Leonard H. Benfell Obituary (1926 - 2016)

CDR Leonard H. Benfell, USN (Ret.) passed away on Friday, July 15, 2016. He was born on September 15, 1926 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Leonard H. and Beva Spanton Benfell. He married Joyce B. Lyons on September 25, 1946. He then married Thelma Simmons in August, 1983. Leonard was a Naval officer during WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, with shore duty and duty on several ships. Len was raised in Spokane, Washington and attended the University of Washington, Gonzaga University, Forestry School, and the University of Maryland with a Master's Degree in Economics. Len and Thelma met in 1975 and started a wonderful and eventful life together. Len inherited seven daughters: Frances Savington, Lyla Adams, Jolynn Christensen, Vickie (Jim) Balis, Collette Faust, Lois (Elkins) Harmon, and Sherri Cropper; 13 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great grandchildren. They traveled the world together for 38 years, visited 87 different countries, and met many lasting friends. Len was a life master at bridge and taught throughout the Salt Lake valley. He owned 3 bridge clubs, directed on cruise lines, directing in North Carolina for 3 summers, and for the last 19 years taught and directed at the Mount Olympus Senior Center. In the last 5 years he was a wonderful great-grandfather (Opa) to 2 little great-granddaughters, Kadee and Madee, that loved him dearly and changed his life forever. Len and Thelma would like to thank their families, friends, and neighbors. A special thanks is given to the medical community: Wendy, Jimmy, Simone, and Sonia at the Community Nursing Service (Hospice); Emily at ALS Clinic; Susan at VA Administration; Dr. F. Gottlieb; Ian Kenner from Paralyzed Veterans of America; and all others who supported us on this journey. He is survived by his wife; daughters: Sharolyn Benfell, Kathleen Benfell, and Marcelyn (Richard) Benfell Kant; son, Leonard H. (Polly) Benfell; nieces: Blaire and Scarlett; and sister, Karen (Ron) Doty of Hemet, CA. He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Benfell. There will be a celebration of Len's life on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. at the home of their daughter, Jolynn Christensen, 2945 South 3435 East (Louise Avenue) in Salt Lake City, Utah. He will be cremated as was his wish. Online condolences may be shared at www. jenkins-soffe.com Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary-Murray 4760 South State Street Murray, UT