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Alan Benson Obituary
Educator, mountaineer, and resident of Newbury Park from 1966 until 2005, Alan Benson passed away from a rare and incurable brain disorder, Multiple System Atrophy. Born in Los Angeles on March 28, 1937 to native Californians Ernest and Jane (Erickson) Benson, Alan attended Washington High where he edited the school newspaper and went on to UCLA where he graduated with honors before serving two years in the army. He is survived by his wife, Precy, two daughters, Erica Benson-Hallock of Spokane, WA and Kerry Duncan of Greenville, NC. He is also survived by his sons-in-law Bob and Stu and four grandchildren: Gillian, Kirsten, Cameron and Will. The baffling disease had caused him to move to Camarillo's Leisure Village in 2005. For 34 years he taught social studies at Reseda High. Voted favorite teacher by many graduating classes, he was presented the Apple Award by Mayor Bradley in 1988 for excellence in education. Sponsor of the school hackysack club and initiator of numerous mock trials, Alan championed critical, independent thinking and abhorred education as regurgitation, blind obedience posing as patriotism, and unquestioning orthodoxy of all types. Adventure characterized his life. He climbed all the 14,000' peaks in the Sierras, led early explorations of the cave system atop Boney Ridge, and often ventured the entire course of the Sespe Creek from Highway 33 thru the massive boulder fields to Fillmore. For over 20 years Alan led Sierra Club hikes and in 1981 achieved the Senior Mountaineering Award. The world of ideas was also important to him, and he was a frequent contributor of letters to Southland newspapers. Private interment at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park. Memorial service to be held on Saturday, May 13th from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., at Banyan Park at 2605 Erinlea Avenue in Newbury Park.
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Memories and Condolences
for Alan Benson
Sarvi Chan
July 12, 2024
Mr. Benson made an indelible mark not only on my mind, as my teacher and academic decathlon coach, but on my character as a human being. I still remember the many posters with thought-provoking quotes that lined the walls of his classroom. I discussed "The law in its wisdom equally prohibits both rich and poor from sleeping under bridges" with my own child and thought about what a very rare and great gift it was to be the student of someone with total respect for the intelligence of even a ratty little teenager. Today is Friday, July, 12, 2024. I'm 52. I still think about you and very much hope I made you feel as appreciated as you deserved to feel.
Tom
February 18, 2024
Good Evening,
I believed i served with Alan for two years at Ft Dix, NJ. We were room mates for a short period in 1960-61. He was pleasant but always up for a spirited discussion. The last i saw of Al was to wish him well on a trip to Germany.
I was looking up another CA friend when i happened across this obit. Sounds like he was a great teacher and led a great life.
interestingly enough we both nurtured a love of the outdoors.I also turned to hike, camping etc. but while he climbed 12000 footers i climbed New England's 4000 footers! While Alan seemed to go more for hiking and back packing etc. i turned to long distance tent cycling primarily in Europe. I preferred riding to walking!!
Patricia Charlton
May 26, 2023
Just found this obituary for my favorite Reseda High school teacher. Mr. Benson constantly challenged me intellectually and widened my horizons. He encouraged us to question authority at every turn. I became a public defender as a result. The walls of his classroom were lined with hand written posters with sometimes sage and sometimes irreverent quotes (some were both). "Power corrupts; Absolute power corrupts absolutely". "A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle". There were many, many others. I am sorry he passed without my ever going contacting him to say thank you for opening my mind and my horizons.
Sean Taylor
March 4, 2022
Mr. Benson was my teacher and Academic Decathlon coach for two years in 1987 and 1988 at Reseda high. I only just learned of his passing, and though it happened many years ago I am both shocked and saddened. I think about him all the time, his mentorship was invaluable to my success in life. His unwavering efforts to instill political awareness on a bunch of clueless 80's teens makes me so appreciate his insight and wish we could all be more mindful of the lessons shared by this brilliant, caring and prophetic man. You will always be in my heart and never far from my mind, Mr. Benson.
Margarita Lacabe
August 18, 2020
I just thought about Mr. Benson and looked him up. Though I suspected he had passed away given his age, and I mourn him, I'm glad I have a place to write something about him.
Mr. Benson was my History teacher in 11th grade. He was probably the greatest influence I've had in my life - though I didn't recognize that until many years later. He taught me how to think critically, but also how to take strong moral stances. His influence led me to be the activist I'm today.
I wish there were more teachers like Mr Benson.
Sandy (Hunt) Powell
June 4, 2006
Mr. Benson was one of the most influentional teachers of my life. He taught me to think for myself. He gave of himself to those of us who were his students as a teacher but also as a friend and equal. What an amazing gift for teenagers trying to survive high school.
Thank You Mr. Benson - we will miss you!
Iman Dakhil
May 31, 2006
MR. Benson was an extraordinary teacher who taught his students the art of critical thinking. He maintained the highest of standards in his classrooms and encouraged a pursuit of excellence in his classroom. He impacted my education greatly and will always be thought of with great respect and fondness. - Iman Dakhil RHS '95
Jennifer Albers
May 18, 2006
Mr. Benson was an amazing teacher, who was able to keep his students engaged in the political process. Whenever I think of my high school years (80-82) I think of him and what a difference he made to how I view government. He is one of the reasons I have pursued a career in municipal government. I am truly sorry to hear of his passing and wish his family well.
Lisa Orcutt Kane
May 18, 2006
Mr. Benson was one of the rarest breeds: a teacher who trusted students to do some of their most important thinking outside of the lines.
One of my most memorable experiences of my high school years was when he sent me off on a quest for a piece of equipment that was a figment of his imagination. At first I couldn't figure out why he did that...I was always so eager to please and didn't question my teachers' requests. I felt hurt and told him so. He told me "Lisa, you need to learn to tell me off!" Don't do everything anyone tells you to do!" It took me a long time to get that one.
I've spent most of my career teaching students who our schools, through policy and apathy, are grooming to put their heads down, pass the test, and be good little workers. Mr. Benson was the teacher who taught me that democracy depends on teaching kids to listen, think critically about all the sides of the argument, and then be fearless about making some noise!
I just finished teaching my 3rd graders how to make a persuasive speech. Some of the topics they came up with were "Should children have more rights?, Should we listen to kids ideas no matter what? and Should kids be able to vote?" Long live the belief in children, and the power of their thoughts and voices, that Mr. Benson nutured for all those years!
Tracy Taylor Grant
May 18, 2006
Al Benson was the most influential teacher I had in my educational career. He encouraged his students to think outside the box and pushed us to see other points of view. Because of him I eagerly went to law school and eagerly got out of the practice after a few years and back into education. He will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences to his family and friends
Sue Taylor
May 17, 2006
How could we have endured high school without Mr. Benson? Without the kumquat factor, without the ‘league of the viscously apathetic’, without the hackysack club, without that irreverent, mischievous, bombast-busting wit?
Thanks Mr. B.
Eleanor Clegg Lynn
May 17, 2006
My sister sent the wonderfully written obituary for Alan. I was saddened to find out he had passed away. I especially remember how much he loved Kerry and Erica, and it must be a great loss. My best wishes to all his family.
Sincerely,
Eleanor
JJ Morris
May 15, 2006
The classes I took with Mr. Benson from 1977-1979 remain one of the most profound influences on my life. If I can be called a critical thinker, then it is because of him.
I was also privileged to go hiking with him and fellow students at Sespe Creek. Those hikes still inform a lifetime of environmental appreciation and activism.
His legacy will continue to be a profound one as everyone that he touched with his generosity of spirit shares what they have learned.
JJ Morris
May 15, 2006
The classes I took with Mr. Benson remain one of the most profound influences on my life. If I can be called a critical thinker, then it is because of him.
I was also privileged to go hiking with him and fellow students at Sespe Creek. Those hikes still inform a lifetime of environmental appreciation and activism.
His legacy will continue to be a profound one as everyone that he touched with his generosity of spirit shares what they have learned.
James Lee
May 14, 2006
I'm still a little stunned about Al's passing. There are few teachers that any of us can say truly impacted a student's life, but Al was one of those rare individuals.
In today's world, where we need more people like him who encourage unfettered thinking, the best I can do is try and live up to his standards in my professional life.
He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
Spencer Mackay
May 13, 2006
I remember Alan Benson as one of the best teachers I had while attending Reseda High School. He taught my Honors History class during my Junior year (around 1967).
He had tremendous enthusiasm and made the subject interesting. He was just trying out the moot trial concept when I had his class. He had tried it once before with another class and I think he was still working the bugs out of the concept.
I always felt that he was interested in me as a person. We remained friendly after I left his class. He would always say hi in the halls, remembered my name and seemed genuinely glad to see me.
I was completely surprised to read his obituary a few days ago and wanted his family to know the meaningful contribution he made to my High School experience.
Mr. Benson will always have a place in my heart. I hope his family will take consolation in his life well lived with such influence for good on so many.
Suzanne Tanaka
May 13, 2006
Alan introduced me to the Boy Scout trail to the top of Boney and started my interest in boulder scrambling. He introduced me to the Dough Flat-Alder Creek-Tar Creek loop in the Sespe Wilderness. He is the one who got me started and I've been hiking, backpacking, climbing, and canyoneering since. Alan shared his love of the outdoors with so many people and have changed many lives for the better. We are so fortunate to have known him.
Linda Hansen
May 13, 2006
As a student at Reseda High School from 1960 - 1963, I clearly recall Mr. Benson at the beginning of his teaching career. He was full of youthful enthusiasm and energy.
Now I see that he stayed at Reseda for 34 years and made a difference in the lives of many kids.
His obituary was beautifully written to detail an exciting, full and loving life.
Please accept the condolences of one who remembers.
John and Bette Pounds
May 11, 2006
Erica and Kerry,
Our prayers are with you.
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