Eugene L. Benson

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Eugene Leonard Benson of Fort Collins Colorado on the 11th of June 2021, at the age of 89. Gene passed away peacefully in his sleep and will be lovingly remembered by his children, Bill (Judy), Bonnie (Keith), Bobbi (Joseph). Grandchildren Brooks (Andrea), Katie (Justin), Mickenzie (Jeremy), Matthew (Jessica), Sarah (Benjamin), Great-grandchildren Grayson, Rylee, Micha, Hudsen, Annabele, and Remington. Gene was preceded in death by his loving wife Shirley of 63 years, his brother Wayne and sister Nona Mae; and parents Forrest and Josephine. Gene grew up on Dry Creek, the family ranch, in the foothills west of Loveland Colorado. In 1951 he joined the Air Force and served honorably in Guam until his father’s failing health called him back to return and help on the family farm. Here he met Shirley at a Grange dance. They married in 1954 and started a family. In June of 1959 Gene joined the Colorado State Patrol and was first assigned to Fort Collins. After being promoted to Sargent he was transferred to Greeley and then Lamar in 1974. In 1983 he was transferred to Fort Collins where he retired as Sargent in 1988 with nearly 29 years of service. In 1990 Gene started as a Law Enforcement Ranger in Rocky Mountain National Park during the summers and helped campers and visitors as they toured the park. He really enjoyed the time he spent outdoors exploring the mountains he loved. After retirement Gene and Shirley started a craft business called Alpine Treasures where they hand-crafted wood furniture and candles selling them at craft fairs across Colorado. Gene had an incredible love for animals which was evident in his life as he cared for dogs, cats, and horses. His favorite horse, Carter, was “his” horse he rode in Rocky Mountain National Park to patrol the trails. Gene enjoyed hiking, fishing and camping in the Colorado mountains where he loved being outdoors. Interests included history and genealogy research learning about his family history. A funeral service will be held 1 pm, Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. Interment with military honors will follow at Grandview Cemeteryl In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Buckhorn Presbyterian Church in Masonville Colorado.

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Eugene L. Benson

June 27, 1931 - June 11, 2021