Lawrence Francis “Larry” Benac, 75, passed away peacefully Friday, January 10, at his home. He was a beloved husband, father, uncle, and good friend to many. He was born January 26, 1949, in Corinth, New York. Larry was adopted as an infant by Henri and Connie Benac, and shortly after, the family moved to Breckenridge, Colorado. He enjoyed growing up in the mountains of Colorado, and graduated from Kremmling High School in 1967, where he was a member of the Summit County ski team. He proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1968 to 1972. He has two children from his first marriage, Richard and Kimberli. He met his soulmate and lifelong love, Mary, when they went on a blind date to a Denver Broncos football game. They were married December 30, 1978 in Lincoln, Nebraska, and they enjoyed 46 loving years together. This marriage blessed him with another son, Neil, who he raised as his own and became not only his son, but also a best friend. Larry’s work history included Kobe Labs, Vinyl Sash, Inc., and Coors Distributing while in Colorado, and at retirement, he was working in sales and repair in Lincoln NE. After retirement he volunteered with the Disabled American Vets, and he was a long time member of the Lincoln Elks Lodge No. 80.
Although he liked his quiet time, Larry also enjoyed spending time with family and friends and loved a good conversation or joke, especially puns. We all agree he was the master of sarcasm. He loved playing softball, riding dirt bikes, and was a skilled dart thrower. He enjoyed all types of travel, most specifically the many vacations spent on Scotland Cay, Bahamas, fishing and snorkeling, which may have been his favorite sport. He was an avid Jimmy Buffet fan and a proud “parrot head”, as well as a very devoted Denver Broncos fan. He loved books and could read endless hours at a time and, as a result, was many times “the smartest guy in the room”
Larry is survived by his wife Mary (Dollie) Benac and step-son Neil Shipferling of Lincoln, NE, and children Rich Benac and Kimberli Benac. Survivors also include family members Norm and Terri Hill of Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, Tom and Sue Hill of Freedom, Pennsylvania, and Dennis and Michele Hill of Omaha, Nebraska; several grandchildren and great grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the Tabitha Home Hospice care team for the wonderful care Larry received the past year and a half. He appreciated each one of you for the caring and compassionate support you provided. Also a special thank you to our special friend, Sheila. Words cannot express how grateful we are for your kind and loving care, and especially your friendship,
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, January 25, at 11:00 AM at Wyuka Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the family for the purchase of a memorial tree.
My brother from another mother, that was our favorite saying. Larry you will be missed. A thoughtful, quiet, hilarious,intelligent, honest, listener and yes sarcastic human. Mary and Riley I am thankful you are there for each other.Afternoons talking and fixing the worlds problems will be missed . Also movie criticism. Much love and prayers to your family.
Sheila