Bernard Dennis Benjamin

After a lifetime of showing what joy looks like and sharing his bright, joyful smile, our beloved Bernard “Ben” Dennis Benjamin went into the arms of Jesus, on March 22, 2022 at Pathways Hospice in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Bernard was born February 25, 1960 in Illinois to Thomas and Delores Benjamin. He was the second oldest of eight children. Bernard was educated for a few years at Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind. A traumatic brain injury from an accident resulted in his admission to an institution, after which he lived in smaller residential places, ultimately going to Fort Collins, where he lived in various group home settings. Around 2015, Ben began living with David and Elisa Platz in their host home, together with two male peers. He was able to enjoy a stable environment, becoming part of a larger family when the Platz extended family all gathered for meals and celebrations.

Throughout his life, Ben was joyful! He expressed his joy with his huge smile and "happy sounds". He did not hear how loudly his joyful sounds carried but they were a great delight to all who could hear them!

Bernard enjoyed a multitude of activities and it is difficult to list favorites. He loved shopping, traveling (especially to see family in Chicago and his guardian in New York), staying overnight at Dede's, his BFF, going to the dentist for cleanings, doing his laundry, assisting in teaching sign language classes, ARO and Parks and Recreation activities (basketball, dances, softball, work-out partners, swimming, bowling, crafts, cooking, and many more), throwing darts (well), camping and fishing, and all celebration events.

Ben was always kind and thoughtful and never forgot a name. He also never forgot where he put personal items and, although he saved nearly every craft, card, award ribbon, photo, etc., he always knew where each item was. Ben also knew Fort Collins well and knew how to get to his favorite stores and restaurants and could help the driver.

Bernard is survived by many of his loving family members in Chicago - Curtis, brother; Roslyn, sister; and Steven, brother, and his wife Melanie. He is also survived by his nieces Sharon and Chaka; nephew Dante, niece Alexis, nephew Trevon, nephew Capers, and niece Mariah. Early during the pandemic, Steven organized monthly zoom meetings so Bernard and his siblings could visit and see each other. Occasionally, Bernard's nieces and nephews would pop in for a video visit. Ben's smile shone brightly during these video visits.

Bernard is also survived by a large extended family, which includes - Catherine Hoepfer, his guardian and BFF for 33 years and her sister Janice; Dede Kliewer, who has known Ben for 38 years and was his ultimate BFF and her husband Gary; Roxann McKenzie, who was not only a dear friend but Ben's personal assistant and consummate cheerleader. Ben was a beloved member of each of our families, attending family and holiday celebrations and milestone moments.

Through his brief illness, Ben was surrounded by so many who love him. His joy of life will be his legacy.

A Celebration of Life will be announced soon.