Benjamin "Ben" Whitney
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Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home Cremation Care, Richland Chapel9170 East D Avenue Tel. (269) 629-6022 |
Tribute & Message From The Family
Benjamin ("Ben") Michael Whitney was born in February of 1992 in Galesburg, Illinois and returned to the arms of Jesus on May 13, 2020 in Portage, Michigan. He is survived by his parents, Craig and Judy Whitney of Richland, Michigan; his sister and nephew, Ashley and Grant Fair of Elkhart, Indiana; his sister, Bianca Whitney and her fiancé, Jeff Kammerman, of Madison, Wisconsin; his Grandfather, Gary Schulz of Eau Claire, Michigan; several aunts, uncles and cousins; and all of his artwork, his dance moves, his collection of weapons and his unending list of hobbies.
Ben graduated from Gull Lake High School in 2010 and was an artist by heart and trade. Ben made the most of his short time on earth, never setting limits on himself, and lived his life to the fullest. He was an incredibly talented glassblower, artist, and welder, with many of his pieces being displayed at KIA and sold nationally.
Ben will continue to stay with us through the silly memories we all have of him. We will see him everywhere within the things he loved - in paintings, sketches, glass and metal art, photography, travel, scuba diving, spear fishing, break dancing, bike riding, hot yoga, working out - the list never ends.
Ben changed the world with his infectious smile, creativity, genuine and caring soul, and his tender heart. Ben was loved by so many and loved so many more. He will be incredibly missed by everyone who loved him, and the world will never be the same without him.
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, services will be limited to immediate family only. However, all that loved him can join us online for a live stream of the service via the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care Facebook page at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2020. The video will also be uploaded here to his obituary page under the multi-media tab shortly after the services have been completed and links will be listed at bottom of his obituary. Memorials can be made directly to the family at this time. Personal messages for the family and memories of Ben may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.
VIDEO LINKS:
Memorial Service Part 1: https://vimeo.com/421038579
Memorial Service Part 2: https://vimeo.com/421095963
Condolence & Memory Journal
God has blessed me to have a friend like Ben. We skated, danced, palyed games and even did gardening together. He joined up with my crew and got to spend many hours just practicing and talking with him. I got to go to his art shows and he try to teach me how to blow glass. Ben rode your bike all the way across town to Henderson Castle for my wedding, and got to hold and play with my first son and got to share some talk over my newborn daughter this February. All this starting from working together at Stryker about 7-8 years ago and your love for the arts. One of the memories that stuck out to me over the last couple days is the wierd way that he almost always say I love you when he was taking off with his goofy personality. I gotten used to it after a while that I would be saying it back to him as well, and now I miss it. So it has been a great pleasure to get to know Ben. My condolences to his family for you will be missed. Much love from the McKoy Family.
-Brandon McKoy, Coworker, Crew member and friend, Portage Mi, May 18, 2020
Kalamacrew
Ben.....your presence has touched many, with your love, your humor and your art. You will be missed by those still here on this earth...I know you are in heaven in the loving arms of God.
Judy, Craig, Ashley and Bianca...know you are loved by God and all your friends and family. We love and support you and pray for peace. Hugs and love....Craig & Shari
Family Album
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