David Watson Benson, age 74, of Kentwood, passed away Friday, July 19, 2019. Dave will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 49 years, Janet; children: Rich and Elaine Benson, Bill Benson, Patty and Sean Affrica; grandchildren: Katie, Megan, Eric, Jack and Avery Benson, Ashley and Lexie Affrica.

Dave was born and raised in Endicott, New York and later went on to attend the University Of Dayton in Ohio where he obtained a degree in Electrical Engineering. Dave retired after a long career in sales in marketing. Most of those years were spent at Steelcase, which is what brought them to their current house since 1977. Retirement was spent splitting their time between home, winters in Hilton Head, South Carolina and frequent visits to see the kids and grandkids in Chicago and Michigan. Dave's enjoyments were simple, and his foundation was his family. He lived every day selflessly providing time, support, and inspiration to his family. His close friends also were included in his special way of always trying to do for others, even when they didn't notice. Dave will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends as the glue that held us all together. He was an amazing man and teacher who taught us to work hard, and be thinkers who took action. His philosophy in life was wife, kids, grandkids, golf, travel and great food. So we would like to raise our glasses in a toast to a life well-lived by Dave.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 12:00 p.m. Friday at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 1253  52nd St. SE, Kentwood, with Rev. Peter Vu officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald House or American Cancer Society.