Obituary of Dr. Kenneth W. Benson

Dr. Kenneth W. Benson Bainbridge, NY Dr. Kenneth W. Benson, 87, died Sunday, January 2, 2011 at his home in Bainbridge. He was born December 11, 1923 in Dover Plains, NY, son of Franklin and Ethyl Benson. He married Jane Whallon on February 7, 1948. He is survived by: His wife of 62 years, Jane Benson of Bainbridge Eight Children: Karen and Gary Nearpass of Clyde, NY Carmel (Kim) and Robert Normand of Gloucester, MA Tracey and Gary Smith of Bainbridge Allison and Daryl Smith of Walton Lesley and Ronald Brown of Greene Kirk and Carolyn Benson of Gloucester, MA Scott and Cheryl Benson of Walton Kristyn and Robert DeGroat of Bainbridge 30 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren Brother and sister-in-law, Lewis and Emily Benson of Dover Plains, NY Sister, Fannie Telfer of Pleasant Valley, NY As well as many nieces and nephews. In January of 1948, Kenneth graduated from Cornell University as a Doctor of Veterinary medicine. In 1949, he settled in Bainbridge and began a lifelong Veterinary practice serving many dairy farmers in the area. He was a member of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, and a member of the NYS Bovine committee serving as Chairman, Program Director and Lab organizer. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in both the Army and Navy. He was a member of the Shriners and used his association with the Shriners to refer area kids to receive the hospitable services of the Shriners. He was a very active member of the Bainbridge community and was awarded the Commitment to Community Award in 1991. He was a member of the Bainbridge Rotary Club, serving as President from 1971-1972, District 717 Governor from 1977-1978 and in 1988, received the Paul Harris Fellow award. He was very active in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. He was a member of the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce, where he was one of the original promoters of the General Clinton Park and Canoe Regatta. During his many years of volunteer service with the Canoe Regatta, he held positions as Regatta Chairman, Riverfront Chairperson, Chairman of the Chamber Booth, and headed "Docs" Chicken Barbeque. He was a 60 year patron of Bob's Diner, who convinced many fellow patrons to "buy my coffee". During his life, he traveled to Africa a number of times. In 1968, he served as a professor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Ghana. In 1974, he traveled to Tanzania to evaluate the Rotary's Heifer Project. In 1982, he traveled back to Ghana to evaluate the Rotary well project. Later, he led the Rotary's GSE team in Nigeria. A memorial service will be held at the Bainbridge United Methodist Church on Sunday, January 16, 2011 at 2:00pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave Fl 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or the Rotary Youth Exchange Program, Bainbridge Rotary, PO Box 117 Bainbridge, NY 13733, or Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St. Sidney.