Harry Fulton Benzie

Harry was born in Glasgow, Scotland where he and his family endured the bombings of the Glasgow industrial area during WWII. In 1946 at the age of 8, he and his parents, George and Nan Benzie and his sister, Anne, immigrated to the US and settled in Auburn. Harry and his family were sponsored by the late Wendell Robie, a prominent businessman and community leader in Auburn and Placer County. Robie’s wife, Ines Benzie Robie, was a relative of Harry’s family.

Upon arrival in Auburn, Harry was placed in the 3rd grade at the Auburn Elementary School on Lincoln Way. In 1949, he and his classmates were part of the first 6th grade class to occupy the new Palm Avenue Middle School (now known as E.V. Cain School). With a Scottish accent and a gregarious nature, Harry became well known throughout the school in a very short time.

In 1952 Harry enrolled in Placer High School where he was a prominent player on both the basketball and baseball teams. Upon graduation in 1956 he joined the Navy and spent most of his tour on a supply ship providing support to the 7th fleet in the Far East and Pacific.

Upon returning home, Harry attended Sierra College, Sacramento State, and Chico State College where he majored in Business Administration. After graduation with a Bachelor’s Degree. He continued his studies and earned an MBA, as well.

He then went to work for the 3M company in San Francisco. Later, he joined the Xerox Corporation as a regional sales representative, and stayed with Xerox for 20 years living in several locations in the Bay Area.

With his outgoing personality and an interest in people, he developed a wide network of both old and new friends throughout Northern California and beyond. With his interest in baseball and his continuous travel to ballparks throughout the county, Harry developed an encyclopedic knowledge of baseball statistics.

Harry retired and moved back to Auburn in 1984. In 1998 Harry married his wife Versa and they split their time between their homes in Martinez and the Auburn area at Lake of the Pines.

He also was a joiner and remained active in Delta Psi Delta, his fraternity at Chico State. He also was active in the Kiwanis Club of Martinez and held leadership positions including serving as a Lt. Governor of his district. He also was an active member of the Elks Lodge in Auburn. He loved his friends from Placer Union High School, and was active in the Class of 1956 reunions and alumni events. He attended many reunions, including those of other classes of the same era, as well.

After retirement, Harry was active for many years on men’s softball teams in the Bay Area and Sacramento. He and Versa made many trips to games and tournaments both throughout the State and also across the country. He was a member of several National Championship teams.

Harry is survived by his wife of 25 years, Versa, and his nephews, Ken Brooks (Carolyn), and Scott Brooks, great nephews; Jake (Becca), Alexander, and James Brooks.

Interment with his parents is to be at the New Auburn Cemetery, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Congregational Church in Auburn. An announcement of the time and date will be forthcoming.

Memorial donations may be made in Harry’s honor to Vitas Healthcare Hospice of Sacramento.

916-925-7010