Alan Benson

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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.

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!

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

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.

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...