ME; extended Pompeo family; extended Nickerson family; brother- and sister-in-law, Tom and Natalie Olsen of WA; devoted caregivers, Dr. Josh Lakin, Rosie Branson-Gill, and their family; countless valued friends and coworkers, both near and far. Predeceased by grandparents, Alfred P. Pompeo and Clifford and Catherine Nickerson. Family and friends may visit at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St, Medford, MA on Saturday, January 2, 2016 from 1 thru 4 with a service of remembrance at 4 PM. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute Dept. of Psychosocial Oncology, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02884-9168.