Robert W. Benson

Robert W. Benson of Bluffton, SC passed away at his home on Tuesday, January 15, 2019. Bob was born December 1, 1936 in New Haven, CT, the son of the late Albert L. and Lillian LaFlamme Benson. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Gail, his brother, Albert, and sister, Ruth Timothy. He is survived by his sons, Kenneth of LaCrosse, WI, Kevin of Columbia, TN, Keith of Hilton Head, SC, daughter, Betty of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and grandson, Kevin Jr. of Amite, LA.

Bob grew up in Hamden, CT, where as a young entrepreneur explored numerous ways “to make a buck,” with the encouragement and support of his extended family. While in Church St. grammar school, he and some classmates started the Victorians Boys Club in his parents’ basement where they had to shovel coal out of the way to set up a card table for meetings and card games. The Victorians and friends still get together annually to celebrate life’s rewards.

After graduating from the University of CT in 1958, Bob started a career in the livestock industry that spanned 30 years. He married the love of his life, Gail Kelly, in 1960. In 1965, Bob returned to UConn and, in 1967, received his MS degree with honors in Reproductive Physiology. He was also inducted in Gamma Sigma Delta, the honor society of agriculture.

With children in tow, Bob and Gail moved to Ft. Atkinson, WI to work in sales management with American Breeders Service (ABS), a subsidiary of W.R. Grace & Co., and a leading purveyor of dairy and beef genetics. During that career, with the love and support of Gail and family, they were transferred numerous times, living in New London, WI, Ft. Wayne, IN, Modesto, CA and Stone Mt., GA before returning to Sun Prairie, WI where he concluded his career at ABS as Vice President of Marketing for the US and Canada. A fascinating career filled with the enjoyment of meeting so many wonderful people throughout this great country.

In 1992, Bob pursued a new career with American Express as a Certified Financial Advisor (CFP). Here again, he found great satisfaction working with people to plan and improve their financial future. Bob and Gail enjoyed each adventure and were fortunate to travel in all 50 states of this amazing country, all provinces of Canada, as well as numerous other countries. Throughout his life, he always reflected on the people he met and worked with, and how others had such positive impacts on his life.

Bob and Gail owned 10 homes before their final move in 2006 from Wisconsin to the warmer weather and lower taxes of South Carolina. Here, they enjoyed what retirement really could be. Forming new friendships, enjoying Marigold dinners, hitting the links with a straight drive, cheering his friends on at the baseball diamond, friendly banter in cards and fantasy football, always enjoying each other’s company.

Friends and colleagues will remember our father for his graciousness and true zest for life. He lived life for each day, yet planned for a successful future. Mr. Congeniality.

He exemplifies what family is. True everlasting love for our mother. Providing guidance and encouragement to his children and grandchild for a bright future. We are blessed for his unconditional love.

A special thank you to all those who have made our journey so special. God’s Speed!

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 am, Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Rd., Bluffton. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 am until the hour of the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your favorite charity in his name so his generosity continues. 

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