OUR story

Tara Trompetter, a.k.a. Mama T, is the heart and soul of the Live Like Ben Foundation.  None of the accomplishments of LLB would have been possible without her boundless vision, drive, compassion, and above all – love.  Being around Tara, it’s not hard to see where Ben got the traits that made him an “unstoppable force” and earned him the nickname “The Rhino”.   Her ability to turn personal tragedy into positive action is truly an inspiration to all.

These days, Tara can be found living in Sooke, B.C. with her partner, Terry, a.k.a. Papa T and their golden retriever Beau, working on Decorative Art and Interior Design projects, Happy Rhino Publishing, her line of clothing imported from Thailand – ‘Thai Dragonfly’, and, of course, working tirelessly to facilitate the great work of the LiveLikeBen Foundation.

‘Mel and Ben were the best of friends right from the moment they first spoke to one another. It was 2007 and Mel and Ben had just been hired as tour guides in Thailand at the same time. They were both so excited about guiding together in a country they both loved with all their hearts! 

The lust for life these two had when flying out to Thailand together in 2008 was out of this world! Their adventures around Asia were always filled with a ton of laughter, jokes and of course a ton of love for one another. Through all their travels their friendship grew stronger and deeper… they considered each other family. And what a family it was!! Mel quickly fell in love with the entire Trompetter family, and they accepted her with open and loving arms!

When Tara (Ben’s mom) started Live Like Ben after his passing in 2012 it was a natural feeling for Mel to step in and help where ever she could. She has thoroughly enjoyed remaining close to the Trompetter’s through all of the Live Like Ben projects and will continue to give back to the Thai children in whatever way she can.’

Alex grew up on the beaches of Thailand with a frisbee in one hand and a fishing rod (that  he made himself!) in the other. Drawn to Railay Beach as a teenager, he fell in love with rock climbing and began working there as a climbing instructor (where he deservedly earned the nickname ‘Monkey’)! While climbing, he learned English, and met lots of new friends – one of whom was Ben! Ben and Alex hit it off right away and it wasn’t long before Ben started inviting Alex to come along on the trips with him. Ben hired Alex and they went on to be rock climbing, adrenaline seeking brothers for many years, managing all kinds of mischief together. Alex’s life was forever changed by his experience guiding and his passion continues to be spreading love and knowledge about his incredible country. These days he lives in Chiang Mai with his family and continues to pursue this dream. 

Born in Calgary, Canada and raised both there and in England, Niki grew to love travel from an early age. After graduating from University she decided to take off on a three month adventure to a  part of the world that was as different as possible than home – South East Asia! She did not anticipate, however, the way that Thailand would change her entire perspective and she instantly fell in love with this country and its’ vibrant culture and people. Rather than taking that flight home, she was hired as a tour guide and started a career that completely altered her life! It was through guiding that she was lucky enough to meet Ben, who quickly became a mentor and close friend, teaching her what it meant to be a tour guide and having too much fun for words. That ‘three month’ trip turned into a two year trip, then three, and now eight years later she lives in Chiang Mai with her family and continues to pursue her dreams of adventure and all things Thailand.

Max is a Vancouver-based marketing and branding expert that consults for LLB Foundation and is the one who created our logo. He is the co-founder of an innovative social venture and has been working in the marketing space for over a decade. Knowing the Trompetter family since 2006, he is honoured to be part of the LLB Foundation.

Shannon was born and raised in Calgary where she met her best friend, Tara, in high school. They became lifelong friends. Like sisters, they have travelled many roads together. From their crazy fun days to the wonderful motherhood days where she was honoured to be Ben’s godmother. They have shared an inseparable bond with each other and family.

Shannon followed the sun to the Coast, where the highlights of her career were as senior executive assistant in commercial property management, shopping centre and hotel development, and purchasing agent for Larco Investments’ Vancouver Hilton and Marriott hotels. Shannon is an independent graphic designer.

On a trip to Thailand in 2019, Shannon’s life changed direction. She left the corporate world and went on a journey of self-transformation to a village in the northern mountains. Shannon discovered a new purpose in life through the LiveLikeBen foundation and helping the village people.

Throughout Shannon’s life, a calling for adventure has been close to heart. She reflects on the days of hang-gliding with her ‘sister’ to the life changing trip following Ben’s footsteps through Thailand. Nowadays, you can find her nurturing her garden with her husband, spending time with her two amazing sons and working on Winnie Moo books!