Benjamin Thomas Lane

Benjamin Thomas Lane was born on November 27, 1957, in Jackson, Mississippi. He passed away on Wednesday, September 4, 2019, in Orlando, Florida. Raised with a natural musical talent, Ben earned degrees in organ performance and church music from the University of Southern Mississippi and Northwestern University. He later pursued doctoral studies in musicology at the University of Chicago as well as graduate studies at Seabury-Western Theological Seminary. Ben served at churches in Chicago and Milwaukee, and soon after taught and directed music at Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Delafield, Wisconsin. In 1991, he was called to serve as the musician at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke (Episcopal) in downtown Orlando, later bestowed the honorary title Canon Musician by Bishop John Howe; affectionately known as Canon Choir Master by Cathedral choir members. Along with Deanna Heidelberg Lane, Ben raised daughter Allison and son Andrew in Central Florida. Ben and Deanna instilled the importance of faith and music in their children who became familiar faces in the Cathedral. Ben reveled in Allie and Andrew’s accomplishments as they grew, took pride in the adults they have become, and was thrilled to have spent time with both of them shortly before his passing. Throughout his twenty-eight-year tenure at the Cathedral, Ben led the Cathedral Choir, as well as the Orlando Deanery Boychoir and Girls’ Choir. He produced gorgeous sound from the choirs and instrumentalists he conducted and was revered for his dedication to quality musicianship. Ben appreciated both music history and education, and shared with his choristers the importance and deeper meaning within the sacred music he led. Locally, Ben was active in the Central Florida Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, serving as sub-dean and as chaplain. Internationally, Ben shared his talent and creativity in choral direction via numerous performances throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. In summer 2018, Ben led the Cathedral Men’s Choir for a week in residence at Canterbury Cathedral, Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion, in Canterbury, England; twice leading worship for the Archbishop. In 2008, Ben met Tommy Reed, and the two hit it off instantly. They married in 2014 in Honolulu, Hawaii, and resided in downtown Orlando. Both Ben and Tommy loved hosting friends and family in their home, offering fellowship and warm hospitality to their loved ones. Ben’s final day was filled with love, spent with Tommy, and their beloved dog, Billy. Ben is survived by his husband, Tommy Reed, his children Allison Everett and her husband James, his son Andrew Lane, his sister Angela Joransen and her husband James, his brother Kevin Lane and his wife Rosa, nine nieces and nephews, his favorite aunt Mary Lane Burkes Wheatley, and many more beloved family members. He is preceded in death by his parents Dewey Lane and Sarah Lane Rushton. Benjamin Thomas Lane’s legacy lives on through his many compositions, recordings, faith, and the love he shared with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

Benjamin Thomas Lane

November 27, 1957 - September 4, 2019