Reed Amussen Benson

I am saddened to just now learn about the passing of a kind, challenging,... soul. He was loving and so loved.

Its 3:10am. I havent thought about Brother Benson for many many years. I just had a dream of him in the celestial kingdom. He was smiling and said what he always did when he saw me in his book of morman class. Hows my tall drink of water? It brought tears to my eyes. Its been 40 years since I saw him and I will never forget his kindness. I looked him up tonight and realized he had passed on. What a great man!!

He was my favorite teacher at BYU, hands down. I loved his cheerful personality. I always wanted to marry someone like him. Thank you Brother B for your kind words, great stories, and example,they will be long remembered and passed down.

We express our since condolences to Brother Benson's family and friends. We never knew him personally, but do know his sister, Beth, very well and love her so much. Because we know what a wonderful person Beth is, we know, too, that Reed was warm and had a great enthusiasm for the Gospel and all people around him. May God bless you all now and forever.

What a great man of God. I appreciated his warmth and enthusiasm. As I cared for both of his parents, he was always friendly, gracious and kind. His support of homeschooling gave me the courage I needed as a young mother to school my children at home. What a great journey it has been! I am so grateful for his encouragement and faith. Blessings to his dear family.

Reed was big brother to my friend Beth and he was always kind and fun. However, my most cherished memory was his enthusiasm for life and his strong, deep testimony of Jesus Christ. As a teenager, this made a big impression and helped develop my love for the Gospel.

I always enjoyed watching him talk in sacrament meeting, (our families were together in the Washington Ward), or in a fireside. He would express himself with his hands and his fingers would be in a wide "V" split. And...

As one of his missionaries, I was very thankful for the positive influence of Pres. Reed Benson on my life. He was a devoted leader.

I enjoyed the visit of several months ago to see him in the Benson home. My love and support to you Sister Benson and all your dear family.

Love, Ron Kunz

It is impossible to underestimate the impact of Reed Benson on the homeschooling community. In the early days it was social suicide to homeschool. I had friends whose bishops were telling them to put their kids in school. I had it better than the generation before me that pioneered and today's homeschoolers are accepted as making a good choice just as public and private schools are good choices for families. Without Reed Benson this could have taken at least another generation.
My kids...

May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow; those who pass on, God keep in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. sincerest condolences. Psalms 116:15