Cameron Benninghoven Obituary

Dearest Ellen and Dan, my mother was in Chicago recently and my sister Laura was trying to find Ellen, and came across the obituary. We are all so sorry for your loss. Your family and ours spent some wonderful times together so long ago but you will always be in our hearts. Lisa Fischer Van't Wout and Betty Fischer

Upon loosing touch with Cameron I decided to search for him via, facebook or Google only to find out he is not with us anymore. I am very sad and realize how important it is to stay in touch with those we miss. Now it's too late, but I will always have fun memories of Cameron that will make me smile.

Dearest Ellen,
I will never, ever forget Cameron's handsome, smiling face as he bent way down to say hello to our little girl,newly arrived from Bombay. How your face lit up watching him. I pray for your family for strength at this monumental loss.

Dearest Ellen, i am devastated to hear the tragic news of Cameron's passing. He was a smart and confident young man who always impressed me with his humanity. I pray for you all. May God give you the strength to cope with your loss and to celebrate his life. Shyam

Dan,

i was so shocked and saddened when I heard about Cameron. My heart breaks for you and Ellen. I remember when I worked for you that no matter who you were on the phone with that whenever Cameron called you dropped everything for him. You two had a very special bond and I know how proud of him you are. You are in my prayers.

Dan,
I recently learned of your son's passing, I was stunned. I wish to extend my condolences to you and your family. You are in my prayers.
Ruth Waisanen

dearest ellen & Dan
Upon hearing of Cameron's passing from scottie, My heart
my thoughts and my prayers are with you through this most
saddened and difficult time. I only thank god that I was able to see Cameron all grown up and beautiful and spirited
as always at scott's birthday several years ago. I walked into the room and Cam came over to me and gave me a big bear hug and kiss I looked at him and thought my god what a fabulous guy. Your loss is inconceivable
and I pray that as time passes you will find peace in his
precious memory and know that he is a peace as his soul
lives on in so many of our lives.
love to you both
bobbie

Dear Ellen and Dan,
God bless and keep you both during this difficult time. You both are in my thoughts and prayers.Those we love do not go away, they walk beside us everyday unseen unheard but always near still loved, still missed and very dear.
Julie Hummert, Nick Podesta's mom

Cameron always made me smile and will continue to do so in memory. May Cameron remain present as we celebrate his spirit through stories and shared memories. It was a pleasure and privilege to know and adore Cameron.
With respect and fondly,

Dear Ellen,
I will always remember the bright, loving twinkle in your eyes as we talked about Cameron not too long ago. Cameron was always someone people talked about with such love, respect and awe. My heart aches for you and for all your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. DeeDee

Dear Ellen,
My heart aches for you....
I can still see Cameron and you at the auction this summer.And afterwards you saying "Well, I didn't get the house but I got to spend the day with my son,Cameron".
My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.

To Cameron's Family,

I was so shocked to hear the news about Cameron. I work at Community Home Supply and have been involved in many projects with him over the years. It was always my pleasure to work with such an amazing individual. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers and he will be deeply missed. With my deepest sympathy, Larry Cabay

Dear Dan and Ellen, Sending great baskets of prayers....Such a mighty tragedy and so sudden. My heart goes out to you both. With deep sympathy, Cousin Barbara Dilley

Ellen:
I was so sorry to hear about your son.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tracy Dougherty (CALBOS)

Dear Ellen and Dan,
Please accept my deepest sympathy. I remember all three of you so well from our days together at the Abraham Lincoln Elementary School. Cameron has certainly made you proud and his passing is a great sorrow for all of us.

To the Benninghovens;
Though I was a fraternity brother of Cameron's at CU, and am also a fellow native son of Chicago, I did not know your son well. But many of my closest friends did. And to a man, without exception, whenever they spoke of him, they spoke of him well.
I just thought I should share that with you, and let you know how sorry I am for your loss and your unfathomable grief.

To Cameron's Family:
I was sent the notification about your terrible loss of Cameron by my family members. Cameron was a friend of my brother, David Stender. My link to you is that my daughter has epilepsy, and we are very involved with CURE. Reading over all these entries about your beautiful, wonderful son, impacts me profoundly. I pray you will find strength and peace in the coming days.
With my deepest sympathy,
Susan Schneider

Dear Ellen: Please accept my condolences on your terrible loss. You may remember that we met when Cameron was working with the Sheffield Neighborhood Association on zoning matters regarding property on Webster. More recently, on a morning walk I discovered that he had moved to my block. My prayers are with you and your husband.

Judy Lauth Casey

Dear Ellen and Dan,

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Our hearts go out to you.

Elke and Andre

Dan, after our recent conversation it seems unthinkable that I am
offering my condolences on the loss of Cameron. Know you are
in my thougths during this difficult and sad time.
Scott Jenkins (Austin,TX)

Dear Ellen & Dan:
I just learned about your terrible loss this weekend. I only pray that the terrific memories you have of Cameron are sustaining you at this impossibly difficult time, as you attempt to cope with this irreplaceable loss.
Upon hearing of Cameron's untimely death, I immediately was reminded of all the times I ran into him over the years.
He was always so positive, upbeat and full of enthusiasm.
In particular, I remember the time -- when he was still a kid -- helping me with a photo shoot at your house in Lincoln Park. He got such a kick out of the whole process and even as an adult, he never lost that joie de vivre.
He was such a special young man.
Again, my deepest condolences to you and your family on this tragic loss.
As always, Bill

Cameron and I were friends and classmates at Boulder. Besides graduating from Colorado we both shared the same birthday on December 20th and worked in real estate. While I lived in California and he was in Chicago, we talked about planning a trip to see each other in 2010. It's with great sadness I learned of his passing. I always felt a connection with Cameron, and in retrospect, alot of it had to do with his generous and caring nature - Not to mention a great sense of humor. I will miss him.
Sincerest regards and with much love,
Marcus Berry

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Benninghoven,
I am so sorry for the sudden loss of Cameron. I can remember the early days at Chicago City Day School and having the chance to spend time with him. Although, Ive not spoken to him in many years it still makes me sad to hear that he has passed away. Cameron had a great personality. My heart goes out to your family as you all go through this very sad time in your lives. my condonlences to you and your family.
Warm Regards,
Amy Kash

To the Benninhoven family....I am deeply sadened to hear the tragic news and want to send my thoughts and prayers to you and all of those lucky enough to have known Cameron. He was always full of life, funny, exploring, engaging, and a true friend. Cameron was always someone who left a great impression...and not just b/c of his stature, but b/c his personality and zest for life and real experiences in it were so big. We will all miss him greatly while being lucky for having shared in his life.

Dear Ellen and Dan,

I have long felt privileged to have spent the time with Cam that I did. We accomplished some important growing up together, and he gave me life lessons that I carry wisely these many years later. At a young age he was such an old soul, but always with the sweet wonder of a child. He was, and is, a beautiful spirit among us.

All my love,
Lisa

Dan and Ellen,
It is with great shock and sadness to hear about the loss of Cameron. We know how much he was loved and cherished by you both. We have fond memories of the lil' towhead running around the sailboat. This was years ago but he turned out to be a very accomplished man.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you face this difficult time. May God and those Cameron touched help ease the pain. Treasure the many memories and good times-he still lives in your heart.
Love, Jan Curtiss and daughters Katie and Molly

Ellen and Dan---This is so far beyond words that I know nothing I can say will help---But we do want you to know that everyone cares so much---Those of who knew Cameron well and those of us who only knew him as a smiling, personable, handsome little boy---Our hearts are with you---Loren and David Chernoff

I knew Cameron from college at CU Boulder and am very sorry to have heard this news. He was a really good person and this is very much a loss to everyone that has ever known him.

Ellen and Dan,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Many of my fondest memories are as a kid in Chicago. The first (and last) time I ever went sailing was with you (Dan) and Cameron. Cameron always made me laugh. It was way back around 1980 and it's something I'll never forget.
Mason Cass

Dear Benninghoven Family,
I was able to visit with Cameron a few years back when he stopped by Loyola Academy. My former student here at Loyola, Cameron displayed the humor I will never forget.I remember being so proud of him and for how he developed into a terrific young man. My prayers are with the family in this most difficult time.

Dear Ellen and Dan,
A friend from my days in real estate at Cynthia Ash & Associates sent me the sad news of your son's passing. I remember Cameron as a darling little boy. I have read all the wonderful tributes that were written about your son. Although I have not seen you in years I wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.

Dear Benninghoven Family,

Please accept my deepest sympathies in this time of great sadness. Cameron and I were friends and pledge brothers at the University of Colorado. Cam was truly one of the finest people I ever met at CU - intelligent, funny and always a gentlemen. I will miss him greatly. I only hope that the kind words offered here and the great esteem with which Cam was held by those he touched in life will be of some comfort to you. My prayers are with you.

Dearest Dan,
It has been so many years since we have seen each other, but you were always one of my favorite cousins. I never got to meet Cameron, but it is obvious that you and Ellen raised a wonderful man. You have been in my thoughts all day. I hope your memories will help bring some comfort to you and Ellen.

Much love,
Polly

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of unbearable grief. May you find comfort in your memories.


with fond regards and deep sympathy,
cynda and art alberts

Dear Dan & Ellen:

My family and I were devastated at the sudden loss of Cameron. It was such a blessing to had babysat Cameron.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Vera, Sandy and Torres family

Our deepest and sincerest sympathies for your loss. Your family is in all of our thoughts and prayers. Everyone who knew Cameron loved him.

I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Cameron is, and always will be, missed very much by very many. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you during this sad time.

With sympathy,
Madeleine Podesta

Cameron,
I will miss seeing your beautiful smile and charming personality at Food & Wine events at MCA and most recently The Green City Market BBQ this summer. You were always happy, full of life and smiling, you are greatly missed. My heartfelt condolences to all of Cameron's family and friends whose lives he touched. God bless. Erin Fitz

I express my deepest condolences to Cameron's family and his many dear friends who loved him so. May he rest in peace.

I am deeply saddened by your loss.

As I am in Florida I will not be at the service but Pablo, Andrea and Len will be there on my behalf. I hope time and your family and friends will lessen your grief.

Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the people of Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Bridgeport. Many of our children benefit from the good work that takes place at the Valentine Boys and Girls Club. Cameron will be remembered at all Masses this weekend. May his family and friends know the healing touch of Jesus Christ during this difficult time!

Cameron, I love you, and Carly and I will always love you and miss you dearly. We loved seeing you dance with Maria at our wedding and look so happy, beautiful, and full of life. The air always changed when you entered the room. It was as if someone famous had just walked in, and that I was proud to know you. You had that way about you. I will forever miss our dinners, laughs, jokes, and hugs. In a world of countless acquaintances, you were a true friend. I want you to know that you made a difference in my life, and a hugely positive one at that. You truly lived life to the fullest, and in this time of grief, I take comfort in the fact that you never let a day go by without having a blast. You were a true friend, and thank you. Cam, I love you and I'll miss you. All my best to you. Ari Klein

Please accept our deep condolences for your loss. My husband and I lost our loving,intelligent and beautiful 23 year old daughter on April 30th of a seizure. We understand your pain as a parent.
Mavis and Harry Springer

Dan, We are so sorry for your loss.
Jim and Rebecca Walton, Jim C. and Emma Walton
Chicago and Anchorage, AK

We're devastated as all are at the sudden loss of our dear friend, Cameron, but take great comfort in the 15+ years of fun and fond memories we all shared together in Boulder and beyond. We always looked forward to our times together and could count on Cameron for a laugh and a smile. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Dear Ellen and Dan,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Cameron's kindness and generosity of spirit moved many people. I feel lucky to have known him.
With sympathy,
Regan

Many, many great memories of Cameron - Boulder, Chicago, The Kentucky Derby and beyond. I will miss him.

Dear Dan and Ellen, our deepest sympathy for the terrible loss of Cam, our thoughts are with you both

Dear Benninghoven Family,

I had the great fortune of meeting Cameron through my brother Andrew who became close friends with him at UC Boulder. He embraced me as a friend straight away; it was one of his great qualities - to let everyone around him feel welcome and significant. He radiated positive energy and I am blessed to have known him and share the time we had. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Ellen, I can't imagine your pain right now. Unfathomable. Cameron was the bright star in your universe ... and an exemplary young man to all who had the good fortune of knowing him, Please know that we are thinking of you and holding you close in our hearts.
Linda Mac Lennan and David Rammelt

My deepest condolences go out to the Benninghoven family. I first met Cam in 1985 at Cardigan Mountain, and saw him from time to time growing up in Chicago. He was always such a nice guy and he will be missed by many. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Thanks to our parents, Cameron and I met in our early childhood. We always remained friends even though our educations kept us from seeing each other on a regular basis. Whenever I had the good fortune to bump in to Cam, (after looking up) I would enjoy seeing that same old mischievous look in his eyes! He's up to something, I would think. So I would ask him, "What are you looking at?" He'd smile because I took his bait, and jokingly punch me in the shoulder. (It usually hurt.) Years could have elapsed since we last saw each other. But in that immediate exchange, I would be happily reminded people don't change! I will miss Cam or CB. (I had other names I called him to his face I won't repeat here. He would appreciate that.) He had a natural polish and elegance that reminded me of the Golden Age of Hollywood. His way with the women made me jealous! His excelling at crew made me competitive! Now and then, in our more mature years, we'd catch up on neighboring StairMasters at the EBC. To annoy me, he'd steal sections from my Sunday NYTs while I wasn't looking, which I happily let him get away with just so I could feel superior.

Every time I drive by Burling Street, I'll say your name.

Word of Cam's death has spread quickly and Chicago, his home and playground,
weeps for our communal loss. Dan and Ellen, you had good reason to be proud of him, your darling son, and now, his very short time among us has passed. One cannot but think of how much we take for granted, that the old will die and the young will bury us. What complete tragedy when the process is reversed.

Platitudes do not help. Our sorrow does nothing to quell your anguish. He will be missed greatly by everyone his life touched.

Sincerely,
Clark, Bree and Linda Landis Andrews

We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the entire Benninghoven family. We are very saddened by this tragic event and our thoughts and prayers are with you. We always enjoyed Cameron's bright spirit and admired his accomplishents at such a young age. May your memories give you strength, and the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.

Cam will be missed. He always had a smile and a hug for me, and in over 20 years I've never heard a bad word spoken about him. He towered over all of us, both literally and with his demeanor. I am so sorry for Ellen and the family.

Our sincere condolences to Cameron's family. We met Cameron at the gym and became friends. He will be missed.

Howard Powers and Arden Weitzman

Dear Ellen and Dan
We are so sad to learn of your tragic loss. I remember Cameron fondly and I know he was the light of your lives.
You are both in our thoughts.
Maradee and Larry Barr

Dear Ellen;
You are in out thoughts on this sudden loss.
Although his life was short - keep all the wonderful memories you have of him and talk to him everyday.
All our love,
Donna and Lloyd Morgan /Winnetka, Illinois

To the Benninghoven Family:

I did not personally know Cameron, but we ran in the same circles. He was a very nice person and I will miss seeing him towering over everyone in the room. My prayers are with his family at this time. --Audarshia

Dear Benninghoven Family:
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Cameron. He was a truly exceptional person. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Nicole and Henry Brownell (Chicago, IL)

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Dear Benninghoven family,
Please accept my most heart felt condolences. Cameron and I had only met recently as I was helping him with a new real estate venture he was starting. However we had much in common and I felt compelled to reach out to you. While we shared many passions such as sailing and real estate development, the most significant commonality is one that I did not know. My niece, Julie Schneider, whose 25th birthday is today, has suffered with epilepsy since age three. She has endured 3 major brain surgeries and two decades of varying drugs and uncontroled seizures. My family has been supporting CURE for many years. I cannot express the compassion I feel for you and your family at this time. I will honor Cameron's memory by making a contribution to CURE. Please take some comfort knowing that you are not alone in this fight to find a CURE for epilepsy.
Very truly yours,
David Stender

Extending my warmest thoughts and deepest sympathies to all friends and family. I have known Cam since we were in grammar school and he always knew how to bring a smile to the room. Such a sad and tragic loss and he will certainly be missed.

Dear Benninghoven Family:

We had the pleasure of meeting "Cammie" through our brother Larry Meldman who loved him very much. In talking with him only a few times you got the sense of the kind of great soul he possessed. May his memory be for a blessing to you all in this difficult time.
The Rosenberg, Meldman and Finerman Families

We are utterly stunned at this news... Neither Annie nor I have seen Cameron since he grew up to be such a fine young man. We recall his clean-cut good looks, his quiet and warm manner. Cam always seemed to have a smile...it was part of his being! Please know that our hearts are with you...

Annie and Don Pelley

Dear Benninghoven Family,
I am so stunned at your loss. It has been about 20 years that I taught Cameron at the Chicago City Day School, but will always remember his joy, warmth, kindness and tenacity. I hope that you find peace as the days go by.

Ellen & Dan:

I have asked seval people to send me your e-mail addresses so that I can personally tell you how sorry our entire family is about Cameron's passing. It is quite hard to comprehend, as we still continue to think of Cameron as this wonderful, sparkling kid on the boat, so willing and able to do whatever was asked of him.
The entire Zinn faimly will always remember Cameron as the great guy on the boat, the larger than life guy in real estate, and just a wonderful kid all around.

You both deserve great credit for rearing him. As a family we shall never forget our time on the Hallelujah and Cameron's considerable zeal for life.

We think of you both and how difficult this must be. There is nothing we can say or do to ease the pain, but you can rest easy (if that is possible) knowing that you reared a fabulous kiddo!!!!

XOXO, Ellen, Tim, and Jacqueline