Obituary of Gary E. Bensen

Gary E. Bensen, 73, a 40 year resident of Shelton, passed away of natural causes on June 26, 2010 in Olympia, WA. Gary was born May 29, 1936 to Edwin and Kathleen (Morgan) Bensen in Seattle, WA. He graduated from North Kitsap High School with the Class of 1954 and went on to Central Washington University and obtained a Master’s Degree in Education and Music. Gary married Carole Kay Rankin in Longview, WA on December 29, 1959. She preceded him in death in 2006.Gary worked as a Corrections Officer at Washington Corrections Center from 1964-1994 and was a lifetime Music Teacher. He had an appreciation for classical music and enjoyed teaching others his passion. Gary also loved flowers and gardening, world history and science. He was a member of the Shelton United Methodist Church and the Washington Music Teachers Association. Surviving Gary are his son Kevin Bensen; daughter Maureen (Tony) Cook; and granddaughter Alyssa Cook. He was preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Kathleen; sister, Gloria Alm; and brother, Edwin (Sonny) Benson. Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital; American Cancer Society; or Central Washington University – John Moawad Jazz Scholarship Fund. Memories and condolences may be left online for the family by clicking on "View Guestbook" below.