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Bane Cheek Obituary
CHEEK
Retired Professor
WINTER HAVEN - Bane Cheek, 55, passed away on Friday, April 22, 2016. Bane was born in El Paso, Texas but eventually made his way to Florida with his family in 1970.
Bane was paralyzed at age 15, but continued his education and graduated from Haines City High School in 1978, with honors. He later graduated from Polk Community College in 1980, with an AA degree. Bane continued to the University of Florida where he earned his Master's Degree and was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.
He taught Biology for nearly 20 years at Polk Community College until retiring in 2008. Among his many accomplishments and awards, Bane was the 1990 Distinguished Alumni of the Year at PCC and received two Teaching Chairs during his Tenor.
He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Cheek. He is survived by his mother and her husband, Donald and Nancy Cheek Briggs; his sister and brother-in-law, Vince and Dana Cheek Del Colle, one niece and nephew-in-law, David and Danielle Del Colle Desjardin; and one great nephew, Colin Desjardin. He is also survived by many great fraternity brothers, college colleagues, many wonderful friends, Garfield, and his loving dog, Vegas.
Bane was an inspiration to many and will be greatly missed. He requested to be cremated and asked for no funeral services. A memorial may be held at a later date.
Condolences can be sent to the family at P.O. Box 4062, Winter Haven, Florida 33885.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bane Cheek
Rob Brown
December 8, 2016
My condolences to the family. Many of us were fortunate to know Bane as an AGR brother at UF. His positive spirit will live on in our hearts.
Fran Fowler
June 19, 2016
Just learned this sad news. He was such a brilliant person, but a pleasure to work with at PCC. I have thought of him often since I left there. He will be missed greatly. (6/19/16)
Kim (Sanders) Martin
June 19, 2016
Very sorry to learn of Bane's passing. Only knew him a short time when I taught Psychology at HCHS (interning with Fred Cotney), yet Bane had an inspiring impact on my life & many others. I spoke of Bane often throughout my almost 40 years in education. An amazing & admirable person. Thinking of you all, especially with his Memorial approaching.
Chuck & Beth Schneider
May 6, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I enjoyed the Orlando Predators games we attended and Rock n Roll conversations we had. He will be missed.
Pat Calloway
April 29, 2016
Bane's Family, You have our sincere sympathy and prayers. Bane went to school with my brother Jess Beamon. God Bless You All: Pat Beamon Calloway
April 28, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss . My prayers for his family and friends. I took care of Mr. Bane at WHH.
Sincerely Sonia ROLAND
The Women of The Moose Chapter 1152
April 28, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you dear Nancy and family.
Lynnette Gebhardt
April 26, 2016
I had the distinct privilege of having Prof. Cheek in the early 90s at PCC. We had a small summer session class which he made very entertaining with stories and analogies about the world of biology. He was truly one of a kind and will be missed. God bless and keep you during this time.
Bruce Bachman
April 26, 2016
I still have the cardboard plant which Bane and Fred gave us some 25 years ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dana and Nancy. Heaven is a little brighter now. Bane was a warrior in every respect-and a good man.
Kim Montgomery
April 26, 2016
With deepest sympathy.
ylonda Washington
April 26, 2016
I am so sorry dor your loss remember him from school
Shannon White
April 25, 2016
He was a wonderful professor and an inspirational person. I worked with his sister who is just as caring as he was. Sorry Dana and family to hear of his passing.
Tammy Eby
April 25, 2016
Bane...My heart aches knowing you're gone, but what an inspiration you were to so many while you were here, including myself. Your light will continue to shine in my life. Prayers are being sent for the whole family and know I am here if you need anything!! I love you guys!!
Chris Levan
April 25, 2016
I know Bane from Polk State College. So many memories of Bane. He was the most intelligent, kind, funny and friendly person you could meet. A great inspiration to what he overcame and became. I will miss him and our conversations as will many, many others. My condolences to Dana, and the entire family. May God comfort you and help you through this great loss..
Marcine Boozer
April 25, 2016
Many fond memories in our early teens....I remember going to the hospital and lying on the floor cause that's the way he was turned at the time so I could talk to him and read cards to him.......prayers for the family, I know he will be dearly missed!
Charles Fox
April 25, 2016
Bane was my friend for many years and I drew strength from his strength...he always amused me with his intellect and humor and I was honored for him to be a part of my journey. Thanks Bane! Long live Bane!
Susan Batson/ketterman
April 25, 2016
I remember from Jr. High school you were such a friendly guy.For the family I am sorry for your loss.
Dawn Leiva
April 25, 2016
I had the pleasure of taking care of this fine man. Very sweet man and always pleasant.. will be greatly missed... God Bless
Wanda Frye
April 24, 2016
It breaks my heart to lose my nephew. But I can just picture him, his Dad and his uncle, Don Frye, and cousins Mike and Tim together now. What a party!!
Marianne George
April 24, 2016
I knew Bane from Polk State, and many of our conversations centered around Danielle and what courses she would take at "Kids at College" during her younger years. That is how I got to meet Dana and Danielle. Bane was a good guy and both my husband and I are the better for knowing him.
Prayers for the entire family.
-Greg and Marianne George
Michelle Desjardin
April 24, 2016
May God comfort and hold you tight through your time of grief.
Laurie Saunders
April 24, 2016
My sympathy to the entire family. Bane was such a wonderful person. He was such an inspiration to all. My love to the family.
CLAUDIE CORDELL
April 24, 2016
My thought's and Prayer's are with the Family . So sorry to hear this new's.
Amanda Granger-Epps
April 24, 2016
Sending prayers and condolences to Mrs. Nancy as we worked together at WHH. Ironically, her son, Mr. Cheek, was also my Biology professor in 1990 at PCC.
To Mrs. Nancy ....may God sustain you and your family during this difficult time. Psalm 121
Jackie Schneider
April 24, 2016
Bane positively impacted so many lives and he will be missed. His legacy lives on through each of you. We love you all dearly.
The Schneider Family
Gay Stoutz
April 24, 2016
Our love and sympathies to Bane's entire family. Gay and Jim Stoutz, Dennis and Allison Hopen and family.
Donna Hettmansperger-orona
April 24, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I'm so sorry for your loss
Patsy Capps
April 24, 2016
Bane was indeed our inspiration .....his legacy lives on in our hearts. Dana, his precious sister so beautifully helped her brother through thick and through thin!!
Debbie Goodwin-Moffitt
April 24, 2016
Bane was a sweet person! He was amazing and nothing got in his way! It was a honor to know him.
April 24, 2016
So many wonderful memories about my nephew, Bane. His sense of humor was wonderful. Oh the stories I could tell. Although I was not with Bane often, I thought of him so much. My love to my sister, Nancy, niece Dana and great niece Danielle. No one could have taken better care of him than the three of you. His life was so much better because of you. Rest in piece Bane and now you can go fishing with Pa and Pop Pop Cheek.
Claudia Bentley
April 24, 2016
Rest in Peace, Bane. I remember great times as kids with you and my cousins, the Glass boys, out at the Creek in Davenport.
Susan Hornick
April 24, 2016
He is a true inspiration, he lived life to the fullest and will be missed by all that know him.
Sarah Frye
April 24, 2016
RIP Bane although we will miss you terribly, you are free from the restrictions you had here with us!
Susie and Matt Verdier
April 24, 2016
Love and Light to your family.
Pat Williford Sneed
April 24, 2016
Rest in peace Bane. My heart is breaking for my cousin Nancy and the rest of your family. You are in God's arms.
Tom Dowling
April 24, 2016
I met Bane at Polk Community College in the 1980s and we regularly went to lunch together and enjoyed going to sports bars on Sundays and watching NFL games. I was amazed that almost every time we were out at a Winter Haven restaurant, someone he knew would come up and greet and reminisce with Bane.
He was very personable individual and as you spoke you soon forgot he was in a wheelchair.
Bane was an amazing guy! He taught many lessons in his life, both in and out of the classroom. He was an inspiration to everyone on campus.
I'm glad to have called him a friend. I'll miss him.
RIP Bane Cheek.
Strength and love to his family.
-TD
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