Michael died suddenly at the age of 50 at his home in Redwood Valley, CA.
He was born in San Francisco to parents Arthur and Barbara Benjamin.
Michael was preceded in death by his father Art, his stepfather Roy Rivard and nephew Matthew Rivard. He is survived by his three children, Jason, Beau and Ahna, his mother Barbara Rivard, brother Steven (Melissa) Benjamin and step brothers Tom (Debbie), Jim and Donald Rivard and nieces Michelle (Carl) Zimmerman, Andrea Rivard and Amelia Benjamin.
There will be a private memorial on 11/2/13 in Santa Rosa. For information please contact Barbara or Steve.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ellie Baciocco
November 6, 2013
We all will miss you Michael, rest in peace,our thoughts and prayers are with you !!
Love, Auntie Ellie and Uncle Bob
Donna Clark
November 3, 2013
Mike was a good friend of my kids, Keith Smith and Judy Soderstrom (Smith), during High School at Montgomery.
He would come over to our house frequently and was always a happy, outgoing person.
We have been kept up-to-date with Mike's life through Judy, who has stayed in touch with him over the years.
He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Donna Clark
November 3, 2013
Mike was a good friend of my kids, Keith Smith and Judy Soderstrom (Smith, during high school at Montgomery.
He would come over frequently and was always a happy, outgoing person.
We have been kept up-to-date with Mike's life through Judy, who stayed in tough with him throughout the years.
He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Donna Clark
Rob Grant
October 30, 2013
Benjo,
I sure am going to miss you and the talks we had on the phone. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that you have left us. It does not seem real although I know it is and it's been tough coming to grips with it. I know the last few years have been difficult for you to say the least and I hope and pray that you are now in a better place and have found peace and contentment. I wish you didn't have to leave us so soon. I miss you and think of you often.
Your friend
Rob Grant
Peter Iodence
October 29, 2013
To Michael's Family my heartfelt condolences to all of you for the loss of your son,brother and father. Words cannnot express the sorrow you must be enduring at this most difficult time. All my memories of Micheal were of good and happy times. I graduated from Montgomery the same year as him and also knew or know Don. On the exterior of Mike I saw a tough man who was not afraid of much, on the interior I saw a man of compassion and understanding as the last time I can remmember seeing him was back in 1981. Although is was not a cordial hello, he knew something was not quite right with me and did not judge. RIP Micheal as you will always be remembered as tough kindered soul who enjoyed life and always spoke with authority.
Judy Soderstrom
October 28, 2013
To Barbara, Steve and all of Mike's family. Words alone cannot express the sadness I feel for your family. My heart goes out to you. Mike was a good friend and a kind soul. May you find peace and comfort in the loving memories of your beloved Michael.
Ray Landi
October 27, 2013
Dear Barbara- I am so sorry for your loss, you have had way to many in your life...my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ray Landi
Michael Hartnett
October 27, 2013
Archbishop James P. Keleher, My first cousin will offer up a mass for you Michael,& Your family may you always rest in peace & Love...
Michael Hartnett
October 27, 2013
Peace be with you always...Your with your Father now in heaven...My best to your family...Much Love & Respect...
IrishMike
WENDY MUFFY WOODY
October 27, 2013
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Kathy Vasquez
October 27, 2013
Rest in Peace Michael
Kate Gallagher
October 27, 2013
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Rivard, I am so sorry your loss. I went to SVDP, and both Steve and Donald were friends of mine, in fact Donald was my first kiss in 5 th grade. Mike was a little younger, he was a good guy and he was tough when we were little. My condolences and please I wish the best to all of you, Kate Gallagher
Hugh and Sonia Crandall
October 26, 2013
Dear Barbara, Steve and family,
We know that memories will keep your lost one close to you.
With our condolences and deepest sympathy,
Hugh and Sonia Crandall
Galina Leslie Coleman
October 26, 2013
Dear Mrs. Rivard, Steve and family - My deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Michael. My, along with my mom's, prayers are with you as you go through this very difficult time...
Judy Soderstrom
October 26, 2013
This letter is to Mike. I didn't get the chance to say goodbye and it breaks my heart. I will miss the fun times we had together. I'll miss your good cooking and your wonderful, homemade wine. I'll miss watching you play with your dogs. I know how much you loved them. I hope they are doing o.k. I will miss everything about you. Love your friend, Judy
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