Stanley Bennion

Stanley Richard Bennion was born July 22, 1941 in Murray, Utah to Evelyn Snape and Stanley Palmer Bennion. He passed away at his home of natural causes and returned to his Heavenly Father July 22, 2013. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Richard was part of the first graduating class of Highland High School in 1959. Soon thereafter, he served an LDS mission in England. Dad continued his education and he received a degree in Accounting from the University of Utah. It was there that his passion for the U of U sports program began. While attending the University in 1963, he met his sweetheart, Kathleen Richards. For their first date, they attended the University’s homecoming dance. They were later married on Aug 28, 1964 in the Salt Lake Temple. Dad enjoyed his career in both the private and public sectors in various accounting and management positions. For an accountant, he had an impressive sense of humor and always loved to “pull somebody’s leg”. He retired as a Salt Lake County Benefits Auditor in 2006. In 2009, he served a second mission with his eternal companion, in the Alaska Anchorage Mission.
Whether it was floating and fishing the Green River, camping with family in the High Uintas, or planting his “Field of Dreams” in the garden, Dad loved being outside. He always seemed to have an eternal “farmer’s tan.”
And then there’s sports…..Dad loved to play, coach and watch his favorite sports. Refereeing–not so much. Dad always enjoyed the thrill of competition but never took himself too seriously. What happened on the court, stayed on the court.
He was an avid fan of the Utes, Jazz, and San Francisco Giants. His eating, sleeping, and breathing revolved around their schedules. His liking so many teams was part of an “always winning” strategy; he would often say, “If you have enough teams, there’s always one that’s winning.”
Above everything, he loved spending time with his family. Whether it was teaching us to shoot a free throw, cast a fly line, or drive a stick shift in the Church parking lot, Dad was always patient, kind, loving and supportive. Taking trips and spending time with family, particularly camping, was what he loved most. His grandchildren will remember him by his many jokes and tricks. Each grandchild had a special place in his heart.
Dad was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had a sincere testimony of the Gospel that he enjoyed sharing with others. He served in various callings throughout his life but perhaps his favorite was coaching church basketball and working with the youth.
Dad was not afraid to work hard and often taught this virtue through example. If he gave his children the task of pulling weeds, he would often pull weeds right along with them. If there were 20 trout to be cleaned, he would have 10 gutted and cleaned before anyone else had completed one. Dad quietly, but diligently served friends, family and ward members with love and kindness until his last day.
Richard is survived by his wife, sons Bret, Lane (Leslie), and daughter Abby (Brad) Crist, and his 8 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Stanley, and his sister Shauna.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 27, at noon at the Brighton 6th Ward Chapel (2925 E Bengal Blvd) in Salt Lake City. A viewing will be held on Friday, July 26, from 6-8 p.m. at Mountain View Memorial Estates (3115 E 7800 S) in Salt Lake City. A viewing will also be held prior to the funeral on Saturday at 11 am at the Brighton 6th Ward Bldg.