Benjamin Carlos Bender
2005 - 2026
Benjamin Carlos Bender (“Benji” or “Ben”) died due to a motorcycle accident on July 15, 2026. He was born on August 17, 2005, in Chinautla, Guatemala. Ben was adopted by Margaret Bender, a U.S. citizen, on May 11, 2006, and came to live with her in Winston-Salem, NC. Growing up, Ben participated in the Boy Scouts and in many sports, especially tae kwon do, soccer, and hockey. He was known for being verbally precocious, energetic, an original thinker, and an animal lover. Ben was proud of his Spanish-English bilingualism and his Latino heritage. He earned his GED in 2023 and studied for one year at Forsyth Technical Community College. Ben loved food and cooking and worked in several regional restaurant kitchens from the age of 16 onward. Most recently, he was proud to work at River Birch Lodge in Winston-Salem. Ben was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Winston-Salem his whole life and had many friends there. He is sorely missed by friends and family. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Ben may do so via:
• The Culinary Institute of America (https://securelb.imodules.com/s/898/lg26/form.aspx?sid=898&gid=1&pgid=466&cid=1266) Designate donation to CIA Scholarship Fund and In Memory of Benjamin Bender. Donations will support students with financial need and/or from nontraditional backgrounds.
Or
• The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Winston-Salem (https://uufws.breezechms.com/give/online) Select “Other” as the fund and put “In Memory of Benjamin Bender” in the comment line. Donations will support the Religious Education program.
Much love to you Margaret. Ben will always hold a special place in my heart. He was a one-of-a-kind gift to this world. So lucky to have known him. Always, Pam
Your Cherokee family holds you dear and near to our 💞
Sending love to you, Margaret. I wish I’d known Benji as he grew up. With love, Jane
Benji was such a special person, and I will always hold a spot in my heart for him. I still have the ‘thank you’ note he wrote after the summer when you two cared for my little cottage. I remember thinking how sweet he was, especially with animals, and how much he adored you. I can’t fully comprehend the pain, but know you are in my thoughts, Margaret. ❤️🩹
I met Benji as a spunky 8 year old who attended Linguistics talks and events. His spirit and spark always delighted me as I never knew what to expect from him and I so admired his self-assuredness. I am forever grateful that he shared himself with us college professors and our students and that he was always himself. That is something to strive towards in his honor!
Prayers