As a baby, toddler and little boy he was always full of life, laughter and joy. Benjamin was a cub scout, played soccer and baseball, loved to swim and play with his friends. He was a typical teenager who loved playing Xbox and was obsessed with Minecraft. He was in fact very technically savvy and very often taught others how to use modern technology. He liked to be called “Ben” and was just starting to think about driving, dating and excited to be starting high school in the fall of 2013. Benjamin was funny and loved to make people laugh which often involved jokes and pranks.

 

As his parents, from a very early age we would often say “he was 13 going on 30”. He was wise beyond his years and was often described as having an old soul. Anyone who met Benjamin and had a simple conversation with him quickly realized he was a bright child destined to do great things.​

 

In 4th grade Benjamin was selected by his grammar school principal to assist the school board in interviewing candidates for his replacement for the following school year. This was a great honor to be selected among so many other students. He impressed several board members with his maturity and intelligence and as a result the superintendent of schools presented Benjamin with an award recognizing his accomplishment.