Benjamin Cernick
<p>Benjamin Michael Cernick</p>
Benjamin Michael Cernick, 29, left this world on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 by his own choosing. Extremely intelligent and a deep thinker, he couldn’t wait to find out what is on the other side.
Ben was born Sept. 6, 1986, in Libby, to Stewart and Elizabeth Cernick who lived in Noxon at the time. Ben was number four out of what would eventually be seven children.
Benji was a beautiful, loving boy who was always smiling and seeking adventure. He brought love, laughter and joy to all who knew him. Always the fearless and daring one, he could be trusted to try anything others would not. He was once observed riding his bike into the family car. Quickly getting up from the ground, his first instinct was to check the vehicle for damage, then himself. He was tough as nails.
Ben graduated from Libby High School in 2005 and joined the United States Marine Corps the same year. Before shipping out he married his high school sweetheart Cassondra Hughes. Ben served in the Corps (including a tour in Iraq) and was honorably discharged in 2010. Ben and Cassie spent many happy years together before splitting in 2012.
After the military Ben moved to Missoula and attended three years of classes at the University of Montana. He eventually opened his own computer repair shop in Missoula where he enjoyed building and fixing computers. Ben loved camping and spending time in the outdoors with family and friends.
Ben was a bright light in our lives and in all those he touched. He will be sorely missed.
Benjamin is survived by his girlfriend Jennie of Missoula; parents Elizabeth Russell and Stewart and Debra Cernick of Libby; his siblings Tobias Cernick of Billings, Nathan and Shaina Cernick and family of Libby, Daniel Cernick of Missoula, Johnathan Cernick of Bozeman, Rachel Cernick of Seattle, Wash., Evianna Cernick of Seattle, Doug DeShazer and family of Libby and Jackie DeShazer of Libby.
Memorial services were held privately. Ben’s ashes will be spread in the mountains where he loved to spend time. Arrangements were by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memorials may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.