Orville Benjamin

Orville Laverne Benjamin, 104 years old, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2016. He was born in Belfield, N.D., on Sept. 12, 1911, to Lucian and Ida Benjamin. Orville was the last of 13 children, 10 boys and three girls.

After a move to Wausau, Wis., and Roscommon, Mich., the Benjamin family and friends, totaling 17, loaded into three Model T touring cars and ventured to Harrison, Idaho. Orville ended up settling in Coeur d’Alene in 1923. Being a resident for 93 years, he enjoyed fishing, stained glass, huckleberry picking, coin collecting, and reminiscing with his friends with a good cup of coffee. In his early years, he was a member of the Gibbs area Skinny Dipping Club, later joining Toastmasters and the Coeur d’Alene Coin Club.

Orville spent most of his working life at Kaiser Trentwood as a general supervisor, working for 25 years and retiring in 1970. After retirement, he worked a few part-time jobs and volunteered at the Coeur d’Alene Museum just to keep busy.

He will be remembered for his quiet sense of humor, being a true gentleman and his love of telling stories from his past. He also loved his trips to Hawaii, always having the desire to go back. Maple bars, he would tell you, was the secret to his long life.

Orville met Marth Ring and they were married for 47 years until her passing in 1981. Then, in 2003, he married Ann McElroy and they were married for almost 13 years. He was preceded in death by his parents and all of his brothers and sisters. Also son-in-law, Dave Hernandez and grandson, David Hernandez.

Orville is survived by his wife, Ann. He also leaves behind two daughters from his first marriage, Darlynne Hernandez (Hesperia, Calif.) and Vicki (John) Johnson (Post Falls); two granddaughters, Marta (James) Woodfield (Hesperia) and Jessica Johnson (Austin, Texas). He was also close to Ann’s children, Mary (Ronnie) Mills (Harrison, Idaho), Paul (Beth) McCold (Berkley, Calif.), and Bob (Donna) McCold in Cheney, Wash. Orville also leaves behind a great-granddaughter; two great-great-granddaughters; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wants to especially thank Hospice of North Idaho for all their kind words and positive attitudes during such a difficult time. Orville so appreciated the special pampering and attention he received during his stay there. All the staff members are angels in our eyes.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 7, 2016, at English Funeral Chapel in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. A visitation will precede the service and will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the service begins.