Benjamin Alexander Bierkortte, 28, of Saint Petersburg, FL passed away on January 13, 2015. He is survived by his loving parents, Ramah Doreen Johnson and Raymond Phillip Bierkortte; his grandparents, Alice Augusta and Herbert Hamilton Johnson; his siblings, Leighanne Johnson and Ryan Phillip Bierkortte; a number of aunts, uncles, cousins and their families; and his beloved cockatiels, Little Wing and PG Beauregard. Ben was preceded by his brother Raymond Paul Bierkortte and his grandparents Janet Elaine and Raymond Herman Bierkortte.
Ben attended Venice High School where he graduated in 2004. At Venice High he played Varsity basketball and was a member of the Academic Olympics team. Growing up a Seminole fan, he pursued his dream of attending Florida State University from 2004-2007 where he graduated Cum Laude earning his Bachelors degree double majoring in History and Political Science with a minor in Geography.
Ben’s adventurous soul and free spirit led him to various life experiences from traveling the rainforest of Peru to braving the cold winters of Boston. In Boston, Ben both worked at the New England College of Law as an Administrator and was an active member within his community. He spent his weekends coaching baseball at Mission Hills Little League and volunteering with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. When he returned to St. Petersburg he volunteered at the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary where he rehabilitated and cared for injured birds. While Ben had a particular love for birds, he delighted in the company of all animals big or small, furry or scaled, swimming or soaring – even if the feelings weren’t always mutual (he sustained a number of comical animal-related injuries)!
Ben was also a man of many passions. He was passionate about history and always eager to spark a philosophical debate. If Ben wasn’t talking about history, he was talking about sports—the Tampa Bay Rays, the Chicago Cubs, the Seminoles—and defending anyone who rivaled the Florida Gators.
More than anything though, he loved his family and friends. Ben befriended many people throughout his life’s journey who delighted in sharing in his sharp wit, zest for life, and optimistic attitude. He could walk into any room and lighten the mood with just one joke or smile. Ben had one of the biggest hearts and was incredibly generous to everyone he encountered.
He will always be remembered by the love he shared with others and his loyal character—he was truly one of a kind and we were extremely blessed to have shared in his life.
A graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Memory Gardens Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 11:00am with a post-funeral reception to be held at 6427 4th ave south, St. Petersburg, FL 33707. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary who will be taking care of Ben’s beloved birds and creating a sitting area in his honor, www.seabirdsanctuary.com .
My thoughts have been with all your family.
Ray, my heart goes out to you. I will be thinking of you during this time of sorrow and I hope you can find peace. Your friend. Bubba Moore
Our hearts sink in your loss. The Hagan family will have you all in our thoughts and prayers.
May the lord give you strength and courage in the face of such unspeakable grief. Lauren and I express our deepest sympathies for your loss. Many prayers and much Love.
Doreen, Lenny and I are sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers. If there is anything you need, please let me know.
Rest in peace, brother…
Doreen and family,
You have my deepest sympathy for an unbearable loss. Ben will live always in your hearts and memories.
Susan
My heart is so broken at the loss of my dear dear friend. You were and still are so very loved. And your amazing presence will be so missed from my life. I will be there tomorrow to meet these incredible people that you were so in love with (your family). Soar high and free my friend. Until…
May the Bierkortte family accept my most sincere condolences during this most tragic time. Love and tears, Patrick McGough
Very sorry for your loss…Benjamin, his family and friends will be in our prayers.
My heart break for the family during this tough time. I have watched and grew up with his whole family and I will never forget you Benny!!! Im so sorry for the loss and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Doreen and Family, I really can’t say or even find the words to even express the sorrow in my Heart for you. Do I use Flowers, Prayers, Words… But the pain is so GREAT and DEEP….Ben, such a fun loving person and helpful and kind…. will be deeply missed…..May God give you and your family peace of mind, and heart. Love Carol and Tony
My most heartfelt condolences to all of you. You are all in my prayers.
My heart and prayers go out to you. Love always Lisa
I should have tried harder to get in touch this last year. I will miss Ben, forever.
I am so sorry for the loss of your son “little Ray.” Mu love and deepest sympathy go out to you and to your family. I will hold you in my heart as always. Love you, Marianne
My heart cannot imagine the depth of the grief you are experiencing at the loss of your precious one. Please know that our prayers are with you and your family. May our good God, Creator and Redeemer sooth your pain with His healing hands as you rest in Him. Psalm 34:18, Isaiah 61:1 and John 11:25
Lovingly,
Iris M. Reynolds
Administrative Assistant
Nova Southeastern University
We were fortunate to have Ben with us as a co-worker during his years in Boston. He was a pleasure to work with; a friendly young guy with a good heart. So sorry to hear this. Pete Miller, New England Law | Boston
I’m so very sorry to hear about Ben. I worked with him at New England Law | Boston, and he was a very thoughtful colleague, always sharing his outside activities and remembering little things to make the work day brighter.
To all friends and family:
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of Be. We worked together at New England Law | Boston and he was a joy to be with and brightened every day. We shared great times debating ACC basketball and football, Red Sox and Rays baseball, and many of the notable events during his time with us in Boston. We are saddened by his untimely passing.
I am very saddened to hear of Ben’s passing. I knew him at New England Law | Boston He was a good friend and coworker who taught me a lot about cockatiels. May he rest in peace.
My condolences to the Bierkortte family. I worked with Ben at New England Law | Boston. He also happened to be my next door neighbor in my apartment building. Since we shared a wall, I heard his birds singing every day. Ben was a considerate neighbor and always had a friendly word and smile for me and my family. I missed him and his birds’ song when he moved. I’m sorry for your loss.
Ray and Ramah,
So sorry for your loss. We haven’t kept in touch for years. But remember seeing you at Claudia’s. We would like to remember good times spent at your house in North Wheeling, and the kids playing sports. I do believe Claudia still has our address. contact us at some future date.
You are all in our prayers. May the Lord give you strength to endure.
Love Jane and Ray Powell.
Ray, I was very sorry to hear about this tragedy and George called me to let me know about your loss. I live in Jupiter now, so we should plan to see each other sometime in the future. Your friend, Scotty
Raymond- There are no words to express the depth of our sorrow for this sudden loss of your precious son. Our love and prayers go out to you and your family. May you find peace and strength knowing that he is in a better place. He is with Frenchie now hearing all the stories from the good old days in Wheeling…Love Debbie, Erika, Fran, Korin, & Makenzie
Dear Raymond,
I just want you and your family to know that we are terribly sorry you have lost your son. We are thinking of you and are sending our love your way.
God bless you all at this sad time
The Salzgebers