John Bernhard Benson
Late of Burlingame
A San Mateo County resident since 1954, entered into rest at his home on June 22, 2012. Beloved husband of Martha Benson for 60 years. Loving father of Karen Abbott (her husband Tom), Kristen Benson (her husband Bill Anderson), Janet Martin (her husband Carl). Dear brother of Connie Hegge (her husband Bob). Also survived by his cherished grandchildren Evan, Jennifer, Patrick Nicholas.
A native of Buffalo, New York, age 85 years.
John was an Eagle Scout; served in the US Army following WWII in Japan; a graduate of San Jose State and member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity - where he met and married Martha Roberts; taught high school for several years; purchased The Studio Shop in 1955 - Burlingame's oldest retail business since 1915; very active in the community joining the Burlingame Presbyterian Church in 1955; a member of the Burlingame Lions Club in 1957 - President in 1967 - elected District 4-C4 Governor in 1982; District Commissioner for Pine Tree Boy Scouts of America; Trustee of the Burlingame Library Board; founding member of Professional Picture Framers of America; a member of E Clampus Vitas; a volunteer at FILOLI; awarded Burlingame Citizen of the year in 1989.
Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Service on Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame, 1500 Easton Drive in Burlingame.
His family prefers donations to the "Lions Eye Foundation", 2340 Clay Street, 5th Floor, P.O. Box 7999, San Francisco, CA 94120.
CHAPEL OF THE HIGHLANDS, Millbrae
(650) 588-5116
www.chapelofthehighlands.com
Published in San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on June 26, 2012
