Benjamin H. "Ben" Benson

Benjamin "Ben" H. Benson, 76, of Haifa, Israel, died peacefully at his family's home in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, July 22, 2006. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Slifman Benson; and his daughter, Lynda Benson Pollak. He is survived by his children, Susan and Mark Sisisky of Richmond, Dana and Jeff Melnick of Portland, Oregon and Yaakov Pollak and Nitza Katz of Shorashim, Israel; his sister and brother-in-law, Pearl and Stan Felson of Hayward, California; and his loving companion and friend, Zyta Eliyahu of Haifa. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Joy Sisisky and Jonathan Salky, Zach and Clare Sisisky, Reut, Tal and Shlomit Pollak, Galya Katz, Sydney, Liat and Nessa Melnick; and nephews, Leonard, Howard and Jeff Felson, Richard Brownstein; and many more cousins and relatives. Ben was born in Toronto, Canada, and came to Los Angeles, California, in 1949, where he met his wife. From there, Ben and his wife moved to Portland, Oregon, where he was employed by Division Street Plywood and Door. In 1956, he and his family settled in Fresno, California, where he remained until he and his wife moved to Israel in 1986. In Fresno, Ben was active at Congregation Beth Jacob and Congregation Beth Israel. He was employed by Maidenform, Inc. and owned and operated The Bagel Bakers. Upon his move to Israel 20 years ago, Ben served as a volunteer for the Israeli Defense Force. He served on the board of the Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel (AACI) and was involved in the Zionist Organization of America. He was instrumental in helping plant the Ilan Ramon Memorial Forest in Israel through the AACI. Professionally, Ben became an import/export consultant to a number of Israeli businesses and communities. Services will be conducted in Portland, Oregon, on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 at 3 p.m. at the Neveh Zedek Rose City Lodge Chapel on Canyon Lane. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to charity of your choice.