Durango, Colorado
Jun 8, 1929 – Feb 13, 2026 (Age 96)
Alan Dean Benefiel Sr., beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and lifelong adventurer, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, at the age of 96.Born on June 8, 1929, in Los Angeles, California, Alan spent his childhood growing up in Pacific Palisades. His early years between the...
Read MoreSorry to hear of Alan's passing. Alan was also my first supervisor at Reclamation when I moved to Durango. He was a great boss and a great guy. We had a lot of fun together and we'll miss him.
Richard Gjere
March 10, 2026
Alan was my first boss when I came down to Durango in 1975. I quickly learned that if Purg had new snow, Alan would announce we´re going skiing at noon, so get your work done! He definitely had his priorities straight! Loved that guy!
Pat Schumacher
March 10, 2026 | Friend
I am sorry to hear of Alan's passing. I enjoyed knowing Alan as a friend and when he worked with us on the Purgatory Ski Patrol. He was always willing to help and he would ski, as fast as he could, to get to a guest in need of his assistance. He really liked that job during his retirement and always had a smile.
Bob Rydiger
March 10, 2026 | Friend
My deepest condolences to you guys for your loss. I didn't know your dad, but he sounds like an awesome man. One of my fondest summers was spent in Farmington surveying canals at NAPI with Jaye Decker, his wife, Joel E., Howard and I. RIP Sr.
David Freienmuth
March 10, 2026 | Friend
Alan and Howard, so sorry for the loss of your father. Sounds like he lived a great life. Quite the adventurous life. Hope you all are doing well. Alan, I still remember those Sunday brunches we had in Los Alamos at the Hilltop House.
Bob (Scooter) Brown
March 10, 2026 | Friend
Howard and Alan...So sorry for your loss... Idelle Greve Maloney
Idelle Maloney
March 09, 2026 | School
