Benji Edmund
July 31, 1980 - September 7, 2013
Benjamin Brent Edmund
“Benji”
Benji, 33, went home to Jesus on September 7th, 2013 after a valiant battle with cancer. Benji never questioned his faith and trust in God. He encouraged people by emphasizing: “Don’t stop believing!”
He was born on July 31st, 1980 in Salt Lake City to Melvin Brent Edmund & Leonie Born. Benji graduated from Salt Lake Christian Academy in 1998. He married his high school sweetheart, Heidi, on September 15th, 2000. Benji, from a young age, knew exactly what he wanted in all areas of his life. Above all else, his desire was to take care of his wife, Heidi, and their precious boys. He excelled as a self-taught computer genius – “our little nerd”. He was highly respected by his peers for his unique ability to grasp technology. Benji had a passion for music, books, science, and brewing beer.
Benjamin is survived by his beautiful wife Heidi; sons Jonah, Isaac, Yoda and Vader; father, Mel (Kel) Edmund; mother, Leonie Born; brother Dan (Jaime); sisters Alisha and Erica (Kurt); nieces Caitlin and Brooklin; nephews Aidan and Daxton; and countless friends and co-workers. In addition to his immediate family, he was loved and admired like a son and brother by Heidi’s family, Mark and Becky, Chelsea (Waid) and Nick.
A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, September 11th from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S. 900 E. in Salt Lake City, where complimentary valet parking will be provided on the north side of the building. As per Benji’s request, please come dressed in your favorite nerd/geek T-shirt. Funeral services will be held September 12th at 11:00 AM at Capital Church, 1010 E. 700 S. in Salt Lake, where friends may greet the family one hour prior. He will be laid to rest at a private family service at Murray City Cemetery.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to his Pastor Troy, nurse Scott and the staff at Hearts for Hospice as well as the staff at Hillside Rehabilitation Center, the Cedar Fort Fire Department and all of the villians at Comic Con. Words cannot express the gratitude towards his employer, Instructure, for their overly generous support during his journey. We are also tremendously grateful to the outpouring of generosity from many of our friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a community of people close to Benji and Heidi’s heart in Swaziland, Africa. Please make checks payable to Capital Church with “Swaziland” in the memo, or go online to capitalchurch.com
Benji exemplified the true meaning of Strength & Honor.
In Loving Memory
Leonie, so sorry to hear of your brothers passing. May God surround you and all of his family at this very difficult time.
Pam ziebell
Holladay, ut
Benji always put a smile on my face - He was a man of God - A great family man, and just fun to be around. I will miss him but his memory will never fade.
kurt micka
nan, nan
Loved Benji's smile or grin, depending on what he was thinking or planning!. So glad he is out of pain, so sorry for your missing him.
Kathleen & Fred Wright
Sandy, nan
Benji, I can still hear you laugh right now. You always had a way of bringing light to a room without trying. I will always remember you for your humor, your loyalty and your love for your family. You are a true example to the rest of us left behind.
Heather Roberts
Sarasota, FL
Heidi and Family I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Benji for a short while and was struck my his ability and yearning to learn. May the Lord give you strength.
Barry Bake
Salt Lake City, Ut
Heidi & family, we are truly sorry for your loss. Benji was a wonderful person and a great man. He was always fun to be around with his great sense of humor. There are always four things that immediately come to mind when I think of Benji: His Laugh His Love for his family His Pugs His green Star Wars shirt Benji truly lived by his favorite mantra "Strength & Honor" and it always showed. He will truly be missed, but never forgotten. Be at peace.
Nate & Jen Ligori
Austin, TX
Benji, may God bless you on your new journey. You will be missed. Enjoy the place God has prepared for you.
Gary Dow
Lehi, Ut
Benji, I have so many memories of our younger days, my friend you always made me laugh, what an amazing man of God and faith, you are still touching lives and as you asked me not to long ago via message to continue to pray, my friend I will daily my friend. God glory was honored through your life. You are missed by the many lives you touched. I am one thank you!
Leah Adams
Herriman, Ut
Leonie & family, I am sorry to hear of Benji's death. Your video tribute and his obituary brought forth his shining personality, even for someone who never met him. He sounds very special. Thank for for sharing him! Sue
Susan Coleman
Johnson City, TN
I've heard so many wonderful things of you Benji. All though I personally have not met you it seems we know each other. I'm the one that made you that hat I seen it on you and the smile that you gave was amazing. This is a hard time for your wife and sons but you will always be so near to them. I will continue to pray for your beautiful wife and sons. Love you and your beautiful memories as I read them I can tell you are with a wonderful god and you will remain to always have faith and Honor.
Robyn Buckingham
Sandy, Ut
Leonie, Please accept my condolences in the passing of your son Benji. I am so sorry for your loss.
Cindy Edmund Bai
Salt Lake City, Ut
I still remember how Benji could light up a room with his smile. He was amazing, could always spread the joy. I'm sure he's keeping the angels on their toes with his antics, and lighting up the rooms with his smile.He will be missed and will never be forgotten.
Sabrina Dow
Wheatridge, CO
Dan & Jaime and Family, Heidi and family, Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. We are so sorry for your loss of Benji.
Steve and Shauna Hansen
Salt Lake City, Ut
My dearest Benji, Know you are a true son of God! You represented him faithfully in all you did. You leave a beautiful legacy and code. " STRENGTH & HONOR." The World has lost an extrodinary Man, while the Heavens gained a Glorious Shining Angel. My love to all of you that were indeed blessed to be a part of his Life... Forever, Leslie Peterson
Leslie Ryan Peterson
Murray, UT
Benji is in the presence of Jesus. I love Benji and am so thankful for the friendship and memories. Grace, peace and prayers to Heidi, the boys, Leonie, Brent, Dan and Alisha. Such an amazing family. SO hard.
Colby Engstrum
Orange County, CA
Dear Heidi and Leonie, Though I never met your husband/son, nor you, Heidi, I felt like I did through the many prayers on all your behalf. What a precious "family" you have Heidi and Leonie. May The Lord bless you and keep you and shine HIS face upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up HIS countenance upon you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:24
Deb Lantz
Parker, Co
It is said the glory of God is man fully alive. That was Benji.. the mind of a philosopher and the heart of a warrior poet.
Shannon Burgess, Conor's mom
Wheatridge, CO
Alisha and Family, I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you, praying for peace & comfort during this time of loss as well as a celebration of new life for Benji!
Nicole Clark
Sandy, Ut
Heidi, my condolences on the loss of your husband. I began working around Benji in 2011. I will always hold Benji in high regard. I respected him for his technical knowledge, his work ethic and friendly demeanor. I felt that he connected with not only me, but also others in a genuine and personable way. May the Lord and his comfort be with you and your family at his passing.
Kyle Thornton
Mesa, AZ
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal" Benji's memory will live on forever!!!
Matt Nelson
SLC, UT
Only met Benji a few times- weddings and Heids Grampa's funeral-but I remember him always grinning. Gods peace to his family - to Heidi and the boys and dear Mark and Becky-may your memories and Jesus bring you comfort in the days ahead. Blessings..
Carolyn & Rick Drain
S Jordan, UT
Heidi, Dan and Jaime I was so sad to hear of Benji passing I can't believe that it was a year ago that we were all on a cruise together. I am so greatful and blessed that I got to know all of you. What a wonderful time we had. Benji was so much fun and I loved teasing him. He made the trip for me the most fun ever. All his stories made me laugh. I am grateful that I got to meet your cute boys Heidi last Christmas. My heart breaks for them. I am sorry that I cannot be at the funeral as I am out of town. Please know that I am praying for all of you. Debbie Peterson I will never forget his smile, which by the way no one knew what he was thinking.
Debbie Peterson
Taylorsville, Ut
Benji's family, Our hearts are heavy with you as you say goodbye until another day. Benji was a good Facebook friend and he loved his family so very much. He is risen to be with the Savior. Peace, Love and Blessings as you try to copy with him being gone from this earth. He let everyone know that Jesus is a priority.
Mark William Hester
South Jordan, Ut
Brent, I was saddened to read of the passing of Benji, He sounded like a great son and an even better husband and father. wish you all strength in the coming days and future.
Larry Littleford
Taylorsville, Utah, nan
Dear Heidi and family, Jeff Hays is out of the country this month in South Africa and asked me (his assistant) to contact you and send flowers. I see in the obit, that you have asked instead of flowers, for donations to the Swaziland fund. Jeff has gone ahead and done that. Jeff gives his full condolences and his heart is with you at this time. Best, Jeff Hays via Julie Garner
Jeff Hays
Draper, Ut
I do not know Benji or the family personally, I stumbled upon his story by accident over a year ago. I am so sorry that it has ended this way, I cannot even imagine what your family is going through right now. Just know his story reached across the country, and many people who you have never met are thinking of you now.
Ashley August
Woodland, WA