Obituary of Benjamin ''Arnold'' Benson

Benjamin ''Arnold'' Benson, age 74, passed away at his home in Vancouver Washington, December 26th 2006 from complications of diabetes. Arnold was born to Ben C. Benson and Cora Randles Benson on February 22, 1932 in Burlington, Washington. He graduated from Burlington Edison High School in 1950. Arnold was ASB President, he was also active in FFA, Boys Club, Football, Track, Big B and to his family?s surprise he was even in a drama. He married Darlene Peth in 1953, they had three children. Michael, Brian and Leanne. Darlene died in 1961. He served in the US Army during the Korean conflict, he was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. He attended Avon Methodist church and was a member of the Mount Vernon Elks. In 1964, Arnold married Shirley Johnson VonAllmen, they had one daughter, Tracey. He worked at Hanson & Peterson in Burlington, Washington. In 1964 he moved to Portland, Oregon, where he started his lifetime career in the Shoring/Scaffolding business. Arnold retired in 1996. Arnold was always proud of his Norwegian heritage with the knowledge of his grandparents homesteading in Skagit County. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, golfing, most recently reading a novel a day and attending his grandchildren's sporting events. He was a professional sports enthusiast. He was always up for a game of ''cribbage'' with family or friends. We labeled him the ''cribbage king''! He is survived by his wife Shirley of 43 years, sons, Michael Benson Joline, David VonAllmen Vange, Brian VonAllmen. Daughters, Shery Waudby Keith and Tracey Piltz Randy. Brothers Bill Joyce, Richard Patty and sisters Laura Jean Mathews Val and Deanne Ramsey Dick. Grandchildren, Karie O'Connor, Gary Waudby, Randy Waudby, Derek Gassaway, Blake Gassaway and Great-grandson, Brandon Waudby. As well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife and son, Brian. Arnold's memorial service will be held Saturday, January 6 at 1:00 at the Avon Methodist Church in Mount Vernon, Washington. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Hospice Southwest @ P.O. Box 1600, Vancouver, WA 98668 or The Avon Methodist Memorial Fund @ 13743 Avon-Allen Rd. Mount Vernon, WA 98273. Straub?s Funeral Home & Columbia River Crematory in Camas is in charge of the arrangements. To send condolences or to sign the online guestbook visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.