Ben Robert Grocholski
2004-2021
Born in Thompson April 1, 2004, Ben was the dream child any parent could wish for. Ben was a hydro kid, moving between Leaf Rapids and Thompson before settling in Poplarfield and attending school in Fisher Branch.
Ben was a successful actor, landing a role in Universal Studio’s Channel Zero (Netflix) and as a lead in STEEL (Amazon Prime). Ben could be seen on CTV mornings in a Manitoba Teacher Society commercial, in American record producer Nick Koenig’s work as well as small Manitoba-made films. Ben modelled for Winnipeg Outfitters and Showtime Productions. He was very proud of his accomplishments.
Ben had an incredible bond with family. Endless sunny days were spent on Netley Creek with his Uncle Stan and Aunty Dianne, camping every summer with his Aunty Barb or simply being spoiled at his Baba’s. He loved going to Aunty Christie’s for sleepovers with cousins Shawn and Rachel, so aunty could spoil him in secret ways that mom still doesn’t know about. Ben was close to the Hecla community, volunteering for any event he could and even earning some extra cash from Johnny at the Hecla Store. Hours upon hours were spent making parade floats every year for the Hecla parade so he could dazzle the crowd with his colourful personality. You may have even run into Ben at the Hnausa General Store, working for his aunty Donna.
Ben did more in 16 years than most do in a lifetime. From strutting the runway at the Convention Centre, tarzan swinging from Arenal Volcano, swimming in Montezuma waterfall, snorkelling with Manatees, fishing off the coast of Cedar Key, climbing HooDoos in Drumheller, riding favourite Disney rides at Magic Kingdom past midnight, earning paycheques at 10 years old – Ben lived life to the fullest!
Mom Heidi, Dad Dale and sister Lorelai will forever miss your infectious Daffy Duck giggle, Arnold Schwarzenegger accent and silly antics. We will miss your help around the farm and how you were always there to watch over your sister. Mom will miss Steven Spielberg marathons, Super Mario games and baking sugar cookies every holiday. Dad will miss wrestling and sitting on film sets with you (a favourite moment having lunch with John Carroll Lynch from The Walking Dead). Lorelai will miss fighting with you on 30-hour vacation road trips and canned ham lunches.
The Grocholski family – Baba Mary, Uncle Stan (Dianne), Aunty Barb (Roger) Paul, Uncle Dave (Tisha), cousins Adam (Pam), Derek (Alyssa), Jared (Randi), Devan, Kim, Brittany, Tyson, Cali and Nevaeh; the Orbanski family – Grandpa Bob (Lora), Uncle Steve, Aunty Christie (Justin) Anniuk and cousins Rachel, Shawn, Sarah, Amy, Stephanie and the Sigurgeirsson family – Uncle Brian (Donna) Austfjord, Candyce (Scott) Paterson, Gae Lynn (Bob) Labossiere will keep you forever in their hearts. Your lifelong school entourage – Landen, Myx, Teagen, Howie and newbie, Troy, will remember you every school day.
Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things; and no good thing ever dies.
In lieu of flowers or cards, put some change aside when you can and give to those who need it within your community – as our communities did for Ben. A celebration honouring Ben will be announced in the future.
Arigato Gozaimasu Ben! Thank you for being our hero!
“Good night, see you in the morning, I love you and good night.”
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