Kenneth Thomas 'Tom' Benson, 64

Kenneth Thomas "Tom" Benson passed away May 4, 2011, at home with his beloved companion Kathy Waggoner and their dogs Brownie and Hershey.

Tom was born Feb. 26, 1947, in Coeur d'Alene. He was the son of the late Elmer and Esther Benson who immigrated from Sweden. As the youngest of seven siblings he is preceded in death by his brothers Carl and Jack Benson and his sister June Migota.

His brothers, Norman and Harold Benson, and his sister, Marilyn Lenz survive Tom. His six daughters and two stepdaughters, Chelsea Benson, Sarah Benson, Elizabeth Jones, Brook Bartness, Brystal Keller, Brandi Cunkleman, Nakiya Bushnell and Leah Pascual; 17 grandchildren and man's best friend, Bad Brownie Benson will carry on Tom's memory.

In his 64 years of life Tom served proudly in the United States Marine Corps as a Wire Man/Wire Chief during the Vietnam War. After his discharge he pursued a career as a meat cutter. He worked at YJ Foods in Idaho before retiring from the Elmendorf Commissary. For many years he operated his own business, Tom's Meat Shop. Tom was a member of the VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, Moose's Lodge and the Eagles.

Tom had an incredible sense of humor, loved playing practical jokes on people and always looked on the bright side. He loved turning heads as he drove down the street waving his hand with Brownie by his side in his fire engine red Studebaker.

Tom loved the Alaskan outdoors. His love of hunting and fishing, is only surpassed by his love of mentoring people in the art of hunting and fishing. In recent years he spent his time with Kathy and their dogs, playing cards, watching movies, camping and fishing. As Tom would say "enjoying life, how retirement should be."

Friends and family held a Celebration of Life potluck Saturday, May 14, 2011, at the American Legion Post 28 in Anchorage, Alaska.

As his last wish he will be laid to rest alongside his parents in Coeur d'Alene.