Behnood Minachi

Ben was exuberant yet still soft. He was a person with great kindness in his heart. He always sported a smile, and he would never shy away from hugging or kissing his family and friends, all of whom he loved dearly. He is loved, and he is missed.

Ben’s story began in Iowa, though his path took him across the US & around the world. Ben spent most of his developing years in Germany and northern Virginia. As an adult, he chose to live his life in North Carolina, surrounded by loved ones & friends as a member of his community, on his own terms.

Behnood was one of the smartest people we knew; he was a man whose hard-work & determination knew few bounds. A graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology & Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering, no one doubted his ability in the STEM fields, engineering in particular. After graduating from Duke, Ben began working for CGI, applying himself & his knowledge to develop solutions for communities across the United States. Ben devoted himself to his work, did an amazing job, and touched the hearts of those with whom he worked. And while he did leave CGI for a short time, he did so to further prove himself as he earned his Master’s in Architecture from North Carolina State University, demonstrating his range, as well as his appreciation for both the smaller details in life & how all the little pieces can come together to become something great.

Ben loved to travel and took many opportunities to explore the world. His travels took him to three continents, and countless countries. He was able to see many places, including Chefchaouen in Morocco, Machu Picchu and Cuzco in Peru, Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Spain, and Jerónimos Monastery in Portugal (to name a few). And, unsurprisingly, over the course of all his travels, Ben made genuine connections with new friends all around the world.

Ben was also a lover of food, fond of all kinds of cuisines, and he always knew where to go to find the best or most interesting things to eat. He also made it a point to share his experiences with those whom he loved.

Ben was generous, outgoing, positively charming, and, for those who were lucky to meet him, someone who could leave a lasting impression. He is loved, and he is missed.

Behnood’s Family - Minachi, Chitsaz, and Alibabaie

“When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” - Khalil Gibran