Rick Benjamin

Great Memories Of Ryan's Marina Heights Team! Rick - Your Bright Spirit, Kindness, Leadership, Honesty, Support and Strength Are Admired By Many! You Are Missed!

The first time we met Rick was in the summer of 1974 when he spent some time with Cindy & Jim Musselman on his summer break from school. He would have been just shy of 13 years old. Cindy & Jim were our Nextdoor neighbors on Altadena Ave. and also our very dear friends. One outstanding feature I remember about Rick is his smile. He was always smiling, that big, sometimes lop-sided, smile. I know you are resting in peace with our Lord, Jesus. We won´t forget you, Rick.

The first time I meet Rick (Little Leo) he was a stubborn little 2 year old boy that would not go to bed until he had his bowl of "Cherregos and milk".

I met Rick in the spring of 1998 at Oceanside Ice Arena. Our boys, DJ & Aaron, play hockey together for many years. Over that time Rick and I coached a number of travel teams for the Desert Youth Hockey Association.

Rick and I become the best of friends. He devoted countless hours to the development of 100´s of boys whom he coached. Together we enjoyed a lot of success behind the bench. A lasting memory was of 2001 trip to Fargo ND, where our team from AZ bested many great teams from MN such as Edina, Eden Prairie and Moorhead. For 2 guys who both grew up in MN playing hockey, we felt very proud when our "Arizona" boys claimed the championship. Beating out 31 other teams across the country and Canada along the way to claim the victory.

After our hockey coaching days ended, we spent a lot of time riding together on our Harley Davidson motorcycles. Spending some amazing times visiting Flagstaff, Prescott, Jerome, Sedona and other locations across the state.

We shared a common bond over our faith. Speaking regularly about our love of Jesus and how He helped get us through many challenges we both faced.

My last conversation with Rick took place a few weeks ago while he was in hospice care. I´ll forever hold the last time we spoke in my memory until the day I´m called home. I held his hand and told him I loved him like a brother.

My deepest condolences go out to all of Rick´s family and friends, especially Robyn, Amy, DJ and Maddy. May God´s arms hold you tightly as you grieve Rick´s passing. God bless all of you!

My first memory of Rick was on his birthday!! It was the first day of high school for me. And another silly boy. 3 brothers. I have many more memories of Rick through the years. He was 5 years old than our oldest son so he has been part of my "family" a long time.