Robert (Bob) D. Benson

Robert (Bob) D. Benson

Robert (Bob) D. Benson, 94, longtime Big Sandy resident, died March 1, 2011, en route to Gray's Harbor Community Hospital in Washington. Please join the family for a celebration of Bob's life on June 25, 2011, at the Big Sandy Senior Citizen's Center, the time will be announced later. Bring a favorite memory or picture to share.

He was born to Ed and Cora (Quackenbush) Benson on May 14, 1916, in Tweet, Mont. He graduated from Hogeland in 1934 and attended Northern Montana College in Havre.

During World War II, Bob joined the Navy Seabees and served two years as a heavy equipment operator. He married Lois M. Leazenby on May 14, 1951, in Laramie, Wyo.

The couple eventually settled in Big Sandy. He retired from the Montana State Highway Department after 24 years of service. Bob was an avid fisherman and hunter throughout his life. He was a member of the V. F.W. Post 497, Masonic Lodge 155 and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, all of Havre. He also was a member of the Christ Lutheran Church in Big Sandy. Bob and Lois moved to Hoquiam, Wash., several months ago to be near their daughter and her family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Harold, Harris, Bud, Ray, Dick and Russell; and one sister, Dorothy.

Bob is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lois Benson of Hoquaim, Wash. ; daughter, Diane (Mike) Gibby of Hoquaim, Wash. ; and one son, Gary (Bonni Marceau) Benson of Helena, Mont. ; his brother, Keith (Genevive) Benson of Harlem, Mont. ; and his sister, Lois Nelle of Blaine, Wash.

He is also survived by nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

"Dad, enjoy the fishing with Arvid and Dana."

Robert (Bob) D. Benson, 94, longtime Big Sandy resident, died March 1, 2011, en route to Gray's Harbor Community Hospital in Washington. Please join the family for a celebration of Bob's life on June 25, 2011, at the Big Sandy Senior Citizen's Center, the time will be announced later. Bring a favorite memory or picture to share.

He was born to Ed and Cora (Quackenbush) Benson on May 14, 1916, in Tweet, Mont. He graduated from Hogeland in 1934 and attended Northern Montana College in Havre.

During World War II, Bob joined the Navy Seabees and served two years as a heavy equipment operator. He married Lois M. Leazenby on May 14, 1951, in Laramie, Wyo.

The couple eventually settled in Big Sandy. He retired from the Montana State Highway Department after 24 years of service. Bob was an avid fisherman and hunter throughout his life. He was a member of the V. F.W. Post 497, Masonic Lodge 155 and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, all of Havre. He also was a member of the Christ Lutheran Church in Big Sandy. Bob and Lois moved to Hoquiam, Wash., several months ago to be near their daughter and her family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Harold, Harris, Bud, Ray, Dick and Russell; and one sister, Dorothy.

Bob is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lois Benson of Hoquaim, Wash. ; daughter, Diane (Mike) Gibby of Hoquaim, Wash. ; and one son, Gary (Bonni Marceau) Benson of Helena, Mont. ; his brother, Keith (Genevive) Benson of Harlem, Mont. ; and his sister, Lois Nelle of Blaine, Wash.

He is also survived by nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

"Dad, enjoy the fishing with Arvid and Dana."