With comfort and sadness, we announce the passing of our husband, father, & "Pa", Jeffrey Alan Benson. He passed away on September 22, 2023, at his home in West Valley City, Utah, from a battle with cancer and heart complications. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, integrity, and great affection for his family.
Born on November 19, 1946, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Melvin Jeremiah & Maurine June Benson, Jeff was the oldest of 5 children.
Jeff attended Granger High School and later joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve before marrying Rennetta Savington on August 25, 1967. Together they raised 4 children, Nikki, Derek, Tyson, and Brody.
Jeff later started his career of 40 years as a Journeyman Lineman. He loved what he did and was proud of the work he accomplished. He was a strong Union man and was a member of the IBEW Local 57. He was a dedicated husband and father who worked tirelessly to provide for his family and make sure all needs were met.
He was proud of the life he and Rennetta built and his family meant everything to him. Jeff lead by example, teaching his children the importance of honesty, dependability, and a non-materialistic life. He respected that his kids needed to learn lessons on their own- good or bad, but was always there to support and accept them. He was not only a father but a friend.
Jeff later accepted one of life's greatest callings as "Pa". He loved to spend time with his grandkids whether that be in the garden planting tomatoes and green beans, or taking a trip to the grocery store with a shotgun rider. He would rake up leaves just for the kids to jump in and enjoyed playing catch in the front yard.
He loved to go to UTES basketball games while enjoying a bratwurst or polish dog and hopefully a win. Jeff was a March Madness fanatic and LOVED a good upset. He was a long time fan of the Chicago Cubs and enjoyed watching college football. He loved visiting any stadium or game as long as he was with his family. His favorite sports teams, however, were those of his kids and grandkids. He was on the sidelines for every sporting event, in the audience of every recital or play, and was present for all of life's important events. He prioritized his family in every way possible.
A man of few words, he always made sure you knew how much he loved you. Jeff was loyal, selfless, humble, and honest to a fault. His love for music included Frank Sinatra, Chicago, Willie & Waylon and the "50's on 5."
No one will ever be able to eat a Salted Nut Roll, Peanut M&M's or Pistachios without thinking of him.
Jeff was an extraordinary man that meant the world to many. He fought fearlessly and relentlessly to gain every ounce of time with the ones he loved most. He was deeply loved and will be missed fiercely.
Jeff's family would like to extend a special thank you to his nurse, Danielle, for the support and care she provided. We appreciate the time you spent advocating for Jeff and being someone that the entire family could trust.
Jeff is survived by his wife Rennetta, children: Nikki (Scott) Christiansen, Derek (Kayla), Ty (Heather), Brody (Heidi) Benson, 10 grandchildren: Beau (Kate) Moore, Ryzen (Nicole) Benson, Montanna (Dakota) Hood, Hunter Benson, Kenadee (Marcus) Holder, Trae, Liam, Bree, Hagen, Taryn Benson, great-grandchildren: Everett, & soon to come Baby Moore, siblings: Kelly Benson, Mike Benson, Janet Duckworth, and Lori Crosgrove. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Celebration of Life & Memorial Service will be held in Jeff's honor on Saturday, October 14, 2023, from 5-8 pm at SpringHouse Village Daybreak located at 11614 Holly Springs Dr, South Jordan, Utah. Family remarks will begin at 5:00 pm followed by open remarks for shared memories & stories, and time to celebrate and remember the legacy of Jeff Benson.
