Melville Vernon Benson
August 23, 1919 – August 5, 2011
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Melville Vernon Benson on Friday, August 5, 2011 at Vernon Jubilee Hospital at the age of 91 years. Mel was born and raised in Pangman, Saskatchewan. He married Martha Isaac in 1939 and they left the farm with 3 boys in 1948 to move to British Columbia and settled in Enderby. In 1950, they moved back to Saskatchewan and settled in Regina where they had their last two children. While in Regina, Mel worked as a carpenter, building rec rooms for show homes. In 1967, they moved back to British Columbia intending to settle on Vancouver Island but, after stopping to visit a brother-in-law in Enderby, he was offered carpentry work so they settled in Vernon instead. He remained in the same house that he built until his death.
Mel was predeceased by his wife, Martha, in 2000 and son Richard, in 1952. He was also predeceased by 5 brothers and 1 sister. Mel will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by: sons, Vern (Joyce) of Saskatoon; Gil (Jean) of Abbotsford; and Dwayne (Karen) of Maple Ridge: daughter Darlene of Vernon; six grandchildren; Troy and Tara (Kevin) of Saskatoon, Kelly of Abbotsford and Lori (Ron) of Peachland, Melody (Sam) and Hannah (Nathan) of Maple Ridge; six great grandchildren: Megan, Nathan, Brandon, Brandon, Tori, and Isaiah; and one great great grandson, Jordan. He is also survived by sister Norleen (Pete) Litzenberger of Enderby and numerous extended family members.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. from the chapel of Pleasant Valley Funeral Home with Mr. Brian Jackson officiating. Interment will follow in Pleasant Valley Cemetery. A reception will follow in the Tea Room. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mel’s memory may be made to the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation or to a charity of your choice.
The family wishes to thank the nurses on 3 West for the excellent care they gave to our Dad and to Dr. DeBeer for taking such good care of him enabling him to remain in his own home until his death.
Arrangements are in the care of Vernon Funeral Home 250-542-0155.
Condolences may be offered at www.vernonfuneralhome.com