Darrell Arthur Benzel

Life story or self-composed obituary, which ever you may perceive.

Born December 8, 1938, in Colville, WA. Raised in Cedonia, WA. and began my academic career at age 5 in a one room schoolhouse there. I attended the first semester of second grade in Yakima, WA. and second semester at Sharpstein in Walla Walla, WA. From there to Pioneer Junior High and four years at WA-HI. I attended Whitman College for 3 years.

I was employed in the can manufacturing industry from 1956 to 1972 in Walla Walla, WA, Sacramento, CA, and Portland, OR. Worked for Rogers Walla Walla Inc. as Distribution Manager from 1972 to 1986. From 1987 to present, have been part of office staff at Tate Transportation, going to semi-retirement in 2000.

Outside interests include white water rafting, horseback riding and packing, Lionel electric train collecting and operating. I have been married to my best friend and soul mate Judy Anderson for 25 years and we have enjoyed life’s everyday trials, tribulations, and triumphs for 29 years.

From what we see in the news, we are thankful we live such a boring and uneventful life.

Darrell submitted the above missive (as he called it) to be included in his WA-HI class of 1956 booklet for their 50th class reunion in 2006.

When he fully retired, he drove a truck in wheat harvest for his brother-in-law. He did that for many years then stepped back to be the on-call driver. He was always ready to help move equipment from field to field. One month before his death he drove flag pickup helping move tractor and seed drills.

Darrell and Judy were together for 47 years. He will be missed by all that knew him.

There will be a memorial service at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Mountain Humane Society through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.