Benjamin William Heninger
July 26, 1997 - August 12, 2023
On the worst day of our lives, August 12, 2023, our sweet Benjamin took his own life and his last breath here on earth. He had just turned 26, bought a home, and been accepted to Weber State University. As a child he aspired to be a video game designer, something he taught himself as an adult where he made a gaming website and several online games.
Ben was a wonder. Everything about him was quirky, kind, and soft. He had a gentle soul. He loved anime, real time strategy games, battle arena games, board games, and dungeons and dragons. He loved cold cereal, root beer, and Hawaiian pizza. Ben found great joy in sharing his interests with others, he could talk for hours about his latest game idea, anime show, D&D expedition or a hypothetical “What if?” At times he had a dark sense of humor, which kept us feeling amused by our “Benjamin being Benjamin.”
His happiest places were his childhood homes, Lagoon, and online worlds he could share with his brothers and friends. Ben always showed up. You could always count on him to be there. He never made anyone feel judged, he accepted you as you were.
He always thought and spoke in a very unique way: hyper specific, literal, and curious. His speaking voice had a cadence that no one else has. He had a beautiful sincerity and an endearing innocence to the way he saw the world. He would make a joke at every opportunity possible, enjoying the game of creativity and seeing people’s reactions. We miss his mind, his voice, his presence, his laugh and his humor.
Benjamin was captivated by the idea of good triumphing over evil. He wanted to be a knight. He wanted to be a hero. This desire led to him joining the Marines. He left just under 4 years later with an honorable discharge due to PTSD caused by military culture. This included poor treatment from a number of officers and fellow soldiers. We are so grateful for the rays of light provided by some individuals in his unit and D&D group who took him in and gave him a second family.
In the last year of his life he found more trueness to himself by leaving behind his LDS upbringing “and stuff”. He found comfort and joy in the aesthetic and symbols of satanism and in the core tenet of believing in himself. He battled severe depression for many years, overcoming its unbearable symptoms for an inspiring amount of time. We are so thankful for the extra time he gave us.
Ben was caring, playful, intelligent, silly, humble, ticklish, competitive, creative, strong, sincere, fun, and always curious about the world. He is so, so loved. He wanted to be a hero, and he is ours.
Benjamin is survived by his mother, Carol, his father, Thane, and step-mother, Tara, and his brothers and sisters: Scott (Brittany) Heninger, Jennifer (Nathan) Nisson, Dan (Emily Lynn) Heninger, Jonathan (Irene) Heninger, Rodgerick (Katharine) Heninger, Carolyn Heninger and Daryan Zahne.
If you would like to honor Benjamin and share your memories and ours, please join us on Monday, August 21st from 6-8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use parking and entrance located on the north side of the building.
It’s time to rest, Benjamin. We’ll fly with you. You’re free.
A livestream link will be available for Benjamin's Memorial Service for those who won't be able to make it.
For those who are unable to attend, a live stream will take place beginning at 6. Soon after 6 a tour of his memories and memorabilia will take place. An open house will happen from 6-7.
Beginning at 7, the live stream will be set up to watch the open mic wake. Those joining by live stream are welcome to also share any thoughts or memories of Ben they’d like, the family would love to hear anything anyone might have to say.
*Benjamin's family has asked that attendees consider taking proper precautions against the rising cases of COVID 19 in the community. There will be masks provided upon entry to the Memorial Service for Benjamin and attendees are more than welcome to bring their own as well.*
In Loving Memory
I hoped in better circumstances to express my love for Ben, his family and his friends. He is an immense loss. My heart breaks with all who knew him and share the hope and memory of him. Grieve however you need too, I know I will. I will do my best to reach out and always count me as someone ready to listen anytime. Love and appreciate ya'll!
I'm deeply sorry for your loss your son was a great person and I'm so happy to have met him we went to kings dominion in va before I go out of the marines and he spent about 3 hours painting a peacock for somebody he was very excited to give it to whoever he painted it for . we had alot of laughs my wife and I talk about him every once and awhile his loss is on both of our minds we both send prayers to your family and are extremely sorry for what you are going through May God help your family through this rough time The Evans Family
I knew Benjamin when we were in middle school. He was one of the coolest unique people I met. I will fly for you Ben. Fly high
I’m so sorry to hear about Daniel’s passing and that he had been deceived by Satan and got to such a dark place. I hope you find peace God and in His son Jesus Christ who is the source of truth and light. May God Bless the Heninger family. Alan Howell
We were stationed together. He was always super nice and funny to me. We could talk about literally anything. Rest in peace brother.
Heninger was a kind soul. Always something to talk about and always had the ability to make the people around him laugh. Rest in peace, warrior.
Though I wish it was through different circumstances i want you to know you left an everlasting impact on me and everyone around you and I wish we could have cracked on each other a bit more before your passing. Rest in love Henny.
In Loving Memory
