George James Benson, a man who lived life to the fullest, passed away on February 20, 2025 at his home and in the loving arms of his wife. Born July 29, 1942, in Bakersfield, California, to Esther Lorraine and George Benson, George’s life was a vibrant tapestry woven with diverse experiences and unwavering passion.

His career path was as unconventional as his personality.

He was a master of many trades, including tractor mechanic, livestock wrangler, carpenter, heavy equipment operator, logger, cement finisher, apple and rose grafter, tire repairman, gemology instructor, boat shop owner, and prospector.

He even found success selling musical instruments at barter fairs, ultimately culminating in his ownership of Guitars and Gold at the Oldtown flea market. His entrepreneurial spirit and resourcefulness were evident throughout his life. For a time, he was the VP of the “Sadist’s” biker club. He even built the A-frame cabins at Schweitzer, leaving a lasting mark on the landscape.

George’s life was rich with personal connections. He met and married the love of his life, Sherrie Bates, on September 16, 1968. Together, they built a life and raised five children in Oldtown, Idaho, where they settled in 1974. His family extended far beyond this immediate circle; a testament to a life lived fully, he leaves behind a vast network of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. George was known to frequently ask visitors if they were among his many offspring.

George was a man of contradictions. While his life included episodes of infidelity and abuse. He was husband to Sherrie for nearly 57 years and deeply loved by many of his children and grandchildren. He embraced life and pursued his passions—fishing, boating, and prospecting. His love of prospecting for gems, rocks and gold was legendary. He lived life on his own terms, and his adventurous spirit carried him through countless escapades, often involving comical and accident-prone mishaps - including an encounter with a skunk while logging, a snowmobile incident resulting in a ragdoll-like flight through the air and into waist deep snow, and a Harley Davidson kick starter mishap that sent him flying over the handlebars.

George’s life was enriched by his exceptionally close relationship with his brother-in-law, Charlie Bates. Their bond was legendary, a testament to a friendship that spanned nearly Charlie’s entire life. They shared countless hours of laughter and camaraderie, creating memories that will forever be cherished.

A particularly memorable aspect of their bond was George’s tradition of picking Charlie up from his home on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and ride through Chiloquin, much to the envy of Charlie’s friends.

George faced numerous health challenges with remarkable resilience, overcoming prostate cancer, throat cancer, multiple heart attacks, brain surgery, heart surgery, and diabetes, among other ailments. His grandson, Kurtis, famously declared him immortal, a testament to his unwavering spirit.

He is survived by his wife, Sherrie Benson; children George R. of Woodlake CA, Debbie of Klamath Falls OR, Taunya (Kelly) of Seaside OR, Tina (Kathy) of Malaga WA, Esther, Pratrina of Oldtown ID, George J. (Sue) of Glen Saint Mary FL, Edna of Modesto CA, and Celah (Bob) of Idaho Falls ID, along with numerous other children; 31+ grandchildren; 40+ great-grandchildren; 5+ great-great-grandchildren, Brother-in-law Charlie Bates of Chiloquin OR and Sisters-in-law Corinne Reed of Susanville CA and Lisa Bates of Chiloquin OR.

George was preceded in death by his father, George W. Benson; mother, Esther Colley; stepfather, Paul Colley; sisters Jackie Shelton and Kathleen Thompson; sons-in-law Frank Carvell and Sam Barker; sisters-in-law Janet Bates, Tina Bates Jiminez, and Nola Bates Christenson; brothers-in-law Charlie Reed and Barry Tanner; father-in-law Melburn “Bucky” Bates; mother-in-law Annebelle Bates; grandsons Kurtis Haren, Gabriel Benson, and Henry “Bubby” Hackett; granddaughters Melissa Benson, Cecelia Hackett, Whitney Runyan, and Amber Skalla; and nephews Lonnie Colley, Kevin Colley, and Tyler Bates.

In his final days, George and Kurtis made a promise to await each other’s arrival on the other side. George James Benson’s life, though unconventional, was a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit. He will be deeply missed by his family and the many whose lives he touched. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Chris Buscher for his exceptional patience and care during George’s illness. George held Dr. Buscher in the highest regard and looked forward to his visits.

The family also extends heartfelt thanks to Sherman Campbell Funeral Home for their gentle, caring, and respectful assistance during this difficult time.

Sherman-Campbell Funeral Home in Newport WA is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are welcome to visit their website at www.shermancampbell. com.