Paul Anthony Benson

Paul Anthony Benson left for his heavenly home on April 7, 2016. He joined his earthly father, Robert, and leaves behind his mother, Mary (Lemon); his six brothers and sisters; his ex-wife, Erin; their four children, Alyssa (Pichardo), Anthony, Apryl, and Autymn; and five grandchildren. Paul was born in Seattle in 1959, but moved with his family to Tumwater in 1964, where he attended grade school, junior high and high school, graduating in 1978. After high school, Paul attended The Evergreen State College for a year before deciding to join the Army, where he served for three years active duty and three more years in the reserves. Paul married Erin Eaton on May 11, 1984 and moved to Yuma, Arizona and later to Monterey, California, while working as a station manager with SkyWest Airlines. In 1989, Paul moved back to the Olympia area, taking a job with Cardinal Glass and living with his wife and family in Lacey, Washington. Paul and Erin were divorced in 2007 and he retired from Cardinal in 2008 for medical reasons. Paul spent the remaining years of his life under the care of his brother, Bernie, and Bernie’s wife, Joan. He suffered the terrible consequences of a life-long battle with diabetes, including strokes, heart attacks, and kidney failure. He broke one hip in July of 2011, and the other in January of 2016. Throughout all his ordeals, he never complained. He didn’t whine. He was always happy to see you, always doing “good!”—and always wanted to eat something delicious (especially if it was a chocolate doughnut). Sometime in 2009, during one of his many brushes with death, Paul met Jesus—and it changed him forever. It tamed his rebellious spirit and redefined his character. It made him want to be a better man. From that day forward, he never stopped talking about how thankful he was that God saved him. Paul loved life. He was ambidextrous and could play almost any sport. He especially loved fishing, playing baseball, and hunting. He could bluff like a professional at poker, almost never lost at Bocce ball or golf, and if you were amongst his friends, you considered yourself lucky to know him. He will be terribly missed. Please leave memories of Paul or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.