Charles Gordon Benson
1922-Sept. 17, 2008
Menlo Park, California

Charles Gordon Benson, a resident of Menlo Park for 43 years, died at home on Sept. 17 with his family by his side. He was 86.

Mr. Benson was born in Ashland, Wisconsin. He earned bachelor of science and master of science degrees in engineering from the University of Wisconsin. He received an MBA from Harvard University. During World War II, he served as an officer in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Helm, attaining the rank of lieutenant junior grade.

Mr. Benson was employed by General Electric in various management positions for 41 years, working in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Brockport, New York, San Francisco and San Jose. He met his future wife, Betty Jean "B.J.," while both were working for GE, where she was employed as a home economist. The Bensons were married in 1960 and moved to Sharon Heights in 1965. Mr. Benson retired in 1987.

A world traveler, Mr. Benson visited six continents; among his travels were trips to Tibet, Nepal, India, South Africa, Zimbabwe and South America. He especially enjoyed cruises and, after 26 cruises on the Princess line, was accorded VIP status when traveling with Princess.

He traveled with his wife and, later, with his children and grandchildren. After each trip, he carefully assembled a detailed photo album for himself and for each family member traveling with him.

An avid reader, he kept a close eye on world affairs. He enjoyed gardening and, after his daughter gave him a bread machine for Christmas, baked his daily bread. Some of his specialties were Irish soda bread, potato bread and rye bread, says his daughter-in-law, Caterina Benson.

He is survived by his children, Elizabeth Benson Tiedemann of Placerville and Frank Benson of Redwood City, and three grandchildren. His wife, Betty Jean Benson, died in 1987.

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