Aaron David Benjamin passed away September 19, 2022, at the Boise VA Hospital from complications of a service-related disease. Sadly, the disease plagued the last few years of his life. As hard as he tried to fight it, he lost the hardest battle he would face in his short life. Born February 6th, 1968 in Caldwell, Idaho to Arlen and Shirley Benjamin, he was the oldest of seven children. He spent the bulk of his childhood growing up in Marsing, Idaho surrounded by rolling hills of fruit trees and corn fields. He and his brothers earned money moving sprinkler pipes for the farmers that lived around them. Having four brothers to play with: blowing things up, rewiring TVs for weekend entertainment, and taking out a fence with a Jaguar were just some of the shenanigans of everyday life. Aaron was excited when two baby sisters were added to the family. He loved, protected, and cared for both of them. Aaron loved the yearly trips the family took and retold the story of his brother Kevin being left behind at the hotel and the panic that followed. He laughed at how Kevin was none the wiser and was found calm and safe waiting for their return. Aaron graduated from Vallivue High School in 1986. He made lifelong friends there. Aaron was Student Body President, Varsity Wrestler, and Marching Band Drum Major his Jr. and Sr. years. He was loved by everyone he met and knew. Aaron loved to be the trendsetter, not a follower. With his billed hat, black eyeliner, rolled pants, Vans, and an attitude; he had a love for Punk and New Wave music to which he dressed the part. In 1986 while helping with his best friend's- sister's wedding (his future sister-in-law) he met his wife, NeCole. They started dating in December before he left for Army Basic Training in January of 1987. Aaron was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany with the 143rd Signal Battalion 3rd Armored Division. On August 12, 1989, Aaron and NeCole married for time and all eternity in the Boise Idaho Temple. Aaron and NeCole started their life together in Germany. While stationed there, they were able to travel to Munich, Switzerland, and Spain; along with many day trips to surrounding areas. In December of 1990, Aaron proudly served his country in the Gulf War. He would move through Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, the Basera Highway of Death, and the Khobar Towers. Aaron spoke little of his time in the Middle East until recently. Being surrounded by burning oil fields, camel spiders, and flies; he recounted disliking them all. He spoke of how proud he was to serve his country with the men that surrounded him, those that served before him, and those that would serve after him. He believed there was no greater brotherhood than that forged in the service of our country. He would fight to the death to defend Her against all enemies: foreign and domestic. In 1992 Aaron and NeCole welcomed their first son Brenden to the family in Provo, Utah. Aaron was attending UVCC at the time. They made their way back to Nampa, and in 1994 welcomed their second son, Corbin. Aaron was attending Boise State University in 1997 when they welcomed their daughter Tatum into the family. Aaron loved being a husband and a father. When given the chance he took the opportunity to coach football, basketball, and any other activities the kids participated in. He also served in scouting with his sons and nephews. Aaron and NeCole, with the kids, did everything together while supporting the kids and helping with each child's teams and passions. On more than one occasion Aaron even tried to coach from the sidelines. He loved watching his beautiful kids grow up and forge each path they took. He helped pick them up when they stumbled. He loved sharing his passion for music that was always playing in the house and car. Aaron loved taking the kids camping on their family land in Crouch, ID: floating the river, teaching the kids to fish (unsuccessfully), and taking the winter hike to enjoy snow sledding on the mountain behind the family property. When time permitted, he also helped deliver phone books with the family to help pay for a trip to Disney Land for the family to go with the Nampa High School Marching band. Aaron loved being a part of everyone's lives. He loved all the time spent helping and caring for his siblings by talking to them on the phone, visiting with them, and even getting the opportunity to marry his sister Shauna to her husband Jeff. Aaron was always there when he was needed. He shared many stories and fun times he had while growing up. His time with friends from school and friends he made in the military will never be forgotten. He tried his best to find some of his friends from the military over the years but was only able to find a few. Aaron wanted everyone to remember the fun times and to find joy and happiness in their successes, as well as to love and celebrate their family. He wanted everyone to love each other, love life, and above all: be happy because life truly is short. Aaron loved his wife, children, and grandchildren with all of his heart. He was so proud of them and all that they have accomplished in their lives. Aaron is survived by his wife NeCole Benjamin, sons Brenden Benjamin and Corbin (Jessica, Ryker, Vance, Roman, Cozette) Benjamin, daughter Tatum Benjamin, parents Arlen and Shirley Benjamin, In-laws Larry and Linda Smith, siblings Nate (Dawn) Benjamin, Brian (Holly) Benjamin, Kevin (Amy) Benjamin, Damon (Amy) Benjamin, Shauna (Jeff) West, Sheri Benjamin, and Travis (Kathrine) Smith, Lorri Wallace, as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a monetary donation be made to support the financial future of Aaron's wife, NeCole Benjamin. Donations can be made at givesendgo.com/aaronbenjamin or you may Venmo NeCole directly. To watch the funeral please follow this link: Perry Zeyer is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Aaron Benjamin Memorial Service Time: Oct 1, 2022 12:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82677737281?pwd=dkkrVFJFTGx0MFR4cFQwTlRVSHF5dz09 Meeting ID: 826 7773 7281 Passcode: 221705 One tap mobile +17193594580,,82677737281#,,,,*221705# US +12532158782,,82677737281#,,,,*221705# US (Tacoma) Dial by your location +1 719 359 4580 US +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 444 9171 US +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 309 205 3325 US +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 386 347 5053 US +1 564 217 2000 US +1 646 931 3860 US +1 929 436 2866 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) Meeting ID: 826 7773 7281 Passcode: 221705 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kt3PGrQf6
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