Garrett Lane Benwell-Ayotte

BENWELL-AYOTTE, Garrett Lane- age 38 of Fenton, passed away suddenly December 3, 2025. On July 11, 2025, at 11 am a Celebration of Life will be held at Willowgrove United Church in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario followed by a light lunch in the hall at Willowgrove.

Garrett was born November 27, 1987, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, the son of Randal (Randy) Ayotte and Cherrisse Benwell. He grew up in Northern Ontario and moved to the Fenton area when he was 8. Prior to moving to Michigan, he spent time camping with a large group of 10 families who all continued to camp together for the next 30 some years. He had the unique experience of being part of a large multi generational family group that spanned 3 generations.

Garrett was a dual citizen and spent his life traveling back and forth between Canada and the US having developed a love and connection to both countries.

Garrett graduated from Fenton High School in 2005 and later from Sault College with a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. Garrett was employed in the HVAC industry before starting his own company, Custom Control Solutions where he worked doing small engine repair. He lived a quiet life, and his interests were simple. He enjoyed the outdoors, exploring, camping, rock collecting, 4 wheeling with his jeep, projects with his small tractor, racing cars... thank goodness for video games) and taking his son Gage on long bike rides (usually to the park).

Garrett was a kind, gentle, soft hearted man who would not hesitate to lend a helping hand to a stranger or give money to those who had less even if he did not have much himself. He was an honest businessman, and it was very important to him that his prices were fair and his customers satisfied.

In addition to being a very loving and patient father he was a very loving and talented son. Garrett was always willing to do whatever project his mother lined up for him even if he had never done it before or didn't "love" the idea. As we used to say, Garrett could do almost anything he put his mind to and he enjoyed researching things. This included successfully wiring a new house as well as among many other projects including household renovations. He was also a good neighbor offering to cut grass or do snow removal never expecting or wanting anything in return.

Garrett also had a soft side for animals especially those that needed rescuing and once they arrived, regardless of their issues, he and Kelli would keep them. And so what began as taking a cat who needed re homing, to getting a cat so the first one wasn't lonely, to having to take that cat's brother so his brother would not miss him, to taking a cranky old parrot who would bite you if you went near it, to keeping a chicken, and finally to rescuing three white ducks who were scheduled to be eaten.... Garrett cared for these precious animals.

Although it was extremely difficult surviving the loss of his true love and soul mate Kelli who died December 2023, just 5 months after the birth of their son, with support from those who loved him, Gage became the love of his life. He was a very loving father who was extremely patient and kind. And if Gage was sick, it was his dad who could comfort him.

Garrett loved fearlessly and was very grateful for the support he received as he battled one of the most powerful, cunning and baffling diseases, addiction. As with many who struggle with this disease it wreaks havoc on how one feels about oneself and of course relationships, work...every fiber of your life. Unfortunately, many people still see addiction as a moral issue however as it continues to take its toll on the lives of many, perhaps someday that view will change.

Garrett always ended every call with "I love you" and you knew he meant it. He was someone who knew what love meant and he wasn't afraid to express it to those close to him and for that we are externally grateful.

Garrett is survived by his son Gage Senna Benwell-Ayotte, his father Randal Ayotte (Deb), his mother, Cherrisse Benwell (Steve) , his maternal grandfather, Gerry Benwell; Kelli's parents Cheryl (Dave), and Bill (Anna), his three cats, as well as several step siblings, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, 2nd cousins, and great nieces and nephews (unfortunately there are too many to name individually).

He will be missed by those who came to know him and love him.

We wish to thank all those who have already reached out to share their thoughts and prayers with us. Also knowing he is no longer suffering and is with his beloved soul mate makes this loss bearable.

In lieu of flowers a donation to Gage's education fund would be appreciated.

May you rest in peace Garrett and may you be another angel in heaven watching over your precious son along with Gage's beloved mother, Kelli.

Garrett's family is creating a video tribute and if you have any specific photos of Garrett, the family would appreciate it if those could be included in the video. Please contact the funeral home and they can send a link to upload those.