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Richard Benson Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Benson
Sponsored by Kirsten Benson.
Kirsten Benson
November 10, 2023
Sharing a recent story of wonderful kindness shown by a member of the Registrar's office at Wesleyan University. She wanted to make sure that Dick's family received his Wesleyan diploma, which he never picked up (for unknown reasons). She did some amazing work to track me down, and sent the diploma and the graduation program. Such an extraordinary kindness to us, just from the goodness of her heart. Tracey, we thank you! We're so happy to have this and to be reminded of how much Dick enjoyed his time at Wesleyan.
If any of Dick's Wesleyan classmates see this and happen to visit the campus for alumni events, stop in to the Registrar's office and give a thanks to Tracey!
Susan Buchholz
September 16, 2020
I would love to be able to discuss the politics of the day with you Dick; I see so many similarities between you and Casey with regards to political philosophy..
So wish you were here with us to endure this Pandemic, to be part of our family Zooms. Like Kirsten said, you would have us laughing in tears Each of us in our own way have tried to keep your memory alive ; we always will.. Knowing you and Mom have each other to hold onto brings great comfort for me . See you in my dreams❤
Kirsten Benson
September 15, 2020
These days I think about what those we've lost would think about the world today. What would Dick do to deal with the pandemic? Someone like him, probably the most social of all of my brothers and sisters, would be going bonkers for sure. Even so, he'd be the life of our family Zooms, I'm sure. I know he'd keep us laughing in some way! However, he'd also be sad about our mother's passing this year. How do we manage without him? Even after 12 years, it hurts. I miss you, brother.
Scott Saunders
August 19, 2018
Oh, God -- that laugh! I had never heard anything like it before I met him at college, nor has anything come close since then.
Jim Watkinson
May 31, 2017
I'm not sure why I was thinking of Dick today. We were good friends long ago..
When I see these pictures,I can hear that distinctive laugh of his and I remember how much he loved his family..
Rest peacefully old friend..
Linda Marshall
September 16, 2015
Here's a pic of Dick and myself and my sister Kirsten taken in Nov. of '92....as usual, Dick and I are cracking up having a really good time - I'm not exactly sure where! Today I wanted to share the story of how I happen to have this picture...A number of months ago I was on one of my decluttering rampages and gave my husband a bag of old books to take to the book drop. As he was putting the books into the bin, one book fell to the ground and this picture, which had been in the middle of the book fell out. The book belonged to Dick and was one of the items left behind. When my husband brought it home I started crying...I couldn't believe the odds that this picture which he used as a bookmark could find it's way to me. Now I carry it with me everywhere in my purse. Miss those fun crazy times we had - love you Dick.
Susan Buchholz
September 26, 2011
Another year without Dick;Year three in fact. I keep a picture of Bruce and Casey in my wallet;it was taken on the day we went to Sloan-Kettering with you by train. You received the best news that day from your doctors, I could see the joy and happiness in your eyes! I want to hold onto the memories of that day, it gets me through the tough days.I know you are smiling and laughing with us, always.
Susan~
September 16, 2011
Once again we come to the anniversary of Dick's passing. I prefer September 15 rather than 16, since on the 15th 3 years ago, Dick was still alive. On the 16th he was not. I prefer even more September 14th, the last day I saw him. The only good is that we all still keep his fun-loving spirit close to our hearts. He would really like that. I miss him.
--Kirsten Benson
ron wolfbauer
May 18, 2011
dick and i met each other in the early 80s in mpls we worked together and became very close friends. he was my best man in my wedding. unfortunately we grew apart after we had children. i spoke with dickie back in 2007 he still had the same contagious laugh. i was thinking about the good ole days with dickie googled him and came across this news. i just want to say i miss you dickie from an old and dear friend, i'm very sorry for your loss. andy and herman i hope all else is well.
September 17, 2010
Year Two; You are always in my thoughts, whether it's remembering a conversation, things we did together, so many memories flow through my mind day in and day out. We took a "Nostagia Tour" this summer going back to our childhood homes and haunts. You were there in spirit with us, although your absence was painfully noticed. We are a close knit "band of brothers" so to speak; your death has connected our lives in ways we cannot have imagined. We will continue to navigate though life together as a family, always, always with you at the center of our hearts...Love, Susan
Linda Marshall
September 16, 2010
2 Years . . . it’s hard to grasp the reality that “years” have now gone by since Dick left us considering that it is so easy to transport back to this day and instantly feel the same devastation and emptiness. It is not possible for all of us to get together today as we did last year, but that’s ok -- because we honor Dick each and every time we all get together for our crazy, fun times – we know he would be right in the thick of it having more fun than anyone. For that reason we don’t let more than a couple weeks go by without some or all of us getting together and we keep his memory alive in all the laughs we share – we know that too is exactly how he would want it.
September 15, 2010
Every day, still, I think of Dick—often at times so simple like early morning when the air feels cool and fresh, or, more likely, when the sun is starting to set. I catch myself thinking “Doesn’t this feel nice?” and then the next thought is “Dick would have liked this.” Bittersweet. Sometimes I think of his last days, when even though his body was failing he still had hope, and I think he passed away still believing he had a chance to live. Somehow that is a comfort to me. I miss him and wish he was here, and still can’t seem to truly comprehend that he’s gone. My heart goes out to all of us who miss him and mourn his passing. I think, too, he has made us all better people in some way.
Kirsten Benson
April 2, 2010
We had so many fun Easters, all dressed up for the occasion! Look for the photo of all of us way back in the 60s. Dick was stylin' even then!
Easter in the late 60s
April 2, 2010
Easter, 2008
March 31, 2010
It was only two years ago all seven of us, nieces and nephews too, shared Easter weekend in NH. Linda made a fantastic meal at her place and we had a wonderful brunch at The Galley Hatch on Easter Sunday.You were full of life Dick,you laughed and made us laugh as you always did!I miss you everyday;the pain never goes away, but I hold onto these precious memories fiercely.
Love,
Susan
Tanya Colon
March 30, 2010
The kids and I still talk about all the good times we had with Dick. How much laughter he brought to us,and all of the things he showed us about life.We miss him so much but were so blessed to have met him.
Linda Marshall
September 15, 2009
Tomorrow it will be a year since Dick lost his battle with cancer and passed away. Not a single day has passed that I have not thought about him and his brave struggle and wish more than anything that he was still here. Every time I walk the beach I think about how we walked together last summer, every day that he could. He would call me at work in the afternoon and ask if I was going to be home in time to walk the beach. Now I pretend that he is still there with me taking in the waves, the surfers and the beautiful sky at sunset, trying to be strong, enjoying some peaceful moments in all the turmoil.
Tomorrow I will visit him at his grave with my brothers and sisters and then have dinner together at one of his favorite places and we will raise our glasses to what we have lost. We will talk about all the times we had and all funny things he said and did. I realize more than ever how thankful we are to have each other and that being together is the most important thing in my life.
Susan Buchholz
September 14, 2009
It has been a long and painful year without Dick. I have relived his journey each month, trying to focus on the laughter we shared, trying to quell the overwhelming sadness that is left. I cherish the times that I visit you, but know that you are always at the center of my heart and mind.
Kirsten Benson
September 13, 2009
Not a day has gone by in this past year that Dick hasn't been in my thoughts and heart. I miss his laughter and his energy and wish so much that he was here. And, I wish for those of us who are left behind to remember him well and to try to do the best with the life we are fortunate to have.
Marbles and Dick
October 28, 2008
October 28, 2008
Greg Bartlett
October 23, 2008
I just found out about Dick's passing and I'm simply floored by it. Dick and I were roommates at Exeter in 1976-77, but we didn't keep in contact much after leaving. This brings back such memories about those times, and I'll always remember his great sense of humor, his kindness, and his passion for all Boston sports. My sincerest sympathies to all his family and friends.
Andrew Benson
September 24, 2008
Dick was a special person, a caring and loyal brother and a person who brought laughter and light into the lives of others. I will miss my golf partner greatly, and a day will not go by when I don't think of him.
Linda Marshall
September 22, 2008
For the past nine months my family and I have devoted our lives trying to save my brother's. His fight wtih cancer was very brave, he never once gave up hope. No words can express the grief and sorrow my family and I feel over the loss of my brother. Throughout the years whenever we all got together for any occasion, it wasn't right and of course the fun didn't start until Dick got there. His favorite time of day was dusk - I will always think of his laugh and smile whenever I see the sun set and will forever wish he could see just one more. I miss you Dick and will always love you.
Corinne Tandy
September 21, 2008
Just a little memory of my uncle I thought I’d share:
In late July, Dick and I sat on Linda’s back porch looking over the beautiful waterway, watching funny birds I don’t remember the names of. He asked me what I was doing in school and what my grand plans for life were. He told me what he studied in college. It was a simple conversation, really, but I won’t ever forget it.
Richard and Jillian Marshall
September 21, 2008
To Linda, Rob, and the entire Benson family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you throughout this sad time. We are sorry for your loss and may Dick rest in peace.
Patricia McCarthy
September 21, 2008
Dear Andrew and Maguerite,
Our sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your son, Dick.
Our family will think of you and pray for you,
Patricia (Benson) McCarthy
Christine Tavano
September 20, 2008
Dear Andrew & Marguerite,
My condolences to you and your family for the loss of your son, Dick.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Christine (Benson) Tavano
Laura Ricker
September 20, 2008
Dear Benson family,
Marni and I have been grieving together the last two days after hearing about the loss of Dick. So many memories have come flooding back, most of which include the contagious smile and laughter of Dick. I think my favorite stories were from the days after Dick moved to Minnesota to live in Excelsior. Kiley and Marni were just young children then. Dick brought such joy to the house with his songs, tales and loving presence. I can still hear him sing, "Up in the tree with the Mon-chi-chi", to the kids or his teasing Marni about her "fat tummy". One especially fun memory was a Christmas Eve when Dick stayed up after the kids were in bed and helped to construct a Lego project while we all consumed far too many Tom and Jerries to be able to match the correct yellow, blue and red pieces! My prayers and condolences during this very sad time over the loss of a far too young loved one. God bless you all.
Laura
Casey Buchholz
September 20, 2008
Uncle Dick would always call on sunday morning and would ask what did you have for breakfast and other questions like how did ur hockey game go or how did your soccer game go. Hed always be so happy and and be so interested he just made the phone call better than all the others. He was also a very funny guy he would always have stories when he came over for christmas or if we went out to dinner with the rest of the family. And on tuesday when he passed when we were sitting in the pub telling old stories of him I realized that he lived a pretty good life and that I wish I couldve known him for much longer than the 13 years that i have known him. He is probably one of the reasons I got into hockey and probably one of the reasons i am the hockey player I am today. So thankyou Dick thankyou for all the great times you gave me and our family.
Susan Buchholz
September 20, 2008
Dick, a.k.a. Dickie, Trickman, Benny, Richard,
Your zest for life and fun loving spirit was contagious! The incredible memories shared together will sustain me through the rest of my life. Thank you for your brotherly love, for your close kinship with Bruce and for your fondness for Casey. We love you and will miss you more than I can ever express; I hope you are smiling down on us from that "big hockey rink in the sky!"
All my love,
Susan
Marni Benson
September 20, 2008
I am very sad to hear of Uncle Dick's passing. It had been too many years since I saw him last and that I will forever regret. However, I will always remember my god-father, Uncle Dick who lived with us for many years and spent countless hours babysitting and making us laugh. You are in my heart.
Always, "Marn-Barn"
Weslyan University '83
September 19, 2008
September 19, 2008
Sabine and Kevin O'Neill
September 19, 2008
To Susan and the Benson Family
So sorry to hear about your brother's death. I know too well what pain and sorrow you must be feeling right now. Kevin and my thoughts are with you and we are glad you are surrounded by family to help rekindle the good memories of your brother's place in your family.
Doug Quatchak
September 19, 2008
To Linda, Rob & the Entire Benson Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Elizabeth Klink
September 19, 2008
Dear Linda, Rob, and The Benson Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. I wish there were words to take away the pain you are feeling. This I know, with the love of family and friends time heals all wounds. Know that the Klinks are thinking of you and love you! Our doors and hearts are always open! Love you Linda Lou & Wobba!
The Benson brothers and sisters
September 19, 2008
Dick with friends in Maine
September 19, 2008
Andrew L. Benson
September 19, 2008
We are heart-broken at our loss of Dick; We will never forget him.
We appreciate so much the expressions of sympathy from so many.
Dick's mother and father.
Steven Goldberg
September 19, 2008
Dickie and I were classmates at Wesleyan. I have many fond memories of Dickie, especially with all the guys of his Lawn Ave house. After a long gap in our friendship, I saw him in the fall of 2007. I am sad to have lost him again.
I hope Dickie's family can be comforted by the memories he left us and the fact he is now at peace.
Cathie Greeley
September 19, 2008
Susan and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Dick's death. Hold on to all the special memories.... you will always be grateful for them. You are in my prayers.
The Lowry Family
September 19, 2008
Dear Susan, Bruce and Casey,
Our sincere sympathy for your lose. We felt as if we knew Dick from our many discussions. I wish we could have met him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Benson family.
Jacqueline Lanzalone
September 19, 2008
People come into our lives for a reason. Dick was so full of life and together we enjoyed sharing time at the beach, golfing and loving our kitties. We also had so much fun at family gatherings and parties at our condo in NJ. Since then, we have moved on, but Dick always had a piece of my heart. I hope he is at peace. I wish to express my sincere condolences to the family. I know Dick was happiest when he was around his parents, brothers and sisters. I feel comfort in knowing that he had your courage and support. Jackie
Andrea & Kurt Winkler
September 19, 2008
Dear Susan, Bruce and Casey -
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your brother at such a young age. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. His pain has ended while your hearts are broken. May the wonderful memories you've shared bring you comfort during this difficult time.
All our love and prayers,
John Moriarty
September 18, 2008
I am sorry to hear the news and my thougths and prayers are with you. I worked with Dick many years ago and he was terrific person.
Herman Benson
September 18, 2008
Dick,
I will forever hold our time together as special. I think of all the fun we had, I will miss you.
Kevin Foley
September 18, 2008
I am so sorry to learn the sad news about Dickie. We grew up together in Melrose and played alot of hockey in the rinks and on the ponds. We had a great 8th grade Pee Wee B team and played on the same line. In response to Kirsten's request, I have great memories of driving home from games with Dickie and listening to "mystery radio." Although I cannot recall the name of the show, I remember Dickie was an avid listener and I really got a boot out of it. I have many great memories of him and I'm so sorry for his family.
Regards,
Kevin Foley
John Donnelly
September 18, 2008
Dickie and I went to and played hockey together at Wesleyan. I have many great memories of the times we spent together. And although we lost track of one another following college, I have never forgotten him or the times we had together.
To the entire Benson family, please accept my heartfelt sympathy and take comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering.
Sonja Gonzalez
September 18, 2008
Lauren and family- My thoughts are with you during the difficult times. While the recent struggles have been so hard, I know that your family has come together for support and that strength of character and family will ease the pain now. Think of all the happiness that you had with your brother, son and friend.
HARRIS FOX
September 18, 2008
Dick & I covered many miles & days together biking & sharing guy talk. I will miss him.
Kirsten Benson
September 18, 2008
I and my family would love for any of Dick's friends to share their memories of time spent with him.
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