Benjamin Meyers

There are some people that come into our lives and leave a forever imprint on our hearts. From the time he was just a little boy Ben Meyers touched the hearts of many with his beautiful smile, compassionate heart and everlasting kindness. Proud of the young man he had grown to be, Ben above all was a loving and loyal friend whose love for people was unmatched. Thoughts of Ben will continue to brighten the days of those he left behind, albeit too soon, but his love will last forever.

The 1980s brought many changes to our world. Ronald Reagan was the 40th President of the United States during the Iran Contra Scandal while Princess Diana continued to hold a special place in the hearts of people everywhere. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles made their debut and continue to be a favorite of children to this day. The 80s was also a time of change for a young couple from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Kivan Meyers and Judith (Bowman) Meyers welcomed the birth of their third child on February 17, 1988 and lovingly named him Benjamin Alan.

Ben grew up alongside his sister Heather and three brothers, Kivan Jr., Steve and Doug. It proved to be a bustling household at times but they all spent memorable times sharing loads of adventures together. From the very beginning Ben proved to be a caring and helpful child. As a youngster he liked helping his mom in the kitchen where one day his creative flair would produce a true love for the culinary arts. During his youth Ben attended the Alamo Community Congregational Church where he became involved in the church youth group. And then he was a member of the River of Life Church of Martin.

Talented in many respects, throughout Ben’s school years he was involved in band, the choir and in high school took part in wrestling for a few years. He attended Otsego Public Schools but a most defining moment in Ben’s life came about during a high school trip to Denver, Colorado. While attending a Peace Conference there, the highlight of the trip for Ben included the proud moment when he actually met the Dalai Lama. Ben later went on to graduate from Otsego High School in 2007.

With an unquestionable love for the culinary arts, Ben enrolled into the culinary arts program at M.C.T.I, the Michigan Career Technical Institute where he received his food certificate. Over the years he mainly worked in food service. A dedicated worker, it didn’t matter if he was washing dishes or cooking up scrumptious dishes, Ben was happy to be working and in his field of interest. With his collection of old cookbooks, Ben enjoyed cooking just about everything and anything!

Besides cooking, Ben’s other interest included his love for Medieval and Renaissance fairs. They seemed to really strike a cord with his ingenuity and creative side. One of his favorite fairs was the Silver Leaf Renaissance Faire that he loved attending each year. He was quite good with kids and always seemed to find a way to reach them at their level. He held a great love for his nephew, Peyton.

A loyal friend, Ben was a great listener and was always willing to offer an encouraging word. His smile could light up a room and when coupled with his fun loving and jokester ways it often brought laughter to those in his company. A warm, loving and caring individual, Ben had a wonderful way with people which made it a treasure to have known him. Compassion was a heartfelt gift he freely gave to others and he did so abundantly.

Although Ben’s years were few compared to many, he leaves a lasting imprint on the lives he embraced with his kindness, consideration and compassion. A young man who knew where he stood and what was important in life, his memory will forever remain a bright light in the days, weeks and months to come to those who knew and loved him.

Benjamin Alan Meyers, of Otsego, age 22, passed away Monday, August 2, 2010. His family will receive friends Wednesday, August 11, 2010 from 11-1 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell (685-5881). Funeral services for Ben will be held on Wednesday, 1:00 PM at the same location. Ben’s family includes: mother, Judith Meyers of Otsego; father, Kivan (Marilyn Smith) Meyers, of Kalamazoo; siblings: Heather (Ben Anderson) Meyers of Florida, Kivan Meyers, Jr., Steve Meyers and Doug Meyers, all of Kalamazoo; his nephew, Peyton Meyers of Allegan; grandparents: Earl Jr. and LuLu Meyers of Delton; Austin and Evelyn Bowman of Shelbyville. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. Please visit Ben’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can submit a favorite memory or photo, sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home or make a memorial donation to the family.