Robert Benson - In Memoriam
We regret to report the passing of Bob Benson. Bob and Doris Benson were very much involved with making a 'difference in the world.' Together they spearheaded the Comaco project in Africa for the Bronxville Rotary Club. As a tribute to Bob, and of course to Doris you can view a video of their work.Video - courtesy Andrew Stein Videography - 914-671-3760
About Bob Benson
Bob was born in Baltimore, MD, where his father was a naval officer. The family moved around the country every two to three years with one new assignment after another. Bob loved the opportunity to meet new people, adapt to different situations, and learn to be flexible in making new friends and settling into new communities and cultures.
Bob graduated from the University of North Carolina and subsequently served his Naval ROTC obligation with two years in Japan. Upon leaving the service Bob joined IBM, his only employer, where he spend the next thirty-odd years in sales both in the United States and abroad (five years in Germany).
The first contact Bob had with Rotary was through his father, who was a Rotarian for 50 years both overseas and in Carlisle, PA. His father’s example installed in him the importance of public service, and in both Baltimore and Bronxville, he became involved in numerous community activities such as food delivery to AIDS patients and the Project Selection Committee of the Community Fund.
Bob joined Rotary in Bronxville in 1993 and held numerous offices both at the local and district levels. He served on the UN Committee and the District Foundation Committee.
As District Governor in 2002-2003, Bob focused on the needs of the children of South Africa. He asked each club in the district and other districts to contribute to the Friendly School Project Humanitarian Grant. The grant, which exceeded $100K, refurbished multiple schools in the Pretoria area. The primary focus was on the Kungwini Early Learning Center. The center was begun out of necessity to help the older siblings (middle school) who were now the caretakers of their preschool brothers and sisters. The children played outside the school as their siblings attended classes. These children had lost their parents to AIDS. The center was given a fresh coat of paint, books, computers, a stove, refrigerator and most importantly a playground. Bob was most proud that our Group Study Exchange Team was in SA at the time and were able to work hands on at the center. Bob was also able to send a container with needed school desks along with other supplies that were donated.
As PDG, Bob was part of the Bronxville Rotary Club team that implemented two matching grants to help alleviate poverty and poaching of animals around the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. In partnership with Community Markets for Conservation, farmers were trained in beekeeping techniques, and given beehives. The honey was then purchased and packaged for sale in local markets. See the link to a video about the project above.
Bob is survived by his wife, Rotarian Doris Benson, a daughter, Sandy Hill, a son, Howard Benson, and two grandchildren, Rachel Hill and Ken Hill.