ROBERT (BOB) STEPHEN BENSON

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ROBERT (BOB) STEPHEN BENSON Robert (Bob) Stephen Benson peacefully passed away at the age of 88, with family by his side, at Country Meadows Personal Care Home in Neepawa on Friday, August 23, 2013. Bob was born in Neepawa and lived with his grandfather and aunt until he moved to Langruth to join his parents, to complete his ninth and final year at Hollywood School. At 18, Bob joined the Navy. After contacting chicken pox and a brief time in quarantine, he took up farming with his parents. He married Maureen Webster of Arden on July 10, 1953. Together with their four children they were actively involved in the 4-H Beef and Horse Clubs, old time dancing, curling, hockey and softball in the Keyes and Arden communities. In 1962, Bob's arm was amputated due to skin cancer. This did not slow him down, proving that with determination and some modifications to equipment, one can do whatever you want. In 1975 they moved to Neepawa, into the original home of Stephen and Susan (Hutchinson), first inhabited in 1919. Bob stayed actively involved in the 4-H Beef Club as a leader, stall judge, and as presenter of the Showmanship trophy. Engaging in conversation with farmers and enjoying banana cream pie at the Gladstone Auction Mart on Tuesdays was a highlight of his week. Perhaps Bob is best known as the one-armed man who loved to skate and to dance, as well as enjoy a glass of red wine at five o'clock. Bob's passion for travelling and conversing with people was fulfilled as a bus tour host with Maureen, and his many road trips in the Suburban with Dessa, family, and friends. Acquaintances rapidly became friends. Living in Osoyoos, BC in February may have been viewed as an escape from the cold prairie winters, but rather it was the opportunity to dance twice a day. Bob took pride in his home, winning Yard of the Week in the summer for his arrangement of lilies and his display of lights in the winter. Bob was known to share his honest opinion. To his grandchildren he advised, "Stay away from smoking. Since the world is full of opportunities, go searching. Along the way develop a good personality so that you can interact with people". Bob was predeceased by his wife, Maureen (1995); brother, Arthur (1970); aunt Nora (1976); mother, Annie (McClory, 1977) and father, Clifford (1979). Left to cherish dad's memory are his four children: Stephen (Julia Falk); Tanis (Brent Clayton); Trevor (Kim Montgomery) and Glen (Angie Zimmer). Grandpa is also survived by his seven loving grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Neepawa Hospital and Country Meadows for all their kindness and compassion in caring for Bob. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Manitoba Farmers with Disabilities (P.O. Box 367, Elm Creek, MB ROG ONO) or the Canadian Diabetes Association. A celebration of Bob's life will take place Thursday, August 29, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in the Neepawa United Church.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 27, 2013