William O Benson (Bill), 78, died October 8th at a Bangor hospital after a lifelong battle with diabetes. He was born on September 12th, 1944, in Portland to Elmer O Benson and Helen H Benson.
Bill was a very committed man who lived a life full of adventure. After he graduated from South Portland High School in 1962, he joined the U.S. Navy and served aboard U.S.S Rushmore (LSD-14) as a storekeeper. Later, he met the love of his life of 57 years, Diane Gould, who he then married on November 6th, 1965. Bill worked with Mack Trucks for more than 40 years where he started out in the parts department at Northeast Mack, to becoming sales manager at Main Mack Inc., then worked in the sales department at Bangor Truck and Trailer. He spent his free time as a volunteer firefighter for Levant, as well as a volunteer instructor for American Red Cross First Aid. Extraction and CPR instructor to the towns of Hermon, Levant, Glenburn, Dexter, and Corinna. Bill was a Mason of Lynde Lodge #174 A.F & A.M. He was also an Anah Shriner in the minibike unit. Bill was a lifelong scouter in the BSA and volunteered for many positions in the scouting world. He was also a member of American Legion Post 200, Hermon for many years.
Bill is survived by his wife Diane Benson of Levant, one son, Jason Benson of Bangor, grandchildren Kyli Sampson, Logan Rennebu, and Mason Rennebu of Bangor, sister-in-law Donna Smith of Newport News, Virginia, brother in laws George Gould Jr. of Auburn, Audie Gould and wife Roxanne of Hudson, nieces Tracey Benson, Kendra Pleasant, Christina Witham, Jessica Gould, Melissa Butterfield, Lori Cropley, Heidi Brewer, Joanna Gould, Sarah Gould, and Amy Gould, nephews John Benson Jr., Michael Benson, Scot Gould, and Aaron Gould, and several great nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his mother and father, brothers Peter Benson and John Benson, mother-in-law Josephine Gould, father-in-law George Gould Sr., and brother-in-law David Gould.
A celebration of life will be held for family and friends from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday October 22nd at the Messiah Baptist Church 985 Union St. Bangor. Gifts in his memory may be sent to American Diabetes Association Or a non-profit of your choice.
Bill was well loved by all his family and will be sadly missed by all including many dear friends.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William Benson, please visit our flower store.
Bill was a very committed man who lived a life full of adventure. After he graduated from South Portland High School in 1962, he joined the U.S. Navy and served aboard U.S.S Rushmore (LSD-14) as a storekeeper. Later, he met the love of his life of 57 years, Diane Gould, who he then married on November 6th, 1965. Bill worked with Mack Trucks for more than 40 years where he started out in the parts department at Northeast Mack, to becoming sales manager at Main Mack Inc., then worked in the sales department at Bangor Truck and Trailer. He spent his free time as a volunteer firefighter for Levant, as well as a volunteer instructor for American Red Cross First Aid. Extraction and CPR instructor to the towns of Hermon, Levant, Glenburn, Dexter, and Corinna. Bill was a Mason of Lynde Lodge #174 A.F & A.M. He was also an Anah Shriner in the minibike unit. Bill was a lifelong scouter in the BSA and volunteered for many positions in the scouting world. He was also a member of American Legion Post 200, Hermon for many years.
Bill is survived by his wife Diane Benson of Levant, one son, Jason Benson of Bangor, grandchildren Kyli Sampson, Logan Rennebu, and Mason Rennebu of Bangor, sister-in-law Donna Smith of Newport News, Virginia, brother in laws George Gould Jr. of Auburn, Audie Gould and wife Roxanne of Hudson, nieces Tracey Benson, Kendra Pleasant, Christina Witham, Jessica Gould, Melissa Butterfield, Lori Cropley, Heidi Brewer, Joanna Gould, Sarah Gould, and Amy Gould, nephews John Benson Jr., Michael Benson, Scot Gould, and Aaron Gould, and several great nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his mother and father, brothers Peter Benson and John Benson, mother-in-law Josephine Gould, father-in-law George Gould Sr., and brother-in-law David Gould.
A celebration of life will be held for family and friends from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday October 22nd at the Messiah Baptist Church 985 Union St. Bangor. Gifts in his memory may be sent to American Diabetes Association Or a non-profit of your choice.
Bill was well loved by all his family and will be sadly missed by all including many dear friends.
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