Harry C. Benford III Deceased: February 3, 2015 Service Information: Memorial Visitation: Saturday February 7, 2015 1pm until Memorial Service following at 3pm Officiating: Deacon Ronald Gronec Interment: Private

Messages

February 8, 2015

Dear Wendy and Michael,

I am sad that my longtime friend has passed away. I'm sad for you guys as well. He loved you so. When I was with him his eyes would sparkle when he shared your stories. He was a great story teller. When we spoke on the phone, I could hear the joy in his voice while we were catching up on family stories.
He was the smartest, most clever, most caring and generous person I've ever known. I was blessed by God when he allowed me to be a friend of your Dad; he will always be a special part of my life. Our friendship spans nearly 50 years, and we shared tears of both joy and sorrow. We shared a love of the song, Send In the Clowns by Barbra Streisand, because we never took ourselves seriously. It was like an inside joke for us, and we smiled when we heard or played that tune. He was more than a friend; he truly was like a brother. I loved him as so many did, he brought sunshine to so many, I miss him already but will never forget him.

Sincerely, George Tindle and family

February 8, 2015

To the Family of Harry Benford,

Harry was a fellow Rotarian with me in the Rotary Club of Evanston from 1984. He was one of our honored members and a great friend to me and many others in our club.

I had an unusual relationship with Harry. In addition to being a Rotarian with me, he was our family attorney. I remember accompanying my parents when I was fairly young when they visited him for his estate planning services. I loved hearing his stories, which included his military service. My father was a physician with General Patton’s 3rd Army in Europe during WWII, so they had a bond there. Later, I followed my parent’s example and used Harry for my estate planning for myself and my wife.

It was a privilege working with Harry, and I enjoyed referring clients to him. They all came back to me with stories of their appreciation for him and his firm’s services. He always kept me informed on our mutual client status. It was a curtesy that was unnecessary, but greatly appreciated.

He graced our Rotary Club meetings with his delightful sense of humor on numerous occasions. I also had the opportunity to serve as a trustee for the Evanston Historical Society for six years. He had served in the same capacity before me and was very helpful in giving a needed background so I could do the job.

It is with great regret that I won’t be able to be with you on Saturday. I’ll be at a Rotary District training session all day Saturday in Morton Grove. It was scheduled last year, and I need to be there as I will an officer of the district next year. I will announce the service at our meeting as so many there were also good friends with Harry.

Thanks. I have added him to my prayers.

Sincerely,

Tom Swigert
Sector Resource Coordinator
Rotary District 6440