Douglas Dean Benjamin, 81

Douglas Dean Benjamin, 81 years old, passed away Sept. 3, 2016, after a courageous battle with Leukemia. He was born March 18, 1935, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He was the younger of two children of Lola Belle and Lucien Benjamin. Doug grew up in Coeur d’Alene and met his wife of 53 years, Carol, at school where they both attended. He graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1954.

He enlisted in the Army in 1955 where he was a tank commander, then later decided to become a paratrooper. Once he finished his airborne school, he was “190 pounds of Rompin’ Stompin’ Airborne Hell.” His service also took him overseas to Germany for three years.

After finishing his service, he married his sweetheart Carol in 1958. He then went to college at the University of Idaho where he received his B.A. in business. Doug worked for Sears for 20 years where he was a store manager in Price, Utah. He then moved to All Woods for a couple of years before moving to Builders Square. He worked at Builders Square for 14 years before retiring.

Doug’s favorite pastimes included sports — mainly football — working on cars, and enjoying the perfect cup of coffee. Doug loved to travel to Utah to visit his family, making sure to go down at least once a year. He also loved to travel frequently with his wife, Carol, before she passed. Doug was known for his sense of humor, his generosity and his love of his family.

Doug is preceded in death by his wife, Carol Benjamin; his parents, Lola Belle and Lucien Benjamin; and his sister-in-law, Beverly Benjamin (Wisconsin).

He is survived by his son, Jeff (Annie) Benjamin (Salt Lake City); his granddaughter, Kim (Alex) Hansen (Saratoga Springs) and his great-grandson, Oliver Hansen. He also leaves behind his brother, Dale Benjamin (Wisconsin) and his cousin, Vicki (John) Johnson (Post Falls).

His family would like to send a special thanks to Kootenai Cancer Center for taking such wonderful care of him throughout his treatment and battle with Leukemia.

Graveside memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016, at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens. Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel, is entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Doug’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.