at home in Jacksonville.
Ben grew up in Southern Oregon, attending elementary school in Jacksonville, and earning his
high school equivalent diploma (GED) in 2008 with test scores (3560) placing him in the
top 2% of all graduating high school seniors nationwide. He went on to pursue a dual major
in computer engineering attending Oregon Institute of Technology and Southern Oregon
University where he was currently enrolled in senior level classes.
Ben loved to read. Everything from Harry Potter to Greek mythology, the classics, to cosmic wonders, environmental science and the entire Bible. He had a curious nature for both the natural world and all things digital.. including space and celestial objects, micro-processors, data structures and calculus.
Those who knew him enjoyed his sense of humor which could be either witty or comical. Ben liked a good discussion and was passionate about certain subjects including politics, human rights and the environment. He could also be compassionate, a good listener and empathetic.
Ben loved cats and dogs; his own and everybody elses. He raised 4H pigs on his grandfather’s farm with his friend Jake. He also enjoyed the great outdoors - fishing, downhill skiing, camping and hiking. He spent many summer nights stargazing.
Ben had a life long love for his family. With his niece and nephew he enjoyed being “Uncle Ben” showing them how to build with Legos and play Mario Brothers. He was especially fond of his grandparents and thoughtfully visited his “Gram” in memory care the last years of her life.
Ben was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clare and Elise Bigelow of Tillamook,
Richard and Anita Niedermeyer of Central Point, and Aunt Susan McCarthy of Hood River,
Oregon. He is survived by his parents Claire and Richard; sister Bethany, brother Hanns
and his family (Crystal, Max and Annie Jo). He is also survived by extended family Carol Ruggeri (Jim), cousins Laura and Thomas, Mike McCarthy, cousins Kate, Adam and Luke, Robert Niedermeyer (Barbara) cousins Elizabeth, Josh and Tyler; John Niedermeyer (Kelly) and cousin Erin.
Our family will gather sometime in the coming months to share our memories and experiences with Ben that undoubtably will make us smile and help us to remember his exceptional life and the place for him in our hearts.
Ben is dearly loved by his family and will be greatly missed.
If you choose, memorial contributions may be made in Ben’s memory to Friends of the Animal Shelter, PO Box 1013, Phoenix, OR 97535 or NAMI of Southern Oregon, PO Box 8018, Medford, OR 97501-0918.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.9.5