David Paul Benitz - 1939 - 2019

David Paul Benitz, born August 12, 1939, passed away May 11, 2019, at the age of 79. Dave served in the Air Force for 10 years in the role of a military policeman. He started his service in Texas and stationed in Spain. He was later stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington, where he met his wife, Mary. Dave and Mary had two children, Tony and Robin. He was medically discharged in 1969 and stayed in the Pacific Northwest to raise his family. He excelled at providing customer service in a variety of positions, most notably in the area of technical repairs. He enjoyed canoeing and fishing and embracing the Pacific Northwest lifestyle. He was a true handyman; there wasn’t anything he could not fix. He passed that skill on to many people in his life.
Dave’s travels took him to many countries where his love of history was on full display, enthralling his grandchildren with many stories. He was an avid reader of many different genres and was known to lose himself in a new book until he had read it all.
After retirement, he and Mary traveled the U.S. in their motorhome, making stops along the way for golf and sightseeing the historical Civil War battlefields. His love for golf continued as they settled in McMinnville and joined Michelbook Country Club. It was during this time that Dave made many friends and enjoyed an active social life.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Kathryn; son, David (Christina); daughter, Robin (Aaron); grandchildren, Linsey, Zach and Cody; and great-grandson, Ezra.
There will be no service; a remembrance will be held in the near future. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dave's name may be sent to the Humane Society.