Obituary of Robert Benjamin

Send Flowers Robert L. Benjamin August 12, 1921 - December 31, 2012 Robert “Bob” Leonard Benjamin, 91, of Agate, Colorado passed away on Monday, December 31, 2012 at his home. Bob was born on August 12, 1921 in Denver, Colorado to Leonard and Mary (Kellogg) Benjamin. He was the second of four children to this couple, and the only one born in a hospital. He was born and raised on a farm outside of Agate; and attended a country school, and then went to Simla High School and graduated in 1939. At Simla, he met his wife of 71 years, Reba G. Davis, and they were married on August 20, 1941 in Goodland, KS. They lived on their family farm outside of Agate, and Bob and Reba had two children, Donald and Gail. They lived on the farm until 1962, when they moved into Agate. Bob owned and operated the Agate Elevator from the 1950’s to 2007, and at one time also owned and operated the elevators in Limon, Matheson, and Castle Rock. Bob and Reba were later blessed with three grandchildren; Amy, Brian, and Kendra, and two great-grandchildren; Kiley and Preston. In August of 2011, the couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with over 60 of their friends and family. Bob was very happy that he could see old friends that he hadn’t seen since the closing of elevator. His favorite pastime was to visit. Over the many years, Bob was able to meet over a thousand customers, and friends; he was a mentor, a friend, and a teacher to many. Many of the people that Bob had met over the years were employed at the elevator (and a lot of those were young kids, looking for their first job). Bob never turned down an opportunity to help someone, if it meant hiring them, mentoring them, or just giving them a helping hand. Bob was a member of many organizations; to name a few, Agate Fire Department, Agate Water Association, Agate Mutual Telephone Board, Agate School Board, and the Deer Trail Elks Lodge. Bob was instrumental in founding the Simla Lions Club, and also sat on the board of the Simla Community Hospital for quite some time. Some people said that he was the “Mayor” of Agate, because anytime someone wanted to know some of the history of Agate, they would always send them to Bob. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Mary; Sister and Brother-In-law- Marie and Harold MacFarland; Brother, Harold, and Daughter Gail Benjamin Pitzer. He is survived by his wife, Reba of Agate, Son Donald (Stephanie) Benjamin of St. Francis, KS; Son-in-law- Larry Pitzer of Agate; Sister Jeanette (Tommy) Murgatroyd of Denver; Sister-in-Law Ileta Benjamin of Simla; Brother –in- law- Denny (Sharlene) Davis, of Broomfield; Granddaughters- Amy (Eric) Noah of Agate; and Kendra (Chris) Minich of Strasburg; Grandsons Brian Benjamin of Atwood, KS; Jason (Summer) Lacik of Limon; and Great-grandchildren Kiley Benjamin and Preston Minich of Strasburg; many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Per Bob’s request, there will be no services, but a celebration of his life in your many thoughts, prayers and stories that you have about him. In honor of Bob’s life, the family is asking that donations be made in his name. God saw that he was getting tired; A cure was not to be. So He put His arms around him, and whispered, "Come with Me." With tearful eyes, we watched him suffer, And saw him fade away. Although we loved him dearly, We could not make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes "the best". Grandpa, you will always be with us in our memories and our heart! We will miss you! Facts Born: August 12, 1921 Place of Birth: Denver, Colorado Death: December 31, 2012 Place of Death: Agate, Colorado Occupation: Rancher Hobbies: Family Guestbook Share your thoughts and memories in the guestbook. Memorial Donations Memorial donations may be made to: the Agate Fire District PO Box 146, Agate, CO 80101 or to Lincoln Community Hospice PO Box 248, Hugo, CO 80821. Services No Public Services Will Be Held At This Time Click for Map and Directions