Benjamin Mont Smith, 27, passed away unexpectedly on New Years Day. He is survived by his parents, Barry and Jane (Cors) Smith, and his brother, Jeffrey of Mishawaka. His grandparents, Donald and Virginia Smith, and Richard and Dorothy Cors, and a cousin, Mitchell Olinger, all preceded him in death. He is also survived by two uncles, Jeffrey (Sheryl) and Doug (Myra) Cors; two aunts, Margaret McAbee and Mary (Mike) Olinger; and many cousins. Ben attended St. Monica Elementary School, Marian High School, and Indiana University at South Bend. His hope was to become a biological technician. He had a passion for animals of all types, and loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, basketball, soccer and football. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Notre Dame football fan. Ben's friends knew him as a funny, gracious, loyal and generous friend. He would truly give the shirt off his back to a friend in need. Ben's family, extended family and friends will miss him always, but will hold his robust smile and generous spirit forever in their hearts. Cremation will take place and a memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, January 15, at 2 p.m. in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. Visitation with the family will be Friday, January 14, from 4 to 7 p.m., and Saturday one hour prior to the memorial service in the funeral home. Donations in Ben's name may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004 website, www.jdrf.org; or Pet Refuge, 2300 W. 6th Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544. To leave the family an online condolence or to share memories with the family, please visit our website at www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.

Published in South Bend Tribune on January 9, 2011