Daniel Harris Benedict

Benedict, Daniel Harris 7/15/1965 - 2/26/2017 Ann Arbor Daniel Harris Benedict passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 26, 2017. He suffered from complications due to a spinal cord injury in 2010. Dan was born on July 15, 1965, in Ann Arbor, MI. He was a graduate of Huron High School and the University of Michigan. His parents, Pat and Moby Benedict, encouraged his lifelong interest in sports and nature. Dan "bled blue" his whole life, enjoying baseball, hockey, and basketball games, but one of his great passions was attending as many U of M football games as he could with his wife, Rebecca, especially after taking her to her first game on their first date. Dan and Rebecca also shared a deep love of Northern Michigan, and they enjoyed spending time at Bear Lake and Lake Michigan. Dan faced many health challenges daily but remained positive. Having to rely on others for most of his needs, he was still independent and enjoyed banking, shopping, and whatever other adventure he wanted to do. His determination and fortitude inspired many. Dan will be remembered for his humor, warmth, and kindness, often making others feel better about themselves. His intelligence showed in his love of conversation around the table and campfire, especially if it was about music, sports, history, or pop culture. His companionship will be sorely missed. Dan persevered, in part, due to the love and support of his wife; his Pomeranian "babies," Kodi Bear, Maizy, Moo Cow, and Cassie; and his family. Dan also was supported by an expanded family through the First Presbyterian Church, his friends, and his many loving caregivers, health providers, and U of M doctors. Dan is survived by his wife Rebecca (Peltier); his parents Patricia (Harris) and Milbry Benedict; his brother Michael (Kate) Benedict; his sisters in law Carol Ann Peltier, Dorothy (Jose) Garcia, and Denise Peltier, and his brothers in law James (Kelly) Peltier, Ken Peltier, and David (Terri) Peltier. He was a loving uncle to Maya and Alia Benedict; Mandy (Jeremy) and Cade Reusser; Davey and Liz McCall; Jim, Joe, and Jon Garcia; Kenny Peltier; Michael, Brandon, and Lucas Peltier; Derek (Nichole), Cole, and Madi Peltier; Melissa (Matt), Trevor, and Adeline Fahey; and Aaron Peltier. There will be a Memorial Service on Saturday, March 11, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 1432 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Dan Benedict Accessibility Fund at the First Presbyterian Church. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery.Arrangements under the direction of Muehlig Funeral Chapel, Ann Arbor, MI.