Leon Benson
1927 - 2020
Leon Benson
Requested Charity
NB Heart and Stroke Foundation, Alzheimer Society or a charity of one's choice.
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It is with great sadness the family of Leon Benson announce his passing on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at Charlotte County Hospital, St. Stephen NB, with his wife at his side.

Leon was born in Saint John NB. in 1927 and began his life in Seal Cove, Grand Manan NB.  When he was 12 the family moved to Eastport, Maine.

In 1946 he enlisted in the US Army, from which he was honorably discharged in 1947.

He graduated from Calais Memorial High School in 1948. 

In 1951 Leon graduated from Washington State Teachers College, Machias, Maine, the same year he enlisted in the US Air Force, from which he retired as a Master Sergeant in 1970.

For a few years in the 1970’s he worked part time as a bartender at the American Legion in Calais, Maine.

In 1975 he completed the Home Construction program at the Washington County Vocational Technical Institute.

In 1980 Leon graduated from the University of Maine in Machias with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing.

From the mid 1980’s to early ‘90’s, he worked as a security officer for Georgia Pacific in Woodland, Me, from which he retired for the last time.

In 2000, Leon married Sandra McLachlan Smith of St. Stephen NB, and moved back to Canada, where they lived happily in St. Stephen until his passing.

Leon is survived by his wife, Sandra (McLachlan, Smith), daughter, Deborah Burcham (Terry Bunker) of Allandale NB, son,  George Benson (Maureen) of Ottawa ON, grandson, Joshua Burcham (Laurie) of Valley NS, great-grandsons,  Benjamin, Nicholas & Alexander Burcham of Valley NS, nieces; Rosalie Campbell of Ottawa, Bonny Gaskill, Florena Daggett, Charlotte Frost, all of Grand Manan and Jacqueline Benson of Florida, nephews; Roosevelt Benson of Fredericton and Francis Benson (Angela) of Woodland Maine,  three stepsons ; Darren Smith, Mark Smith and Neal Smith of St. Stephen NB.

Predeceased by his parents, Stuart and Leone (McLaughlin) Benson, sisters, Helene Guptill and Kathleen, brothers, Ottawa and Francis Benson.

Cremation will take place.  At Leon’s request, there will be no service or interment.  The family will hold a private gathering at a later date.

For those who wish, donations in memory of Leon may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Alzheimer Society NB  or a charity of one’s choice.