Obituary of Deniz Benjamin

August 13, 1967 - February 7, 2023

 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Deniz at his home in Etobicoke at the age of 55, surrounded by his loved ones after a brave battle with cancer. He was taken from this world too soon but was immensely loved, admired, and respected by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

 

Deniz is predeceased by his loving parents Leonilde and Jose Benjamin and is survived by the love of his life his wife and partner Jane Morton; he was a proud and loving father (and friend) to his only son Noah Jakob and a dear and loving baby brother (and brother-in-law) to siblings Joe (Elisa), Maria (Luciano), John (Marie) and Lea (Roger), Jack (Margaret), Andy (Karry) and brother-cousin Mike (Elisa). He will be dearly missed by his many nephews, nieces, and Godchildren (*), Kevin*, Kyle, Kristian, Benjamin*, Kiara, Kaelan, Cristine, Kelly, Matthew, Mark, Bobby, Mallory, Johnathan and Kaylin, and lovingly remembered by his great nephews and nieces Owen, Madeleine, Jackson, Chloe, Ava and Hannah and his many cousins.

 

Deniz was an extraordinary kind-hearted, genuine, authentic, and compassionate person who deeply loved and treasured his wife Jane, his son Noah, and his family and friends who meant everything to him. He had an endearing, caring and engaging personality, a witty sense of humor and the ability to make anyone who he encountered feel special.

 

Deniz was an exceptionally talented self-employed graphic designer for many years and a self-proclaimed “Jack of all Trades” who dabbled in just about everything. But first and foremost, he was a devoted husband and family man who enjoyed the simple things in life like taking long walks with Jane, spending quality time with friends and family and cuddling up with his fur babies Julius and Isabel (and the late Asia) whom he adored. They will surely miss him too.

 

Deniz was so proud of his vegetable garden and enjoyed BBQ’s and cooking with the fruits of his labor. He took great delight in fine wines, a cold brew, a smooth tequila and a stiff scotch, and the occasional cigar or tobacco pipe. Above all Deniz loved nature and the great outdoors. He and Jane took their vintage VW camper van “Leila” on many road trip adventures accompanied by their partners in crime, his cherished sister Lea and brother-in-law Roger. They had the best of times and made unforgettable memories mingling and partying with old friends, exchanging and laughing at bad jokes, paddling their canoe across tranquil waters, camping under a moonlit starry sky, sipping wine around a crackling fire, and watching the sun rise and set across the horizon.

 

Deniz was such a brave and courageous warrior right until the very end and will be sorely missed by all of us and all who knew and loved him. We couldn’t be prouder of him and everything he accomplished in his short lifetime. We are heartbroken and devastated beyond measure. Our hearts are shattered into a million pieces, but he will forever remain in our thoughts and in our hearts and in all the wonderful memories that we will always hold dear. Deniz was a beautiful soul, gone too soon despite having so much more to see and do…if only he had more time. This is not goodbye as we’ll be together again one day.

 

Deniz has chosen to be cremated and there will be no funeral service. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 5:30 pm at the Long Branch Legion 101, 3850 Lakeshore Blvd. West, Toronto.  Free parking is available on the premises and is minutes from the Long Branch GO Station and TTC/Streetcar stop.

 

In lieu of flowers please feel free to donate to the charities below:

 

Sick Kids Foundation

The Canadian Cancer Society