Bennie Dean Lindsay

Bennie Dean ”Ben” Lindsay April 1, 1951 – May, 1 2023 (age 72)

Ben passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his sister Donna, brother in-law Mike, and nephews Jason and Travis on May 1, 2023. Ben had previously survived aspiration pneumonia numerous times, however this time was different and it, along with complications of cerebral palsy, led to his death. Ben had expressed that he knew that this would likely happen and was at peace with this possibility.

Ben was born April 1, 1951 in Boise, Idaho to Melvin and Ida Lindsay who resided on the family farm near Eagle, Idaho. Complications at birth left him with cerebral palsy. When Ben was four years old, he attended the Elks Rehabilitation Center in Boise where he received early education, speech, and physical therapy. It was here that Ben learned to walk. At the age of 12, Ben started the fourth grade at the Eagle Seventh-day Adventist church school in Eagle, Idaho. When Ben was 13, his parents purchased a tricycle so he could ride the two-and-a-half miles to school. This five-mile daily journey to and from school helped Ben develop his leg muscles as they were weak due to his cerebral palsy. In 1968, Ben graduated from the eighth grade and later attended Meridian High School. In 1971, Ben received his GED. Ben was a lifetime member of the Seventh-day Adventist church.

Growing up on a farm, there was always lots of physical work required and Ben’s father, Melvin, made numerous adjustments and additions to farm equipment so that Ben could drive tractor and other machinery to assist in the farming operations. Ben also learned to operate a backhoe and helped numerous neighbors and friends with his backhoe skills. When he wasn’t operating equipment, he enjoyed putting jigsaw puzzles together and playing games such as dominoes, Monopoly, and Sorry. Later, he learned to use a computer which enabled him to compose letters, design machinery, play games, and draw pictures. Having his computer also eventually enabled him to study the Bible daily, as it had become very difficult for him to turn the pages in a traditional Bible due to his physical limitations.

In May of 1990, Ben moved to an apartment in Boise and four months later moved to an assisted living facility in Boise. During a visit on his birthday in 1992 to his parent’s new home near New Plymouth, Idaho, Ben decided he would like to move back in with his parents, and did so. He assisted with the yard work by operating the riding lawnmower until his health prevented him from doing so in the early 2000’s. In 2005, Ben had a feeding tube placed as he could no longer eat due to his inability to swallow well.

All his life, Ben was known for his big smile and pleasant disposition despite his handicaps. Ben was always interested in science and his wishes were to donate his body for research. As per his desire, his body has been donated to Idaho State University for research and teaching. Thanks to Willow from Lighthouse Hospice and the staff of Wilks Funeral Home for their assistance in arranging this wish of Ben’s.

Also a special thank you to the other members of the Lighthouse Hospice team of Joyce, Carrie, Micaela, Tatyana, along with Willow for their wonderful care and family support during Ben’s final week of life.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents Melvin in 2000 and Ida (Mittleider) Lindsay in 2012. He is survived by his brothers Ed (Lila) Lindsay in Washington, Clare (Debbie) Lindsay in Oregon, and his sister Donna (Mike) Chase in Idaho. He is also survived by three nieces, three nephews, two great-nieces and four great-nephews.

A memorial service is planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Easterseals or your favorite charity.

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