Rev. Richard W. "Dick" Bender

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Rev. Bender. I am a former classmate of Barb and Don's from Rothrock H.S. I remember well our sleepovers at the Bender home, and what a kind and gentle man Rev. Bender was. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.

To Jan & family...
I can't seem to find the right words & I'm never at a loss for words. I think of how many lives he touched over the years - father, grandfather, firefighter, minister, Kiwanian, volunteer & most of all, friend. What a dear friend & special person he was. I will miss our talks, his stories & his directions...to anywhere that you wanted to go...on a road or with your life. His passing may leave a huge void in all of our lives but I can't help but think that he's already busy helping someone in heaven.

From your "other" kid...
Bonnie Fagan, George, Ross & Bruce

Governor Dick,
Thanks for the memories: The Jamaican workcamp, seeing you hold and hug a child, (no matter its color or mental state) our friendly chats, your counsel and mentoring, your pastoral messages. Thanks for serving the Children of the World; a job well done good and faithful servant. Our job has just begun.

I am so sorry to hear about Rev. Bender's passing. I was one of Barb's roomates in college. We had many good times with the Ruperts and the Benders in Mc Veytown. We visited their church on several occasions. He was kind and fun to talk to. All the Ship. girls have fond memories of Rev. Bender. May your family also find comfort and peace through all those wonderful memories of your Dad. Jan, Barb and the whole family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Jan and Family, I'll never forget the first day I met Rev. Bender. He looked at me over his glasses and welcomed me with open arms. He said welcome to the family of LUMH. He was a true friend and I enjoyed every day I worked with him. He was always there with a listening ear and never wanted anything in return. Upon his retiring we kept in touch, his visits to my office, just to keep up to date on what travels you two were doing or how my family was. I will truly miss his visits and friendship. Take care, Jan and family

Our thougts and prayers are with all of you.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Steph and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of such a wonderful man. I met Reverend Bender while attending college with Steph. He was a kind, gentle man with a loving heart. May you find comfort and peace through those wonderful memories. Hold them close to your hearts. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Alli

Dick was a wonderful man who will truly be missed by all that knew him. I not only had the honor of knowing this great man, but the distinct privilege of calling him 'family'. He was my second-cousin. After the death of my grandfather, Kenneth Bender in 1980, my grandmother, Aurabel Bender moved into Lewisburg United Methodist Homes. Dick always took time out to go visit with her up until her death in 1993. Even though she was family, Dick made everyone around him feel the same way. I know it is a great loss, but we are all better people because of Dick. I want to let Jan and the whole family know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. We shall all be together once again.

We have always said there would never be another Rev. Bender when he retired. There never has been. I remember that when I worked in nursing that the residents would look forward to his morning vist and back rub. Not only the resident but the staff also. He was someone you could go to with a problem and he listened and cared. He will be greatly missed, but will be in our hearts always through the many lives he touched at RiverWoods. Jan and family our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this time of sorrow.

To Jan and Dick's family, my heartfelt sympathy is offered. Dick was a "godly man" that offered himself as a tool to be used for all mankind. Thank you Jan for letting him and for participating with him in his ministry. Your forever friend.

Dennis Shoemaker

Rev. Bender has helped so many and ask for so little. We enjoyed working with him as co workers and he always made it more enjoyable. We were blessed in knowing Dick. Blessing and prayers for you Jan. Gene and Irene Morris

Just yesterday I was thinking of Rev. Bender at my job, and used the one thing that he told me that has stuck with me over 15 yrs. "When doing visitation, sit down, it makes you a better listener and you can visit more folks with the time you have because you can stay for 5 minutes and the person will tell someone "He visited and talked a long time", but if you stand up you can stay a whole hour and they will tell others "He didn't stay long". I found out today "everyone's friendly visitor" had passed. Shalom

In all kinds of weather he was a willing servant that did any task that needed done, even the most humble jobs, always part of the TEAM and will be missed. Mary Zeager

I spent many years with Rev. Bender here at Riverwoods. He left many memories that will live on. He was one of a kind. No matter the situation, he was here for all of us, (residents,families and employees), just a phone call away. He loved his family,always sharing stories about Jan or the kids. He was such a giving person, always giving freely. My sympathy to all the family.He was a wonderful man.

I will miss Rev Bender greatly. A wonderful caring man with a great sense of humor. Jan, My prayers are with you.

Our love and sympathy to Jan and the family as we, too, mourn not only a former co-worker, but a dear friend. Be comforted by knowing that Dick's one life enriched so many, many people, far more than you can ever know. We will all miss him. As we lament, "He's gone", there are those on the distant shore who are rejoicing, "He has come".