Norman Harold Benson

(1916-2011)

Norman Benson died on Tuesday, 17 May 2011, surrounded by family. He was retired and lived in Washington state.

Norman was born of Swedish immigrants (25 April 1916) in Des Moines, Iowa. His family moved to Menominee, Michigan where he grew up with five siblings. His father abandoned the family during the Depression, leaving it destitute. Several children, including Norman, spent time in local orphanages. Later, his mother gathered the family, financially supported by her children. This left an indelible impression upon Norman.

His mother moved to Wheaton, Illinois to become housemother at Wheaton College, so Norman enrolled and met the love of his life, Nancy Cochran. However, Norman was drafted in July 1941, delaying their relationship; he vowed to return from the service to re-claim his college sweetheart.

In the Army, Norman trained at Fitzsimmons Hospital (Denver) as a Surgical Technician, leaving for England in June 1942. He attempted to volunteer as a glider pilot for the European invasion, but could only obtain a 1935 affidavit of birth, not a birth certificate. Thus, he joined his unit as a medic and left for North Africa (November 1942). From there, he took part in the Italian campaign (including Anzio), then moved to France, joining eastward-bound troops from the Normandy invasion headed for Bavaria and Austria, where he was when war ended.

Norman returned Stateside, visited his mother, and hopped the train for Portland, where he fulfilled dreams to re-unite with Nancy. After a brief courtship, they married (1 October 1945). Eventually, they produced eight children. Norman also began his career as a merchant, first working for his father-in-law, then managing dry goods stores in Sheridan and Newport. He purchased his first store on Newport’s waterfront, the Toggery. The family moved there from Oregon City (1956). He purchased a second store in Toledo, named it Benson’s Variety, and re-located the family in 1964.

Norman’s priority was family. His businesses were marginal and he supplemented his income through work in mills and as a longshoreman. Thus, he provided for his family. He lived modestly and was known to support those poorer than he. During Christmas, he often invited poor families to shop, without payment. Undoubtedly, he recalled childhood poverty and orphanage stays. Literally, he would “give the shirt off his back” to anyone.

Norman was an advocate of an upright life and living one’s beliefs not boasting about them. He was a practical joker with a great sense of humor; he never minded becoming the subject of jokes. Not surprisingly, he was a favorite among nieces and nephews, grandchildren (20), and great grandchildren (11). He is survived by his wife, Nancy, sons Jay Gregory, Keith, Jack (Nancy) and Paul (Nancy), daughters Brita Stern (Ken), Laurie Crollard, Rebecca (Tom Wallace), and Stephanie Fiskum (John).

A scholarship at University of British Columbia has been established in his honor. His life will be celebrated, 12 June 2011, 3:00 pm in the New Life Church, Renton (WA), 15711 152nd Ave SE, 425-226-0880.

Paid Obituary.