Benjamin Whitney

Whitney , Benjamin 2/20/1992 - 5/13/2020 Portage 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 fiance, 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 or at Vimeo.com at Monday, May 18, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. Both live steams can be found by searching for Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. 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.