[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 22 (Wednesday, March 2, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E332]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF ROBERT C. ``BUDDY'' BENSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
my dear friend, Robert C. ``Buddy'' Benson, loving husband, father, 
grandfather, great-grandfather, civic activist, community leader, 
humanitarian, United States Veteran, and dear friend and mentor to 
many. His passing marks a great loss for his family and friends, and 
also marks a great loss for everyone whose life was touched by his own.
  Grounded and humble, Mr. Benson was the quintessential ``everyman,'' 
yet his seemingly ordinary life belied his extraordinary heart and 
generous spirit. He would stop whatever he was doing to offer a helping 
hand. On countless occasions, regardless of the weather, he would stop 
his car to help stranded motorists. Mr. Benson was a hero to the 
downtrodden, and consistently reached out to offer assistance to those 
who struggled in life, leaving a life-long legacy of endless acts of 
kindness offered to friends and strangers alike.
  Dolores Benson, Mr. Benson's beloved wife of 58 years, their seven 
children, eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren were central 
to his life. The united focus on family and service to others, shared 
by Mr. and Mrs. Benson, continues to illuminate the hope and promise of 
a better day for every citizen of this working-class community, from 
Seven Hills to Parma.
  Mr. Benson retired from LTV Steel following 40 years of diligent and 
honorable work as a millwright. His friendly nature, quick wit and 
caring heart drew others to him, and he made friends easily. Concerned 
with the welfare of fellow workers and their families, Mr. Benson 
became actively involved in the steelworkers union. He held the 
position of treasurer with the United Steelworkers Local 2265 for 7 
years, and served as their Chairman of the Compensation Committee for 
35 years.
  His life-long interest in politics and strong faith in the notion 
that ``together, we can make a difference,'' served to enrich our 
community's Democratic Party. Mr. Benson served as the president of the 
Seven Hills Democratic Club from 1983 to 1999, and led the effort in 
organizing several political campaigns. His humble nature precluded him 
from reveling in awards and accolades. However, his compassionate 
service to others was often recognized. In 1994, the Seven Hills 
Democratic Club named him ``Democrat of the Year.'' He was the 
recipient of citations from the Ohio House of Representatives and the 
Ohio Senate Committee, which highlighted his humanitarian efforts.
  Mr. Benson's faith was anchored by his church, St. Anthony of Padua, 
where he was also a founding member. He volunteered on many community 
boards, including Pius X Council, VFW Post 1973, CAMEO, Southwest COPE, 
(AFL-CIO), and the Finance Committee of St. Anthony's.
  Mr. Benson's greatest legacy is reflected in the lives of his family 
and friends; within the peaceful calm of St. Anthony's Church; within 
the energy of the Seven Hills Democratic Party, along the halls of 
Parma City Hall, and within the hearts of everyone whose life was 
touched by his.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance 
of Robert C. ``Buddy'' Benson. The infinite measure of his heart, his 
courage, vision and integrity, defined his life and served to lift the 
lives of countless individuals and families throughout our west side 
suburbs. Mr. Benson's kindness, energy and compassion will be greatly 
missed within the hearts of his many friends, including my own. I 
extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Dolores; His 
children, Robert, Jacqueline, Patrick, Mary, Elizabeth, Denis and 
Christine; His grandchildren, Gina, Kimberly, Bryan, Colleen, Robert, 
Michael, Christopher, Lauren, Christopher, Stephanie and Nicholas; His 
great-grand daughters, Callie and Allison.
  Robert C. ``Buddy'' Benson lived his life with joy, energy and in 
unwavering service to others. His eternal faith in humanity and his 
consistent willingness to give of himself, while asking for nothing in 
return, will continue to serve as a powerful legacy of hope and 
possibility throughout our entire community, and his kindness and 
service will forever live within the hearts of all who knew and loved 
him well.

                          ____________________