Richard Benson, 67, a resident of Bow died in an accident Friday, May 27, 2011.

He was born to February 16, 1944 in Mount Vernon to Benjamin and Cora (Randles) Benson.

He graduated form Burlington Edison High School in 1962. While working at Shell he attended Skagit Valley College.

In 1964 he enlisted into the Washington National Guard and later received his commission into the Alaska National Guard.
While in Alaska he worked at Ketchikan Pulp until 1972 when he returned to Burlington.

He was united in marriage to Patricia Conn on December 26, 1972.

Richard purchased the family farm on Samish Bay in the mid 70's, and while farming he worked at Hanson & Peterson. For the last 19 years he worked for Buno Construction, who treated him like family.

Some of his hobbies included hunting, fishing, farming, reading and family gatherings.

Survivors include his wife Patricia; three sons; Franklin John and Wendy Heerspink, Gene Wesley Heerspink, and Steven William Benson and Alexandra Lanouette; eight grandchildren, Autumn, Kailey, Amber, Kenzie, Andrew, Tyler, Wyatt, and Savannah; one great grandchild, Kayden; one brother, William Benson; two sisters, Laura Matthews, Deanne Ramsey; one brother-in-law, Michael W. Conn; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Arnold Benson.

A gathering of friends and family will be held Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the family home.

Remembrances are suggested to the Edison Volunteer Fire Department.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hulbush Funeral Home, Burlington.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Skagit Valley Herald on Jun. 1, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for RICHARD BENSON

11 Entries

Jack Richards

June 8, 2011

It is always sad to learn of a classmates passing. I grew up just down the road from the Benson family. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. I cannot imagine your loss.
Jack Richards

Denise Johnson/Rains

June 6, 2011

Dear Benson Family
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your loved ones at a very difficult time in your life, may god be with you and help you through the pain and sorrow you are going through
Denise Johnson/Rains

Dee Dee Farmer

June 3, 2011

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Pat Rowe

June 3, 2011

My condolences Patty and family. Dick was one of my closest friends in high school. We had many great stories to reflect on when we would visit with one another. He had a great laugh and he never failed to use it. He was a good friend to many and would give you the shirt off his back and go out of his way to help. I will be one who will miss him for sure.

Lynn (Sullivan) Diak

June 2, 2011

Deanne and Patty: My thoughts and prayers are with you both - nothing seems to adequately prepare us for the passing of a loved one. I always remember Dick as a gentle and good person. Love to you both.

Sue Gregg

June 2, 2011

To the family my condolences. We loved playing cards and drinking coffee at the old VFW on the boulevard in Burlington. Now he's playing cards with Wendall as well. God speed and God BLess. A true friend we will miss.

June 2, 2011

Losing a good friend is always difficult. Richard Benson was a good friend to many. When we were in high school and life’s questions and concerns arose, a conversation with him would always provide clarification and direction toward a solution. When help was needed to finish a task or a job, Richard was always one of the first to volunteer and would work longer and harder than anyone else. Athletics, hunting trips, and card games helped to create the bond of friendship that extended far beyond high school.
Richard had potential admired by classmates and teachers alike. School was easy for him and his intellect set him on a unique course through life. In all of his experiences, his family, friends and Skagit Valley remained his top priorities. He seemed to be happiest at home on the farm where effort and success were personal. Hard work was its own reward.
Richard was an inspiration to friends and acquaintances alike. Richard was a good father, husband and friend. He was all that we, his classmates, could hope to be. Losing a good friend is always difficult. Losing Richard is a major calamity in our lives. We will miss him. -- Barb (Ericksen) and Jim Ruble

Brenda Ballard

June 2, 2011

We are so saddened by the loss of Richard. He and Brad spent many years together, working on various water jobs. It was an honor to call Richard, "friend". We pray for your family as it goes through this difficult time.

Gordon Shadle

June 2, 2011

My prayers to the Family and condolences at this sad time, from a former high school classmate.

Paula Zimmerman

June 1, 2011

Patty, you're in my prayers.

June 1, 2011

Deanne, Our heartfelt prayers are with you and your entire family at this time. Dale and Candy Taylor, Moses Lake

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