"Ted" Arnold Benson, 89, of Mount Vernon, died April 19th at Mira Vista Nursing Home. He was surrounded by his loving family. He was at peace. He was born on February 9th, 1921 in Arlington, Washington to Arnold and Ranghild Benson. In 1929 he moved with his family to March's Point. In 1940 he graduated from Anacortes High School. He served in the Army Air corps from 1940-1945. He married Myrtle Sylvia Rodvelt on March 28th, 1943 in Phoenix, Arizona. After her death he married Phyllis Rindal on Jan. 6th, 1990. In 1947 he moved to Mount Vernon. He worked at the Lindberg Packard Garage. In 1955 he was employed by Shell Oil Company at March's Point. He worked in operations until his retirement in 1983. He was a member of Emmanuel Baptist church. The outdoors was where he spent much of his leisure time. Deer hunting and blackberry picking were his passions. He took his daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren deer hunting and fishing. In April, he would scout out the blackberry patches by looking for blossoms. When the blackberries ripened he knew just where to go with his sons-in-law in tow. His jokes and sense of humor will long be remembered. His family was very important to him. He always had time for them. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him much joy. Also, we want to thank all the staff at Mira Vista who cared for him. Their kindness and care was evident and will not be forgotten. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; two daughters and three son-in-laws, Arlene (Gary) Moore of Mount Vernon, Andrea (Rob) Guy of Big Lake and Jack Teeter of Birch Bay; four grandchildren, Deborah (Mike) Gilmore of Arlington, Daniel (Rachel) Teeter of Sedro-Woolley, Lisa (Hans) Schweizer of Granite Falls and Nathan (Mandi) Guy of Temecula, CA.; 8 great-grandchildren, Ashley and Annalyse Gilmor, Caitlin and Madeline Teeter, Koen and Tove Schweizer, Gavin and Bristol Guy; two sisters-in-law; Loretta Rodvelt and Clara (Willard) Hansen both of Mount Vernon, numerous nieces, nephews, four step-children, Kathleen Ellingsen, Steve (Dorothy) Rindal, Jeff (Teresa) Rindal, Duane (Kimmie) Rindal, step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren He was preceded in death by his first wife Myrtle, his daughter Annette Teeter, his parents and two sisters, Virginia Wooten and Katherine Rolf. Viewing will be held Sunday April 25, 2010, 10:30am until 3:00pm at Hawthorne Funeral Home. Open graveside service will be held Tuesday, April 27, 2010, 11:00am at Hawthorne Memorial Park under the direction of Hawthorne Funeral Home. A reception will follow at Emmanuel Baptist Church in the Fireside Room. Memorials are suggested to: North America Indigenous Ministries, P.O. Box 151 Point Roberts 98281 or Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1515 East College Way, Mount Vernon, WA 98273