Randy Wayne Benson

Randy W. Benson passed away August 24, 2017 surrounded by family. Randy was born December 15, 1947 to William and Leona Benson.  Randy was born with a congenital hip condition in his childhood years. He was put in a body cast; which he had to endure for approximately 18 months or so! Doctors indicated that he may never attain full use; however, as proven in years to come, you didn’t want to issue Randy a challenge as he overcame extreme endurance tests in RE, Army -Police.  Randy being born of identical twins and the family of the twins being a close unit, if one twin moved, the other usually followed frequently through childhood. Many homes, different locations over the years; brothers and cousins became very close due to relocation, anxiety, schools, etc.  However, anxieties were overcome by Randy and another challenge was conquered.

Because Randy had lost a cousin in Vietnam, as soon as he was old enough he joined the army and volunteered to be a crew chief in Vietnam. He was prayed for extensively and miraculously survived three helicopter crashes. After his three years in the army, Randy joined the Seattle police department. He could have retired on a medical while still in the academy since they blew out his knee while demonstrating a tactical move. He had many knee surgeries to patch his knee until he was ready to retire after 27 years on graveyard duty. 

While on the police force Randy used his spare time to rebuild engines, hunt, and attended college working in paramedic and art classes.

With his multifaceted artist abilities, he was self-taught in many areas, to include being a superb lapidarian. 

We were fortunate enough to go on two cruises, Alaska being our favorite. We travelled to many states seeing unusual things and hunting for rock. Randy was my cheerleader as I learned to wire wrap the many beautiful rocks he had cut, shaped, and polished. I had always wanted to learn about rocks and God provided the perfect person to teach me. 

Preceded in death by his parents Leona and Bill Benson and brothers Terry and Craig. 

Survived be his wife, Jan, son, Jacob, adopted children, Stephen and Chrissy, Many cousins, and uncle Don Benson.