Gerald Benson

Gerald Robert (Bob) Benson passed away peacefully on January 4, 2013. Bob was born on May 24, 1936. He was the eldest son of Mary and John Benson of Fort Frances, Ontario. He met and married Maxine Ethel Beaule.
Bob is survived by his two daughters Charlotte Anne Jonassen of Thunder Bay and Dianne Marie Green (John) of Prince Rupert, B.C., seven grand-children and eight great-grand-children. He was predeceased by his wife Maxine, son-in-law Richard, and his brother Ken.
He is also survived by his sister Elda Woods of Abbotsford, B.C., brothers Bill (Faye) of Trail B.C. and John of Fort Frances, aunt Hilda McMahon of Keewatin, ON, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Precious and loving memories will remain forever in our hearts as well as his many dear friends. Bob’s spirit will forever haunt the Dryden Mill where he was renowned for his quality work as a master pipe fitter and for his ingenious inventions, which earned him a number of safety awards. He retired from the mill in 2001 after a 25 year long career.
Bob was also known to travel extensively. He made many friends and remained in touch with them throughout the world. He held New Zealand dear to his heart. His thousands of photos, videos and DVDs are a testament to this.
His neighbourhood at East Thunder Lake will dearly miss him, his 20 foot Christmas tree in winter and his zippy lawn tractor in the summer. Many will fondly remember his tinkering, whether it be a retro-fitted vehicle or most recently a soap boxcar.
There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate Bob’s life will take place in the spring. Donations in Bob’s memory can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Ave, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3.
Expressions of sympathy can be sent to dcfh@drytel.net subject Benson.