Estelle Pratt

Stanley John "Stan" O'Brien was born November 27, 1910, in La Crosse, La Crosse Co., WI, and died January 30, 1956, in Santa Monica, Los Angeles Co., CA, at age 45. Buried in Woodland Cemetery, Santa Monica, Los Angeles Co., CA. He is the son of Jesse Harrison O'Brien of County Cadiff, Wales, United Kingdom, and Florence Edgar of Marquette, Clayton Co., IA.

Marian Estelle Pratt was born September 19, 1909, in Woodstock, Richland Co., WI, and died November 5, 2018, at University Village retirement community, Thousand Oaks, Ventura Co., CA, at age 109. She is the daughter of Wallace Edwin Pratt of Jericho, Chittenden Co., VT, and Cora Jane Blake of the Town of Orion, Richland Co., WI. She was a member of the Richland Center High School, Richland Center, Richland Co., WI, Class of 1927.

Stanley John O'Brien (age 24), a bachelor, and Marian Estelle Pratt (age 25), a maiden, were married August 17, 1935, in Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co., WI. Lived in Lake Mills, Jefferson Co., WI, in 1938. They moved to Madison, Dane Co., WI, in March, 1939.

Stanley John O'Brien and Marian Estelle (Pratt) O'Brien had two children:

Stanley John O'Brien and Marian Estelle (Pratt) O'Brien moved about 1948 to Santa Monica, Los Angeles Co., CA.

After Stanley John O'Brien died, Marian Estelle (Pratt) O'Brien married Homer Randolph Benson, MD.

Homer Randolph Benson was born February 6, 1909, in Richland Center, Richland Co., WI, and died May 3, 1988, in Walnut Creek, Contra Costa Co., CA, at age 78. Buried in Saint Clement's Church Crypt, Honolulu, Honolulu Co., HI. He is the son of Gideon Hoover Benson, MD, of Wisconsin, and Alice May Bancroft of Wisconsin.

Dorothy Demming Clarke was born July 1, 1914, in Spokane, Spokane Co., WA, and died April 20, 1945, at her home, Nuuanu, Honolulu Co., HI, at age 30. Buried in O'ahu Cemetery, Honolulu, Honolulu Co., HI. She is the daughter of Maynard Edward Clarke of Havosel, IL, and Gladys Hill of Waupun, WI.

Homer Randolph Benson, MD, and Dorothy Demming Clarke were married September 12, 1936, in Honolulu, Honolulu Co., HI.

Homer Randolph Benson, MD, and Dorothy Demming (Clarke) Benson had two children:

Florence Kathryn "Kay" Stannert was born December 16, 1913, in Lewisburg, Union Co., PA, and died June 13, 1980, in Lewisburg, Union Co., PA, at age 66. Buried in Saint Clement's Church Crypt, Honolulu, Honolulu Co., HI. She is the daughter of Louis Phinager Stannert of Pennsylvania, and Florence M. Gresh of Milton, Northumberland Co., PA.

Homer Randolph Benson, MD, and Florence Kathryn "Kay" Stannert were married September 10, 1949, in Parke Memorial Chapel, St. Andrews Cathedral, Honolulu, Honolulu Co., HI.

Homer Randolph Benson, MD, and Florence Kathryn "Kay" (Stannert) Benson had one child:

Homer Randolph Benson, MD, then married Marian Estelle (Pratt) O'Brien.

Homer Randolph Benson, MD (age 73), a widower, and Marion Estelle (Pratt) O'Brien (age 72), a widow, were married February 14, 1982, in Los Angeles Co., CA.

Homer Randolph Benson, MD, and Marian Estelle (Pratt) (O'Brien) Benson had no children.

W. E. Pratt was born in Jericho, Vt., July 31, 1848, and is the son of Edwin Pratt and Hannah Hapgood. About 1855 the family came to Wisconsin and resided two years at Beloit, then came to Richland county and engaged in farming in the town of Willow. The parents now reside at Sextonville. The subject of this sketch, at the age of eighteen, commenced work at the painters trade, and has since given his attention to the same, and is now a member of the firm of Pratt Bros. In March 1878 he was married to Fannie Goodrich, daughter of Lorenzo Goodrich. They have two children: Fred and Roy E.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on July 11, 1870, shows Edwin Pratt (age 46) born in Vermont is unemployed and living in Beloit, 4th Ward, Rock Co., WI. Living with him is his wife Hannah Pratt (age 44) born in Vermont. Also living there are their children: Wallace Pratt (age 22) born in Vermont is a painter owning real estate of $500; George H. Pratt (age 18) born in Vermont is a painter; and Ellen Pratt (age 16) born in Vermont; F. H. Pratt (age 8) born in Wisconsin; and Fred Pratt (age 3) born in Wisconsin.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on August 3, 1870, shows Simon Blake (age 41) born in Pennsylvania with real estate of $2,000 and personal estate of $556 is a Farmer living in the Town of Orion, Richland Co., WI. Living with him is Mary Blake (age 34) born in Pennsylvania, who is Keeping House. Also there are five children, all born in Wisconsin: Sylvester Blake (age 14); Ida Blake (age 11); Viola Blake (age 9); Estella Blake (age 7); and Salme Blake (age 5).fd

Cora Jane Blake was born October 30, 1870, in the Town of Orion, Richland Co., WI.

The 1875 Wisconsin census for Richland County shows Simon S. Blake is Living in the Town of Orion, Richland Co., WI, with a total of 2 Males, 6 Females.

Wallace Edwin Pratt and Fannie Goodrich were married March 10, 1878, in Wisconsin.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 1, 1880, shows Simon S. Blake (age 50) born in Pennsylvania of Virginia and Maryland-born parents is a farmer living in the Town of Orion, Richland Co., WI. Living with him is his wife, Mary M. Blake (age 44) born in Pennsylvania of Pennsylvania-born parents. Also there are their children: Sylvester F. Blake (age 23) helping on the farm; Salome C. Blake (age 14); Cora J. Blake (age 9); Dora B. Blake (age 7); and Edna P. Blake (age 3). All children were born in Wisconsin. Simon was the census enumerator for Orion Twp. this year.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken June 5, 1880, shows Wallis Pratt (age 31) born in Vermont to Vermont-born parents is a painter living in Richland Center, Richland Center Twp., Richland Co., WI. Living with him is his wife Fanny Pratt (age 28) born in Illinois to New York-born parents. Also living there is their baby daughter, Baby Pratt (age 3/12) born in December in Wisconsin to Vermont and Illinois-born parents, however the enumerator crossed out this entry.

The 1895 Wisconsin State Census taken on June 20, 1895, shows W. E. Pratt is living in the 3rd Ward, City of Richland Center, Richland Co., WI: 3 Males, 2 Females.

Wallace Edwin Pratt and Cora Jane Blake were married March 15, 1899, in the Town of Orion, Richland Co., WI.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 20, 1900, shows Wallace E. Pratt (age 51) born July 1848 in Vermont to Vermont-born parents is a Furniture Merchant owning his own home at 502 Park Street, City of Richland Center, Richland Center Twp., Richland Co., WI. Living with him is his wife of one year, Cora J. Pratt (age 29) born October 1870 in Wisconsin to Pennsylvania-born parents, with no children born to her. Also living there are Wallace's children, all born in Wisconsin to Vermont and Wisconsin-born parents: Frederick G. Pratt (age 19) born March 1881 who is a Painter; Roy E. Pratt (age 17) born March 1883; and Letha J. Pratt (age 12) born August 1887. Wallace's father and Wallace's sister live nearby.

The 1905 Wisconsin State Census taken on June 1, 1905, shows Wallace E. Pratt (age 56) born in Vermont to Vermont-born parents is a Furniture Dealer owning his own home free of a mortgage and living in the 3rd Ward, City of Richland Center, Richland Co., WI. Living with him is his wife, Cora Pratt (age 32) born in Wisconsin to New York-born parents. Also living there is Wallace's unmarried daughter, Letha Pratt (age 17) born in Wisconsin to Vermont and Wisconsin-born parents.

Homer Randolph Benson was born February 6, 1909, in Richland Center, Richland Co., WI.

Marion Estelle Pratt was born September 19, 1909, in Woodstock, Richland Co., WI.

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on April 15, 1910, shows Wallace Pratt (age 61) born in Vermont to Vermont-born parents is a furniture store retail merchant owning his own home on Park Street, 3rd Ward, Richland Center, Richland Center Twp., Richland Co., WI. Living with him is his second wife of 11 years, Cora Pratt (age 38) born in Wisconsin to Indiana and Wisconsin-born parents, with one child born to her, which is her first marriage. Also living there is Wallace's unmarried daughter, Leatha Pratt (age 22) born in Wisconsin to Vermont and Wisconsin-born parents. Also there is the natural daughter of Wallace and Cora, Marian Pratt (age 7/12) born in Wisconsin to Vermont and Wisconsin-born parents.

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on April 27, 1910, shows Harry O'Brien (age 25) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents is a Machine Shop Machinist renting his home and is living at 562 Fifth Avenue, 11th Ward, City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co., WI. Living with him is his childless wife of 6/12 years, Florence O'Brien (age 20) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents.

Stanley John O'Brien was born November 27, 1910, in La Crosse, La Crosse Co., WI.

Florence Kathryn "Kay" Stannert was born December 16, 1913, in Lewisburg, Union Co., PA.

Cora Jane (Blake) Pratt died July 30, 1918, in Richland Center, Richland Co., WI, at age 47. Buried in Richland Center Cemetery, Richland Center, Town of Richland, Richland Co., WI.

Wallace Edwin Pratt died August 9, 1919, in Richland Co., WI at age 71. Buried in Richland Center Cemetery, Richland Center, Town of Richland, Richland Co., WI. Letha Jane (Pratt) Martin became the special guardian of her half-sister, Marion Estelle Pratt, on December 11, 1919, in Richland Center, Richland Co., WI. To settle the estate, Marion's share of the estate of her father was sold to Roy Ellis Pratt for $1,000.

The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 21, 1920, shows Fred G. Pratt (age 38) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents is a House Painter renting his home and is living at 418-1/2 East Grand, 1st Ward, City of Beloit, Town of Beloit, Rock Co., WI. Living with him is his wife, Mae Pratt (age 36) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents. Also living there is his daughter: Dorothy Pratt (age 15) born in Illinois to Wisconsin-born parents.

The 1920 U. S. Census taken on February 18, 1920, shows Letha J. Martin (age 32) born in Wisconsin to Vermont and Wisconsin-born parents widowed and the non-working married head of household owning her home free of a mortgage at 137 N. Park St., 3rd Ward, City of Richland Center, Richland Co., WI. Living with her is her sister, Marion E. Pratt (age 10) born in Wisconsin to Vermont and Wisconsin-born parents. Two roomers also live in the household.

The 1930 U. S. Census taken on April 24, 1930, shows Jessie H. O'Brien (age 48) born in Washington to Ireland Free State-born parents, and first married at age 21, is a married Cook in a Hotel, and who rents his home for $45/month, and is living at 426 Cass Street, 3rd Ward, City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co., WI. Living with him are: his wife, Florence O'Brien (age 52) born in Iowa to Scotland and Iowa-born parents, and first married at age 25, a Cook in a Hotel; his unmarried son, Stanley O'Brien (age 17) born in Wisconsin to Washington and Iowa-born parents; his son, Robert O'Brien (age 15) born in Wisconsin to Washington and Iowa-born parents; an unmarried Lodger, Homer Hammond (age 20) born in West Virginia to West Virginia-born parents, a Cook in a Hotel; and an unmarried Lodger, Guy Hammond (age 20) born in West Virginia to West Virginia-born parents, a Dish Washer in a Hotel.

The 1930 U. S. Census taken on January 21, 1930, shows Fred G. Pratt (age 48) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents is a House Painter renting his home and is living at _____, 10th Ward, City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co., WI. Living with him is his wife, May A. Pratt (age 45) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents. Also living there is Marguerite Gunderson (age 80)

The 1930 U. S. Census taken on April 17, 1930, shows Letha Martin (age 41) born in Wisconsin to Vermont and Wisconsin-born parents and first married at age 24 is the non-working married head of household renting her home for $60/month at 651 Howard Place, 5th Ward, City of Madison, Dane Co., WI. Living with her is her non-working and unmarried half sister, Marian Pratt (age 20) born in Wisconsin to Vermont and Wisconsin-born parents.

The Milwaukee Journal, Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co., WI, Saturday, July 2, 1932

Smashes Window in Row With Clerk

A personal quarrel with a clerk in a drug store at 652 E. Kilbourn av. caused Stanley O'Brien, 19, of 732 N. Cass st. to hurl a brick through a display window in the store, he admitted to police Friday night. The youth was fined $15 in district court Saturday.

The Milwaukee Journal, Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co., WI, Wednesday, August 31, 1932

Eager to Pacify Girl, That's Why He Needed Auto

Last week Stanley O'Brien, 19, of 723 N. Cass st., visited his sweetheart at Nagawicka lake. They had a tiff, O'Brien explained in the district court Wednesday when he was charged with attempted larceny of a $3,000 automobile owned by Frank Bursinger, hotel man. Back in Milwaukee Stanley got to thinking about the scrap. It worried him. He thought if he only could get back to Nagawicka, probably everything could be fixed up. So he telephoned a garage, represented himself as Mr. Bursinger, and asked that the automobile be sent to him at a certain address. Everything worked out all right, except that Stanley didn't know how to start the car. While he was still trying, a policeman came and arrested him. Mr. Bursinger said in the district court Wednesday that Stanley once worked for him and that Stanley is a good boy. He requested probation. Judge A. J. Hedding deferred sentence.

Homer Randolph Benson, MD, and Dorothy Demming Clarke were married September 12, 1936, in Honolulu, Honolulu Co., HI.

September 14, 2014

Kevin Lawton writes the following to Leigh Larson:

It was brought to my attention that cousin Marian (Pratt) (O’Brien) Benson celebrates her 105^th birthday this Friday. It was 70 years ago this Friday that Marian introduced my parents to each other when my Dad was in Milwaukee on leave from the army to help celebrate Marian’s 35^th birthday. I believe they attended a double-feature movie. Brother Dennis read this in my Dad’s diary this past weekend.

Stanley John O'Brien (age 24), a bachelor, and Marian Estelle Pratt (age 25), a maiden, were married August 17, 1935, in Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co., WI.

Alan Kent O'Brien was born September 22, 1939, at Methodist Hospital, Madison, Dane Co., WI.

The 1940 U. S. Census taken on April 16, 1940, shows Theodore Brewer (age 66) born in Wisconsin, and 5 years ago was living in Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co., WI, and with 4 years of High School, is a married Salesman for a Foundry who rents his home for $55/month and is living at 1621 Madison Street, 13th Ward, City of Madison, Dane Co., WI. Living with him are: his wife, Letha Brewer (age 52) born in Wisconsin, and 5 years ago was living in Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co., WI, and with 4 years of High School; his married brother-in-law, Standley O'Brien (age 30) born in Wisconsin, and 5 years ago was living in Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co., WI, and with 4 years of High School, a Salesman of Grain and Feed; his married sister-in-law, Marion O'Brien (age 30) born in Wisconsin, and 5 years ago was living in Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co., WI, and with 4 years of College, a Salesman of Grain and Feed; his niece, Patricia O'Brien (age 2) born in Wisconsin; and his nephew, Alan O'Brien (age 6/12) born in Wisconsin.

Jesse Harrison O'Brien died August 12, 1942, in Milwaukee, Milwaukee Co., WI, at age 65.

Dorothy Demming (Clarke) Benson died April 20, 1945, at her home, Nuuanu, Honolulu Co., HI, at age 30. Buried in O'ahu Cemetery, Honolulu, Honolulu Co., HI.

The Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Honolulu, Honolulu Co., HI, Saturday, April 21, 1945

MRS. DOROTHY C. BENSON

The Rev. Anson P. Stokes Jr. of St. Andrew's cathedral will conduct services at 2 p. m. Monday at Borthwick's mortuary for Mrs. Dorothy Clarke Benson, 31, who died at her Nuuanu home Friday. Friends may call at the mortuary after 1:45 p. m. Monday. Interment will be in Nuuanu cemetery. Mrs. Benson was born in Spokane, Wash., July 1, 1914. She is survived by the widower, Dr. Homer R. Benson; two sons, David and Homer Jr.; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. M. E. Clarke, and a brother, Don Clarke.

The Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, Dane Co., WI, Monday, April 23, 1945

Mrs. Homer Benson

RICHLAND CENTER - Dr. and Mrs. Gideon Benson have been notified of the death Friday of their daughter-in-law, Mrs. Homer Benson, 31, in Honolulu, after a year's illness. Immediately after his graduation from the University of Wisconsin in 1935, Dr. Homer Benson left to take his internship in Honolulu. Aboard ship he met his future wife Dorothy Clark, who was moving from Seattle to Honolulu with her family. They were married later and came here in 1936 for a visit. She leaves her husband, a navy surgeon in Pearl Harbor; two sons, Homer, Jr., and David, her parents and a brother, all of Honolulu, also a brother-in-law, Dr. Robert Benson, also with the navy at Pearl Harbor.

Homer Randolph Benson, MD, and Florence Kathryn Stannert were married September 10, 1949, in Parke Memorial Chapel, St. Andrew's Cathedral, Honolulu, Hawaii.

The Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, Dane Co., WI, September 16, 1949

Stannert - Benson

RICHLAND CENTER - Dr. and Mrs. Gideon Benson and other Richland Center relatives of Dr. Homer Benson, Honolulu, Hawaii, have received announcements of his marriage to Miss Florence Kathryn Stannert, Milton, Pa., on Sept. 10. Dr. Benson is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and has been practicing in Honolulu in partnership with his brother, Dr. Robert Benson, for the past few years. His bride is a former lieutenant in the Waves and has taught school in Honolulu and New York City.

The 1954 California Voter Registration List shows Stanley J. O'Brien is a Democrat and is living at 947 9th Street, Santa Monica, Los Angeles Co., CA.

The 1954 California Voter Registration List shows Mrs. Marian E. O'Brien is a Republican and is living at 947 9th Street, Santa Monica, Los Angeles Co., CA.

Stanley John O'Brien died January 30, 1956, in Santa Monica, Los Angeles Co., CA, at age 45.

John Hayes Major (age 28), a bachelor, and Patricia Carol "Pat" O'Brien (age 18), a maiden, were married May 26, 1956, in Santa Monica, Los Angeles Co., CA.

David Clarke Benson and Judy Adele Meek were married July 14, 1962, at Sacred Heart Church, Honolulu, Honolulu Co., HI.

The Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Honolulu, Honolulu Co., HI, Tuesday, August 7, 1962

Miss Judy Meek Is Bride

Mrs. David C. Benson

Miss Judy Adele Meek, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack A. Meek, 1329 Victoria Street, and David Clarke Benson, son of Dr. and Mrs. Homer Benson, 1802 Keeaumoku Street, exchanged vows July 14 at Sacred Heart Church. The bride was attended by her cousin, Mrs. John Yates, and Miss Sue Laas. Miss Marcia Meek, the bride's sister, was the junior bridesmaid. Attending the groom were Randolph Garner, Randall Almeida and Darrell Meek, the bride's brother. A reception was given at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel, and the couple honeymooned in Waikiki. The bride is a graduate of Grant High School in Van Nuys, California, and her husband graduated from Roosevelt High School. He is employed at Pacific Laundry.

Florence Kathryn (Stannert) Benson died June 13, 1980, in Lewisburg, Union Co., PA, at age 66. Buried in Saint Clement's Church Crypt, Honolulu, Honolulu Co., HI.

The Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Honolulu, Honolulu Co., HI, Sunday, June 22, 1980

obituaries

BENSON - Kathryn Stannert Benson, 67, of 2838 Kahawai St., died June 13 while visiting relatives in Pennsylvania. She was born in Lewisburg, Penn., and was active in Honolulu education and community organizations for many years. She was dean of senior women and headed the English department at Punahou School, where she taught from 1946 to 1950. She was president of the Girl Scout Council of the Pacific and active in the American Association of University Women. Services 4 p.m. Tuesday at St. Clement's Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Clement's Memorial Fund. Survived by husband, D. Homer R. Benson; sons, Homer Jr. of San Francisco and Honolulu police Lt. David C. Benson; daughter, Kathryn Jane of San Francisco; mother, Florence Stannert of Pennsylvania; sister, Jane Ranck of Pennsylvania; grandsons, Robert and Michael Benson.

Homer Randolph Benson, MD (age 73), a widower, and Marion Estelle (Pratt) O'Brien (age 72), a widow, were married February 14, 1982, in Los Angeles Co., CA.

Homer Randolph Benson, MD, died May 3, 1988, at his home, Walnut Creek, Contra Costa Co., CA, at age 78. Buried in Saint Clement's Church Crypt, Honolulu, Honolulu Co., HI.

The Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, Dane Co., WI, Wednesday, May 25, 1988

Benson, Homer Randolph, M.D.

WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA / RICHLAND CENTER - Homer Randolph Benson, M. D., 79, died on Tuesday, May 3, 1988, at home in Walnut Creek, California. He was born in Richland Center, Wisconsin, on February 6, 1909, and retired from 42 years of medical practice in Hawaii in 1980. He was the son of Dr. and Mrs. Gideon Benson of Richland Center, whose three sons were doctors. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Medical School in 1935, and went to Hawaii, where he was Chief of Staff of Shingle Memorial Hospital on Molokai 1938-42 and government physician for Molokai 1942-44. He was in private practice in Honolulu with his brother, Robert G. Benson, M.D., operating the Benson Clinic 1944-80. Dr. Benson was a Charter Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, president of the Hawaii Academy of Family Physicians in 1960, a director of the Hawaii Medical Service Association 1962-66, and received the American Medical Association Physicians' Recognition Award in 1980. He belonged to the Sons of the American Revolution, and in Walnut Creek was a member of the Kiwanis, Masonic Hi-12, and the Shriners. He is survived by his wife, Marion E. Benson; sons, H. Randolph Benson of San Francisco, and Major David C. Benson of Honolulu; daughter, Kathryn Jane Benson of Friday Harbor, Washington; step-son, Kent O'Brien; step-daughter, Patricia Major, both of Westlake Village, California; and granddaughters, Sherrill Hayes of Kona, Hawaii, and Laurel Cabaug of Honolulu. A Masonic Memorial Service over the ashes was held at the Honolulu Masonic Temple, at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, May 21, 1988. Private interment followed at the Chapel of Peace, St. Clement's Church, Honolulu. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Bobby Benson Center, an adolescent drug treatment facility named for Dr. Benson's grandson, P.O. Box 26630, Honolulu, Hawaii 96825.

RUPANEWS, Journal of the Retired United Pilots Association, Vineburg, Sonoma Co., CA, August, 2016

ALAN "KENT" O'BRIEN

Kent (76) departed on his eternal flight in the heavens on June 24, 2016 surrounded by loving family and friends. He was born in 1939 in Madison, Wisconsin and after a family move out west, he attended Santa Monica High School. Shortly thereafter he joined the National Guard where he went on to become a helicopter and tank mechanic. At a young age Kent was fascinated by flight and along the way he'd use all of his extra earnings to further his private pilot training. Over time, he'd decided that embarking on a professional career as an airline pilot was his true calling and he joined UAL in June of 1966 at the age of 27. Throughout his 33-year UAL career based in LAX, he'd go on to hold seats on the DC-6, DC-7, 727, DC-10, 757, 767, and 747. The pinnacle times of Kent's career were his years spent as Captain on the 727, 757. 767, and 747. He truly loved his job and focused on ensuring his passengers not only arrived at their destinations safely and comfortably, but that they enjoyed their flight experience. Some would consider the mariner of which he carried himself on the job as a lost art. He truly was a special man. Piloting the commercial skies was not his only passion. Kent loved to spend his time boating, riding motorcycles, working on and restoring cars, woodworking, fishing, home improvement projects. traveling with his wife and family, and of course flying for fun...lots of it. From his early beginnings as a private pilot, Kent's first airplane was a Cessna 140 which he used to impress and court his surviving wife Chris on their first dates. After his children (Michael and Scott) were born, Kent went on to own a number of neat airplanes including a Cessna 150, Beechcraft Bonanza. show-winning Luscombe 8-A, Piper Aztec, and masterfully built a custom RV-8 of which he was very proud. Kent's smile lit up the room, his stories captivated his listeners, his personality and enthusiasm were positively infectious, and his willingness to always offer knowledge, experience, advice. and help was a testament to his selflessness and love for being around and impacting people. He was a wonderful Husband, Father, Brother, Son, Papa. and Friend of many. His memory will be cherished forever. Kent is survived by his wife Chris, two sons and seven wonderful grandchildren.

Patricia Carol "Pat/Obie" (O'Brien) Major died April 3, 2019, in Palm Desert, Riverside Co., CA, at age 81. Buried in Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, Camarillo, Ventura Co., CA.

Marian Estelle (Pratt) (O'Brien) Benson died November 5, 2018, at University Village retirement community, Thousand Oaks, Ventura Co., CA, at age 109.

Thousand Oaks Acorn, Thousand Oaks Acorn staff, December 13, 2018

‘Mighty Marion’ gone at 109

LONG-LIVED - Marion O’Brien Benson, thought to be Thousand Oaks’ oldest-living resident, died last month at the age of 109. Above and right: pictures taken of Benson in 2016 after her 107th birthday. Marion O’Brien Benson, who outlived two husbands and both her children, died Nov. 5 at University Village retirement community in Thousand Oaks at the age of 109. She’d lived there 11 years. Profiled in the Acorn in 2016 after her 107th birthday, Benson attributed her uncommon longevity to always having a positive outlook. “I just don’t worry,” she said at the time. Born in 1909 in Richland Center, Wis., Benson moved to California in 1944 when her first husband got a job at Douglas Aircraft Company. In her lifetime, she saw many “firsts,” including the first airplane and the first television set. She voted in 22 presidential elections. She is survived by four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. In a post on the Acorn’s Facebook page, Benson’s grandson Kevin Major wrote: “She was truly a remarkable woman, with a heart and soul like no other. Her family and friends miss her terribly, but how fortunate we all were to have such an incredible person in our lives.” FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH—Spry until the end, Benson enjoyed reading mystery novels, playing bridge, assembling puzzles and dining with friends. “I like it here very much,” she said of University Village in 2016. “They really have a lot to offer. I’ve got lots of friends here.” - Kyle Jorrey