In memory and tribute: Kameron Heeth Bennett

Kameron was born on August 26, 2001. He entered the world quickly, arriving at 9:30 a.m., just two hours after labor began. We didn’t know if he would be a boy or a girl, so we were thrilled and surprised when he was a boy. I had a feeling he would be—and I was overjoyed to welcome him as the first child in our family.

Two years later, his little sister was born. From the moment she arrived, they were best friends. Of course, sibling rivalry followed—starting with him tossing a remote at her when she made too much noise—but that was always followed up with hugs and kisses.

Over the years, they shared countless incredible moments, looking out for each other through thick and thin. As they entered young adulthood, their bond only grew stronger, and they leaned on each other more than ever.

Kameron struggled in traditional school and was definitely a thrill-seeker! At one point, he attended a military academy in Northern Idaho after one of his wild adventures got him into trouble. It was incredibly hard to let him go, but that experience helped shape him—and even allowed him to graduate high school earlier than expected.

He was the most loving son, always ready with a hug when we walked in the door. He was a fun, protective older cousin who absolutely adored each and every one of his younger cousins. He gave them his time, his attention, and his love—and they felt it.

Cooking was one of his many talents! From being a young learning chef and putting allspice in the spaghetti when he was in middle school. It quickly turned into Kam inviting his dad and I over for dinner one night at his new apartment and having cooked us the best pork chops I’ve ever had in my life to this day! He really learned how to season things and was very passionate about cooking.

Kameron’s biggest passion was fishing. Most people don’t believe it when we say we took him fishing just a few days after he was born—but we did! I remember his dad carrying the baby seat down to the lake and setting our tiny baby and myself up for a beautiful day of fishing. In recent years, Kameron reveled in taking his dad to his favorite spots and teaching him how to catch bass. He had a natural talent for it and truly knew what he was doing out there on the water.

Kameron had a love for people and never met a stranger. He had a gift for befriending those who needed it most, often without even realizing the impact he had. He was always the kid who welcomed new classmates—and remained friends with many of them as adults, they are an amazing circle of young men who we cherish and are so thankful for having to lean on.
The summers he spent with his Grandpa Robison left a lasting mark on him, and he inherited many of his grandpa’s kind-hearted traits (and picking up roadside treasures!).

Kam, I hope you and Grandpa are fishing your hearts out.

Kameron is preceded in death by his grandfather, Hiram Jackson Robison Jr., and his cousin, Nicholas Joseph Jackson Fedoroff.

He is the cherished son of Daryl Heeth Bennett and Carly Jo Bennett (Robison), beloved brother to Addyson Jo Bennett and Austin Chris Bennett.

He is survived by a multitude of family and friends and will be missed every single second.

If you want to honor Kameron in any way, drop a pole in the water, use the most outrageous and audacious fishing lure you can find, and don’t forget the chocolate milk.

Mental health is not a joke. Neither is alcohol. Together, they can be a dangerous mix. We had no idea Kameron was in such a dark place until it was too late. Please, treat everyone you meet with kindness, love, and respect. You never know what silent battles they may be facing.

If you or someone you love is struggling, please use the resources below—or share others that have helped you:
• Find a Support Group – AFSP
• Alternatives Suicide Support Group
• 24-Hour Crisis Support: (800) 640-5432
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988