Jack Wesley Benson, Jr.'s Obituary
Jack Benson died peacefully in his home in St. Helens Oregon. He was a wheelchair user for over 40 years due to a spinal cord injury, the result of an accident when he was 18 years old. His tireless work as a professional social worker and volunteer resulted in changes that improved the lives of people with disabilities in Oregon and Washington. He assisted and inspired others with disabilities, and their families, as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Legacy and Emanuel Rehabilitation Services and counseled Vietnam Veterans experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Jack?s volunteer service and personal mentoring touched the lives of many children, youth and adults in the disability community. He was a dedicated community leader, breaking down architectural, attitudinal and social barriers that prevent people with disabilities full participation and self-determination. In the 1980?s he fought for passage of the ADA, has continued to work toward full implementation of it in northwest communities. Jack served as Board President of the COHO Center for Independent Living in Vancouver, WA, and was appointed to the Washington State Independent Living Council. An active volunteer and advocate with Independent Living Resources in Portland, he served as Board President and was on the committee that negotiated the settlement that requires full access for people with disabilities in the construction of the Rose Garden. Also, in Oregon, he was an original member of the Disabilities Services Advisory Council for Multnomah County and, at the time of his death, was a member of the Oregon State Independent Living Council and the Disabilities Advisory Committee for the Oregon Department of Human Services.
Dedication to his family was no less a priority for Jack who was loved as husband to Linda, and brother to, Richard of Hood River, to those most close to him and as a
very special uncle to John Wesley Benson III, Elishea, Jonathan, Hope and Layla, Betina and Kathy Benson, Cheri, Corey, Ashley, Brianna, Cierra Nelson, Susan and David Pate, and Stephen, Cathy and Michael Berdinner.
Sat - Feb 24 from 11-2 pm there is a viewing at the Columbia Funeral home, 681 Columbia Blvd, St Helens, OR
Sun - Feb 25 at 11 a.m. Graveside service at Skyline Memorial Gardens, 4101 NW Skyline Rd, Portland
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Rural Organizing Project
PO Box 1350, Scappoose, OR 97056 in Jack's name. They have a website - www.rop.org - it was a cause Jack supported and felt strongly about.
What’s your fondest memory of Jack?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jack?
Share a story where Jack's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jack you’ll never forget.
How did Jack make you smile?