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Paul Benson Obituary
Paul Leonard Benson
Born in New York, NY to the late Ernst Paul Benson and Ingrid Lindwall Benson, the family moved to Seattle in 1948. He graduated from Ballard High School in 1957 and went on to the U of W. After honorably serving four years in the U.S. Army, he returned to Seattle and rejoined Washington Natural Gas (PSE), where he worked for 51 years.
In 1966, Len met and later married Carol Doherty, beginning their romance in Ballard, WA. The family lived on Whidbey Island for 27 wonderful years before moving to Marysville, WA.
Len is survived by wife, Carol; sons, Jeffrey of Marysville, Michael of Sammamish and John (Wendy) of West Seattle; grandson, Xavier; sister, Betty Ann Fry; brother, George; and many treasured nephews and nieces.
Len found joy in traveling and reading, enthusiastically sharing both with family and friends.
Len's family would like to thank Providence Medical Center and Hospice for their gentle care of our precious person in his final hours with us.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Experimental Educational Unit (EEU) at University of Washington or Work Opportunities in Lynnwood, WA.
At Len's request, there will be no funeral. A remembrance will be held with family and friends on June 11, 2011. For further information, contact the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Benson
Janis Woods
June 9, 2011
I worked with Leonard at PSE in Everett. I had an English Bulldog and Leonard always asked me about her. He brought me a little sandcast bulldog back from one of his trips ( I think it was Hawaii ) I always enjoyed talking with him about his love of travel, especially cruises. I was so sorry to hear of his passing.
June 5, 2011
May the "God of comfort" (2 Cor. 1:3) provide you with all the necessary support, thru the words contained in his Word that you need at this most difficult time.
Ben Thomas
June 4, 2011
My condolences to Leonards family and friends. I worked with Leonard at the former WNG and now with PSE, he was always easy to talk to and also a great source for information. You will be missed Leonard.
Glenn R. Huden
June 1, 2011
I met Leonard on 11 Feb.1974, my first day of work at WNG. We were both Ballardites at the time. As a helper I was assigned to his truck, we worked together quite abit. I learned a lot from Leonard, all of his work was first class. Leonard did like Coca-Cola, first stop in the morning on the way to the job site was a stop at 7-11, to get a 6 pack to be thrown in the cooler. Since we were always digging holes Leonard would throw his flattened Coke can in the hole to be backfilled, "a marker to show that he had worked there". A little bit of Leonard is all over Seattle and areas beyond. He will be missed.
Rebecca Nicholas
May 31, 2011
I have worked with Leonard for my entire career here at WNG/PSE. He taught me how to find a gas pipeline with two twigs. I've missed him at the PI Inspector meetings, he always talked about protection of the pipeline. Up-standing person through and through. Please take care during this difficult time.
Janet Bruckshen
May 31, 2011
I had the privledge of getting to know the Benson's through a 22 year friendship with their son, Jeff. Leonard was the type of person you just instantly liked, it was impossible not to! He was so friendly, funny, positive, generous, and such a devoted father and family man. I loved talking to him about sports and his family vacations but he really lit up when talking about his family. I am so sorry for the family as I can imagine the pain his absence will cause, but I hope they find comfort in knowing that the man they loved so much also touched many other peoples lives, as for myself I know that my life is richer because of Leonard and his family.
May 31, 2011
I never met Leonard, but I heard about him through working with his son, Jeff. He sounded like a great man. My condolences to the Benson family. -Clint R.
ernie welsh
May 31, 2011
Over the years working with Leonard, many fond memories of hearing his voice on the phone. Condolences to the family and friends. I can still hear his voice.
"can you write..." take care Leonard.
May 30, 2011
Hate to lose another Beaver! Good thoughts to the family. George sounds like a classmate of mine- Lambert Ross '60
Ken Yates
May 29, 2011
I worked many years with Leonard, and was shocked and sadened to learn of his passing this morning. He was always a very large presence among those of us who knew and worked with him. He has been missed ever since he retired, and now will be missed even more because of his passing. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Ken Yates...
Phil McConnell
May 29, 2011
Leonard was a good man, always there with words of encouragement and willing to help others. We will miss him. Condolences to the Benson family and friends during this sad time.
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