Benjamin Lewis May passed away suddenly last week in Perrigo Park when in a depressive mental state. Many remember their beloved Ben for his smile and for making people laugh (read memorial notes). Ben moved from North Carolina to Redmond, WA to be with Nichole Almond. His Memorial is in Perrigo Community Park on the wooden fence in the upper lot. Pictures, candles, flowers, a Peace Booklet, prayers & thoughts from loved ones, and colored pens are left for friends and passersby to write a note or prayer. CLICK on the photos to read the notes and prayers.
I met this Redmond couple and their baby last week in tears at Ben's memorial. They knew Ben from Wake Forest college days. The mother wrote on the Memorial: “Ben, I still remember you as a scrawny freshman…” and the father added ”(and Sadie)”.
Ben May, is a 2001 graduate of Wake Forest University, moved to Seattle in 2008 and worked as a data management analyst at Starbucks Coffee Co. from March 2008 to June 2009, according to the article by the Davidison News. The News said Ben was the son of Jamie May, a longtime administrator at Davidison College who now lives in Chapel Hill. ~ Bob
"In Memoriam of Ben May" Facebook Group (over 2,000 members - mostly from Ben's hometown areas)
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Re-Posted By Bob Yoder
Photos By Yoder
Thanks to one of my readers (Mike) for the notification.
Ben's story has attracted over two thousand visitors to Redmond Blog from all over the country.
Ben's sudden death from depression stirred memories of my younger brother, Rick. Rick was happy-go-lucky and had lots of friends and was great with people. He was in pain for years and died suddenly from a major depression at 39. I wrote a note on Ben's memorial. It helped. "Thanks for being there, Ben".
ReplyDeleteI didn't know Ben for very long, but I can honestly say that he has touched my life in such a profound way. Whenever you saw Ben you could feel yourself cheer up just at the sight of his happy face. If only we knew what he was going through...If only he knew how much he inspired people...If only...
ReplyDeleteRIP Ben, you are and always will be loved.
May we turn to those beside us and ask, "How are you...really?"
ReplyDeleteThanks to all of you in Redmond for the love and caring that you shared with our Nephew - Ben May. We, like many of you miss his smiling face, laughs, and friendship!
ReplyDeleteThe Beerbowers, Hickory, NC