Rick Benjamin

"We've only just begun to live."

Leo Richard "Rick" Benjamin passed away peacefully, though too young, on March 1 at Hospice of the Valley Thunderbird Care Center; he was 62. Born on September 5, 1961 in Phoenix, he grew up there and in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where he graduated from Tartan High School and completed the welding program at Saint Paul College. He brought his lifelong love for playing hockey from Minnesota to the desert, coaching countless young players, including son D.J.



Rick took delight in making things, and in making them perfect. He was a carpenter, a construction supervisor, a motorcycle mechanic, and all-round builder and fabricator. He was most proud of his years as a field coordinator at Ryan Companies, where he managed large construction projects like Marina Heights in Tempe.



His greatest joy in life came from family. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Robyn Moline of Glendale, and stepdaughter Haley. He was deeply proud of and cherished his three children, Dillon Benjamin of Glendale; Amy (Dalten) Gabbard of Peoria; and Madison Benjamin of Glendale; and his three grandchildren, Nixen, Rylenn and Teddy. He is survived as well by siblings who loved him dearly: Cynthia (Jim) Musselman of Sun City; Fred (Vicki) Benjamin of Humboldt, Tennessee; and Kelli (Tag) Krogseng of Camp Verde; and by his former wife, Tonya Spellbring Benjamin. He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Phyllis (Laughlin) Benjamin and brother Timothy (Lynda) Benjamin.



His family, along with many friends and colleagues, surrounded Rick with love and laughter in the last weeks of his life, telling many stories of his profound influence on their lives. He shared, as always, his happy smile and keen wit. Nephew "Jimmy Joe" Musselman, who was like a brother to him, was constantly at his side in his final days, and dozens of other nieces, nephews, and "grands" will always remember him affectionately.



Rick was a passionate man, sunny with an occasional stormy side. He brought a sharp intelligence and high standards to his work, and yet extended patient kindness toward anyone who needed it. He did not call attention to himself, but stepped up and spoke frankly and honestly in any conversation. He was interested in people and was easily amused by adults and children who would let their lightness and goofiness shine, just as he did. He loved the people in his life with an openness and sincerity, a true generosity of spirit, that they treasured. In recent years, he was thankful for even more friends among the spiritual community at Christ's Church of the Valley in Peoria.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary, 6500 E Bell Road, Scottsdale, on March 28 at 4:00 PM. Details at https://hansenmortuary.com.