AUGUSTA – Michael Wesley Bennoch, “Big Mike,” 19, of Chesterville, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, with his family at his side. He battled cancer for 16 months and was always more concerned about everyone else.
In the words of his parents, Mark and Kathleen (Fera) Bennoch, who welcomed him into this world on Nov. 5, 1996, in Farmington, “He was a great son and was taken too soon.” He lived in Vienna before moving to Chesterville and was a 2015 graduate of Mt. Blue High School in Farmington, where he enjoyed his friends, running track, playing basketball and lacrosse, and weight lifting.
He was the humble recipient of being voted as Prom King during his senior year. “Big Mike” enjoyed watching the Patriots and at the time of his passing, was working on the final edited version of what he hoped would be the first of many action novels, much like the action and intrigue of James Bond.
He was a freshman at Thomas College where he was studying entrepreneurship; his goal was to be a business consultant.
He is loved by his parents, Kathleen and Mark of Chesterville; his sister, Heather Downing and her husband, Patrick of Livermore; a nephew, William Downing of Livermore; paternal grandmother, Sallee Bennoch of Market Square Nursing Care Center in South Paris; three aunts: Michele Garriepy, Tricia Bassett and Christine Fera, all of Rhode Island; special cousins: Melissa, Gregory and Christopher as well as others and several aunts, uncles and many friends, as well as his little companion, Moose, his Chihuahua.
He will be sadly missed by all.
Family and friends are invited to call at the Wiles Remembrance Center, 317 Farmington Falls Rd., (Rtes. 2 & 27) Farmington, Thursday evening, Sept. 1, 2016, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Friday morning, Sept. 2, 2016 at The Wiles Remembrance Center, with Rev. Laura Church officiating. Committal services will be held at the N. Vienna Cemetery. A Reception will follow at the N. Vienna Methodist Church, hosted by the Women’s Fellowship. All are welcome.
Remembrance gifts may be given to either the Mt. Blue High School Business Office, 129 Seamon Rd. Suite #2 Farmington, ME 04938 ATT.: Chris Pottle, for the establishment of a Michael W. Bennoch Scholarship Fund for students with cancer, or to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women’s to Support Pancreatic Cancer Research, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.
Tributes and condolences may be shared on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.
So sorry for the loss of this amazing young man.
My thoughts and prayers for Big Mikes family and friends. Big Mike must have been a great youngman and it is sad that he was taken to soon. RIP BigMike
I’m so sorry for your loss; my thoughts and prayers for you and your family Heather.
My angel is now a real one. You made me so proud. Open your wings and fly. You are free.
Love you,
Mom
Michael was a very special young man and will be dearly missed by me.
Love and Prayers to you Kathy and Heather.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you♡. What a remarkable life! Soar Big Mike Soar! On the wings of Eagle’s.
I’m truly saddened to hear this. I was Mike’s English instructor at Thomas during the Spring semester. Even when he had to complete his studies away from the classroom, he had a fantastic and uplifting attitude. I hope that students who knew him well learned from him, as it seemed he had a lot to teach others about positivity and perseverance. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
The Nemeth family is deeply saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. Watching him grow brought much joy to our family. We offer you our deepest sympathy and prayers, and hope your happy memories will ease your pain during this difficult journey.
RIP Michael sad but at least he graduated from HS
Mike was definitely one of the good ones. I may have been his teacher, but I feel fortunate to also call him my friend. I truly enjoyed our banter while he was a student at Mt. Blue. His positive attitude helped his family and friends along in his journey. Now we must be positive and keep our loved ones close. Mike wouldn’t want it any other way. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him.
A very sad news and losing someone so young is just heartbreaking. Didn`t know Michael personally but as a Thomas Alumni we all are members of one big family. Condolences to the family and friends. May the young soul rests in peace. Sending prayers and thoughts to the loved ones.
Alex and I are so sad for all of your family. We offer our sincere condolences. He loved Michael and enjoyed playing Lacrosse with him. He definitely touched his life.
fly high mike….condol to his family…very sad…
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Michael’s family and friends. May he rest in peace.