Brian Douglass Benham

Brian is survived by his loving parents, General Douglass S. and Scottie Benham; his sister, Diane (Tripp) Benham Hook; nieces: Heather (Chris) Hook Fabregas and Holly (Matt) Hook Harlow and his devoted pup, Kassi.

Brian was born on February 25, 1956 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Brian grew up on Golden Lake and attended Cretin High School. He graduated from the University of Minnesota where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

After college Brian’s adventurous spirit and love for the water took him on a sailing trip with his fraternity brothers from Minnesota to Florida. Brian then spent a year in Aspen following another one of his passions, skiing. His love of the slopes and travel continued with annual ski trips to Wyoming and Chile with friends.

Brian was blessed with an artistic soul. He was a gifted painter and photographer. He saw beauty in everything and everyone. Brian was able to capture the scenic splendor of places he visited and took amazing candids of people he cherished with his photography skills.

Brian’s magnetic personality, dedication and unwavering kindness allowed him to excel at his career with Jerry’s Enterprises which led him to Florida where he ran their Sanibel Island store and complex. He gave his heart and soul to his employees and truly loved his job. He was past president of Sanibel Island’s Rotary Club where he volunteered his time to organize their annual arts and crafts fair for years.

Thank you, Brian, for all your love, support and inspiration. You were a remarkable son, brother and uncle and we miss you dearly.

A Memorial Mass was celebrated at 10:00 am Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at Church of the Resurrection 8121 Cypress Lake Dr. Fort Myers. On November 16, 2014 a Celebration of Life will be held at the Pool and Yacht Club, 1600 Lilydale Road, Lilydale, MN at 12 pm. The Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity has set up the Brian Benham True Gentleman Scholarship Award. Donations can be made online at www.sae.net/donate. Donations can be made over the phone by contacting the SAE Foundation's Associate Executive Director, Jason Andrick at (800) 233-1856 ext. 221. Donations can be made via check, mailed to the SAE Foundation at SAE Foundation 1856 Sheridan Road Evanston, IL 60201-3837 (847) 475-1856. To ensure gifts are directed to the Brian Benham True Gentleman of Minnesota Alpha Scholarship Program, please denote the following when making a donation "SAE Foundation: MN Alpha Fund". In the memo line, please write the following "Brian Benham Scholarship". Be sure to sign the guest book at www.kiserfh.com.