GORDON BENCH

Gordon Spencer Bench 1920 ~ 2010 Gordon Spencer Bench passed away peacefully December 11, 2010, surrounded by loved ones, after suffering a recent stroke.Gordon was born August 7, 1920, in Price, Utah, to George Edward Bench, Jr. and Isabelle Barton. After moving with his family to Los Angeles, CA, he married Verdon Allred of Springdale, Utah, in 1943. He served as a staff sergeant in the Army during World War II. He and Verdon became the parents of four sons. After graduating from Occidental College, Gordon went to work on the personal staff of Howard Hughes and later worked at Rexall Drug, JB's Big Boy Restaurants, and for the Osmond Family. Always a faithful member of the LDS Church, Gordon served in many capacities, including that of bishop and branch president at the MTC. But one of his favorite callings was that of softball coach while living in Canoga Park, CA. There he had an enormous influence for good on many young men; to this day, they still affectionately call him "Coach." After the death of his beloved Verdon, Gordon married Jean Johnson Walz in 1983, and retired in Alpine, Utah, where they have been devoted to each other ever since. They served two missions together, in Barcelona, Spain, and the Mexico City Temple. Gordon will be remembered for his lifetime of service to others, devotion to his family, and his many positive traits, one of which was his ever-present sense of humor. He had us laughing even to the end. Gordon Bench was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, wife (Verdon), and two sons, Al and Ken. He is survived by his wife, Jean; sons, Dennis (Aileen) Bench, Curt (Pat) Bench; stepchildren Susan (Bob) Mortensen, Debbie (Dale) Bentley, Bob (Michelle) Walz, Rick Walz; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family expresses deep gratitude to the caregivers who have lovingly cared for Gordon and Jean, to Alpine Home Care and Hospice, and to all their friends and staff at River Meadows Senior Living in Alpine. Funeral services for Gordon will be held Thursday, December 16, 2010, at 12:00 noon in the Alpine 8th Ward Chapel, 890 North Heritage Hills Drive, Alpine, Utah. Family and friends may attend a viewing at the church Thursday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 am prior to services. Interment will be in the Springville City Cemetery. Funeral Directors - Warenski Funeral Home of American Fork, Utah. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the LDS Church Humanitarian Fund. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.warenski.com