Benjamin Michael Boes

Benny Boes passed November 1, 2016 in his home, surrounded by his best buds and family. Benny was the beloved husband of Elise (Britcher) Boes and father to loving sons Callan Atlas and Stuart Roy Gordon Boes. He was the youngest child of Jim and Cindy Boes, sibling to eldest sister Kris (Boes) and Jake Porter and brother Matt and Katrin Boes.

Early in his struggle with cancer, Benny took to heart a quotation by ESPN announcer Stuart Scott, fellow cancer fighter, who said, "When you die, it does not mean you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live. So live. Live. Fight like hell, and when you get too tired to fight, then lay down and rest and let somebody else fight for you." Benny lived life to the full, fought the good fight and he never let cancer define him. Even in his last hours, his humor made us laugh and his fight made us the stronger. He was an amazing husband, father, son and friend.

Benny and Elise married August 12, 2006 at Mayflower Congregational Church, a ceremony often referred to as a timeless fairy tale. As husband, Benny strived to put his wife first humoring Elise’s whistling, honoring her spontaneity and accommodating her incessant need for impromptu adventures. Although occasionally reluctant, he never refused a trip to the dance floor. Teamwork was a priority in their marriage. In adversity, and there was some, they chose to work together, drawing closer rather than standing apart. Team Boes lived long before the hashtag.

As Callan and Stuart’s father, his boys were top priority. He took so much pride in Cal and Stu, making sure they always knew the depth of his love. As his struggle worsened, Benny faithfully tucked his kids in for bed giving them cherished "koala hugs". Even when doctors advised him not to travel, he would not hear of Cal and Stu missing out on their long anticipated Disney experience. Callan tells everyone that his dad is "the most awesome dad in the galaxy!"and to his peers, a parenting role model.

Benny was tall, he was loud and any room he entered benefited from positive presence. He had the gift of remembering something about anyone he met, recalling it whenever they might meet again, always making them feel they’d made a new friend. Benny’s friendliness was constant, bringing people together regardless of who they were. His genuineness, infectious personality and inclusive spirit are all reasons his friends are abundant and everywhere. Generosity, kindness, positivity, tirelessness... all words used to describe awesome people in the person of Benny Boes, are defined.

As friends, we write this eulogy together, concluding that there are no words that truly do justice to the memory of Benny Boes. In life, he made this world a better place and in death, the challenge is now ours to make up the difference, filling the hole he leaves. We are better people having known him. Of us all, he was the best... strong, brave, and undeniably awesome through his very last breath.

Along with his immediate family, Benny leaves behind a large extended family and in-laws Curtis and Vicky Britcher, siblings-in-law Brandon and Kate Britcher, Nathan Britcher and Hannah Britcher.

A gathering for relatives and friends to visit with Benny’s family will be held from 12 PM to 3 PM Sunday at Cook Memorial Chapel in Grandville, 4235 Prairie St. SW (East building). A Celebration of the Awesome Life of Benny Boes will be held 11 AM Monday, November 7, at Mayflower Congregational Church, 2345 Robinson Rd SE in Grand Rapids. Rev. Eric Britcher will officiate. In honor of Benny, contributions may be made to TEAM BOES at Fifth Third Bank. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guestbook online at www.cookcares.com.

To view the Keepsake Video please click on the link below.

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/RRLN34QWZ7NFRLB3