Archibald Harnamsingh Benson

Archibald Harnamsingh BensonBenson, Archibald Harnamsingh, 81, departed this life peacefully on November 17, 2009. He was born on October 16, 1928 in Mohamdabad, UP, India, son of the late Dr. Babu Singh and Mrs. Angelina Evangeline Benson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mrs. Myrtle Benson Gideon and nephew, Mr. Arnold Gideon. Surviving him are his wife of 49 years, Elfrida Cardwell Benson; their three children, Anita Benson Otey, Asha Benson Holloman (Robert), and Kalyan Singh Benson; four grand-children, Antonio C. Otey, Jr.; Adam B. Otey, Anisa B. Holloman, and Ria L. Holloman; and his sisters, Marjorie Gangwani (Victor), Merlin Tiwari, and Myra Lall (Sam); two nieces and seven nephews; and an abundance of extended family members and friends.Mr. Benson graduated with a B.A. degree from University of Allahabad at the age of seventeen, M.A. in philosophy and religion and LL.B. at the age of 21 from the same university. He also received degrees from Syracuse University (M.S.J.) and the University of Illinois (M.A.L.I.R.); in addition, he completed graduate work at University of Wisconsin and Rutgers University. Mr. Benson joined Virginia Union University faculty in September 1960, and in 1961 he was named faculty adviser for student publications. Under his able leadership, the first all-campus yearbook in the history of VUU came out in 1962. Both the newspaper and yearbook had made tremendous progress while under his direction. He taught a variety of subjects, such as English Composition, Mass Communications, Introduction to Journalism, History of the Far East, Labor Economics, and Principles of Economics. Before his 42 years at VUU, Mr. Benson served as Director of Public Relations and Chairman of the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Morristown College for one year (1959-1960). It was there that he met his wife, former Elfrida H. Cardwell, who was the College librarian in Morristown, TN.In addition to his numerous contributions, Mr. Benson was also involved with many community organizations. He founded the Indian Association of Virginia and the Virginia South Asian Christian Association; both were formed in the 1960’s. He also served on the Richmond City Human Relations Commission and many other boards and commissions. Mr. Benson was actively involved in the Richmond City School PTA,The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 21, 2009, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, at Forest Lawn Cemetery. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 22, at 3:00 p.m. at Ginter Park Presbyterian Church, 3601 Seminary Avenue. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ginter Park Presbyterian Church or the American Diabetes Association. Condolences may be registered at www.mem.com.