Donald “Don” John

Benson, a long time resident of

Auburn, left his fi nal mark on

this earth on April 27, 2020 just

3 days shy of his 76th birthday.

He was born on April 30, 1944

in Saskatoon Saskatchewan

Canada of Karl Eilertson and

Wanda Severson. Karl passed

when Don was young and

Wanda later married Rev. Hamar Benson

who was the only father Don ever knew.

Don grew up in both North Dakota

and in Port Orchard, WA graduating from

South Kitsap High School in 1962.

He served in the Army from 1966-

1968 with a tour in Korea, later serving

in the Army Reserves. He retired from

Green River Community College (GRCC)

as a nighttime custodian in 2009.

He loved family, classic cars,

motorcycles, go carts, electric trains, radio

control cars, music, sappy movies, writing

essays and spectating sports. He was a

long time season ticket holder for both

the Mariners and Seahawks. Generous

with his heart and with his time, he was

always willing to help family, friends and

strangers. Humorous until the

very end. We will all miss him

immensely.

The family would like to

thank the staff at Best Health

Adult Family Home for their

care and compassion during

Don’s last several years.

Don is survived by his

loving wife of 28 years Karlene,

daughter Bonnie (Catherine), son Justin

(Donna) and grandchildren Desmond

and Davy, two step sons John and Dan

(Judi), grandchildren Dana and Shawn.

Three sisters Nancy, Karleen and Beth

(Lynn) and three brothers Doug (Karen),

David and Bjorn (Lynne) and many great

grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He

is preceded in death by his parents Karl

Eilertson, Wanda Benson and Rev. Hamar

Benson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests

that donations be made to the Alzheimers

Association in Don’s name.

Don’s ashes will be placed at Tahoma

National Cemetery as current conditions

allow. A celebration of life will be

scheduled at a later date.