Robert Rene "Bob" Benoit Jr.

1968 - 2013

SHELBURNE FALLS - A generous, loving "old soul" left this life quite unexpectedly Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013, with the passing of Robert "Bob" Rene Benoit, Jr., age 44.

Born Dec. 26, 1968, in Northampton, to Laurie (Poulin) Benoit and Robert Rene Benoit, Sr., Bob grew up in Buckland and graduated from Mohawk Regional High School in 1986.

Bob was passionate about woodworking and began work as a carpenter after high school. He went on to become a licensed general contractor and was self-employed, serving the Pioneer Valley until his back troubles resulted in his disability. His artistry with woodworking and building, and his mechanical talent, were amazing; he could build or fix anything in his head, without paper, and then he would put his hands to the task and the result would be beautiful.

Bob's priority, in addition to his craft, was his steadfast devotion to his family and to those that he loved. He gave of himself without question to those in need around him, even when he had little to give himself. Bob was an old soul - he worked hard to preserve the knowledge and traditions of his family and took every opportunity to pass his knowledge on to his children. This included canning, freezing, gardening, hunting, fishing and subsistence farming, honoring the old traditions and ways of living, as documented in The Foxfire Books.

He was an outdoors man who lived simply and close to nature. He was a natural teacher, always willing to share what he knew to benefit others. He loved to ride his motorcycles and go tearing around in his Firebird; he was an excellent shot with a gun and bow and arrow. His sometimes gruff exterior did not fool those who knew him well enough to know that his heart was large, sentimental, and tender, and he would give you the shirt off his back without question. He also loved farm animals and had a soft spot for chickens. His dream was to live off the land, as he had done growing up, at the family's cabin in upstate New York, with his son by his side, putting into practice all of the old ways he cherished so much.

Although Bob had some challenges in life, they never overshadowed his unwavering love and devotion to his family and friends. There are no words to describe the impact of Bob's loss, but if we are to remember anything about Bob, let it be that he was kind-hearted, boundlessly generous, and passionate about all things he loved.

Bob is survived by his son Robert D.V. "Court" Benoit of Shelburne Falls; his daughter Emilie Van Guilder of California; his mother Laurie Benoit (Barry Del Castilho) of Buckland; his father Robert R. Benoit, Sr., (Carrie), of South Carolina; his brother Sean Benoit (Tiffany), and sister Anna Benoit (Justin Kasunick) both of Buckland; and countless loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends, all of whom were like family to him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Robert Benoit Memorial Fund, c/o Laurie Benoit, P.O. Box 68, Buckland, MA 01338. All gifts to this fund will be invested and used to help with expenses for the health, education or training of Bob's two children, Emilie VanGuilder and Robert D.V. Benoit.

Visiting hours have been scheduled for Friday, Nov. 15, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 40 Church St., Shelburne Falls, MA 01370.

The funeral celebrating Bob's life will be held Saturday, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Church, 17 Severance St., Shelburne Falls. In keeping with Bob's no-frills, simple approach to life, all are encouraged to "come as you are" and be prepared to share stories or memories you have of Bob (humor encouraged). A gathering in Bob's memory immediately following the funeral will be held at the home of Laurie Benoit and Barry Del Castilho, 68 Upper St., Buckland, MA. Lunch will be available for all.

Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. To send a message of condolence, visit www.smithkelleherfuneralhome.com.

To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to www.gazettenet.com/obituaries.