William L. Benson Sr.

William L. Benson Sr., 93

SOUTH PORTLAND and Gorham - William L. Benson Sr., of South Portland and Gorham, died Monday, April 3, 2017, at the Maine Veterans' Home in Scarborough, surrounded by family.

He was born Dec. 7, 1923, in Fairhaven, Mass., to Colby H. Benson Sr. and Julia Jenney Benson. Bill graduated from Fairhaven High School and Bryant University, majoring in business.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II and was stationed in Guam.

Following his military service, Bill worked as a food broker for a variety of companies, most recently Ted Edwards & Associates. He was well-known as an accomplished salesman, responsible for bringing new product lines such as Old El Paso, as well as national brands like Golden Grains, to grocery chains and small-town stores throughout northern New England. He was a friend of JoAnn Pike, the first executive director of the Good Shepherd Food Bank, and delivered canned goods to the organization on behalf of his employers.

A dedicated New England sports fan, Bill reveled in the joy when his beloved Red Sox broke the infamous curse in 2004 to win the World Series, and witnessed the Patriots' dynasty after decades of enduring the team's less-favorable results.

His positive, upbeat attitude and genuine interest in friends and family endeared him to many people. Bill created several ad hoc groups after retirement, including The Food Brokers, comprising former food business colleagues; and reunions of the Fairhaven Steamrollers, featuring fellow high school basketball teammates.

A father, grandfather and recent great-grandfather, Bill enjoyed hosting family barbecues and holiday meals with his wife Ruth, and attending his grandchildren's sporting and musical events. He remained interested in his family's lives, both personal and professional.

After his wife passed, he was fortunate to have special women in his life: Maxine Brown, who passed in 2009; and Doris Ruel, who become Nana to his youngest grandchild, Julia. Bill and Doris traveled together and enjoyed gatherings with family and friends.

Bill was predeceased by his wife of 40 years, Ruth Louise Benson; daughters Alice and Diane; his parents; sister Louise; and brother Colby.

He is survived by his daughter Carolyn Clark, of South Portland; son William L. Benson Jr., of Dover, N.H.; and daughter Susan Tompkins and husband Scott, of South Portland; his grandchildren Timothy Benson; Shari Woodard and husband Robert; David Clark and fiancé Adam Isbitsky; Kate Benson and husband Peter Askew; Joanna Clark; and Julia Tompkins; and his great-granddaughter, Eleanor Woodard.

The family would like thank the employees of Scarborough Terrace and the Maine Veterans' Home for the care and respect they provided their father in his final year.

Visiting hours will be held Saturday, April 8, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Hobbs Funeral Home in South Portland, followed by a Celebration of Life at 1 pm. Immediately afterward, friends and family are welcome to gather for lunch and to raise a glass in Bill's memory at the Saltwater Grille in South Portland.

Memorial donations may be made to the
Good Shepherd Food Bank
Online at: www.gsfb.org
or mail a check to
P.O. Box 1807
Auburn, ME 04211