Richard J Benson

Richard J Benson, “Grandpa Blue Eyes”, 82, died early Wednesday morning, January 15, 2014, surrounded by his posterity, at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, Provo, Utah. Richard was born May 11, 1931 in Lyndell, Utah to Owen and Alice Benson. He was raised in Lyndell, UT, Ely and Caliente, NV, and Montebello, CA, where he graduated from high school in 1950. Following high school, Richard served as a missionary in the Canadian Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from 1951 to 1953. After his mission, Richard was inducted into the United States army in January 1954 and was selected from among the ranks to serve in the National Honor Guard. Among his duties, Richard served at Arlington National Cemetery and as a guard along the parade route for presidential motorcades, during the Eisenhower administration. Richard served his country full time for two years then for an additional six years as a reservist. While in the reserves, Richard also attended Brigham Young University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in June 1958. Richard J Benson married Geraldine Brown in the LDS Los Angeles temple on June 30, 1962. On this date, with his lovely bride, he began to build a legacy of faith, family, and fortitude. Richard’s greatest treasure is his posterity. He is survived by his best friend and bride, Geri, and thirteen of his children: Kim (Kris) Ashby of Orem, Kirk (Kathy) Benson of Orem, Greg (Stacy) Benson of Harrisonburg, VA, Josh (Nicole) Benson of Idaho Falls, Jeff (Tiffany) Benson of Provo, Mark (Kate) Benson of Lehi, John (Amber) Benson of Orem, Amy (Colby) Cook of Cedar Hills, Ryan (Emily) Benson of Santaquin, Tyler (Lisa) Benson of Herriman, David Benson of Salt Lake City, Mike Benson of Orem, and Chris (Regan) Benson of Provo. He is also survived by 35 grandchildren: Brittany (Brandon) Green, Cameron Ashby, Matt (Kylee) Ashby, Nick Ashby, Jennifer (Tony) Grimshaw, Jared (Heather) Benson, Josh (Rachel) Benson, Justin (Kim) Benson, Mikell (Kyle) Valgardson, Erin Benson, Ian Benson, Brooks Benson, Grace Benson, Aidan Benson, Morgan Benson, Max Benson, Maggie Benson, Mya Benson, Ella Benson, Claire Benson, Beck Benson, Ellie Benson, Sophie Benson, Tommie Benson, Savannah Cook, Conner Cook, Auttumn Cook, Noelle Cook, Boston Cook, Garrett Benson, Dallin Benson, Allie Benson, Ava Benson, Ruby Benson, and Hazel Benson. He is also survived by 10 great grandchildren: Jaxon Green, Skylee Green, Madilynn Grimshaw, Sophie Grimshaw, Lexie Mae Grimshaw, Benson T Grimshaw, Livee Benson, Brady Benson, Heath Benson, and Anna Ruth Benson. Survivors also include his siblings, Maurice (Maevis) Benson of Phoenix, John (Dee) Benson of American Fork, and Gloria (Claire) Gubler of Richfield, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones. Richard’s parents, Owen and Alice Benson, and his son “Little John”, precede him in death. As a faithful journal keeper, Richard left behind volumes of writings. In his last journal entry, recorded on the morning two days prior to his death, he leaves us his final counsel: “Spend your energies doing those things that will make a difference.” Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, January 18th at Stonewood Stake Center, 450 South 100 West, Orem, Utah. A viewing will precede the services from 9:00-10:45am. You may send flowers and condolences to the Benson residence at 211 W 400 S, Orem, UT 84058 or if Saturday morning, to the Stonewood Stake Center. Services are under the direction of Peni Malohfo'ou of Serenity Funeral Home Draper, Utah

Richard J Benson

May 11, 1931 - January 15, 2014