Richard William Benson

Richard William Benson of Kenner, Louisiana passed away on Thursday July 2, 2020 after reaching the age of 94 ½. After battling C.O.P.D. for the last few years, but in otherwise good health, he died peacefully at his home in Kenner, Louisiana with his beloved wife (Phyllis) by his side.

Dick was born on January 6, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois to Einer William Benson and Virginia Cecelia James (Benson). As a boy he grew up in Chicago, IL and Indianapolis, IN working with his father in the family hotel business. He learned the hotel business from his father, working in every area of the hotel over the years. He went on to earn a degree in Hotel Administration from Michigan State University and then to work for his father helping run the North Park Hotel in Chicago, IL.

After serving in the Army in WWII in Europe, Dick traveled to Europe with longtime friend James Glatt. When they returned to Chicago after the war and their travels they partnered in the Chicago real estate firm of Glatt & Benson, selling and leasing commercial properties in the Chicago area.

In 1955 he married Connie Agres, an executive with Slenderell International in Chicago, IL. They had a son, Douglas William Benson on July 27, 1958. After moving to Florida in 1959 to rebuild and run the Twilight Motel, which Dick was a part owner, the marriage ended in divorce. Dick eventually moved to Minneapolis, MN to once again help his father run the family owned Lemington Hotel in Minneapolis where he met the love of his life, Phyllis Benson. Dick remarried in 1969, in Minneapolis, MN and subsequently had two children with Phyllis, Karin Benson (Durio) and Jason Benson.

Dick and Phyllis moved to Sioux City, Iowa where Dick managed a Holiday Inn for Topeka Inn Management. When an opportunity presented itself, they moved to New Orleans, Louisiana where Dick continued with Topeka Inn Management. Dick remained in the hotel industry where he ended up overseeing several Holiday Inn hotels. A very well respected Manager in the Crescent City, Dick held several positions over the years, including: President of the Louisiana Hotel/Motel Assn., President of the New Orleans Hotel/Motel Assn., AHMA Certified Hotel/Motel Assn. Member, Co-Chairman of the American Hotel/Motel Assn., Security Comm., Board of Director, New Orleans Tourist & Convention Comm., President & Co-Founder of World Fair Availability Inc.

Dick spent the last 13 years of his professional life as the Manager of the Dauphine Orleans Hotel in the French Quarter in New Orleans retiring in 2007, a few years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city. Dick loved the hotel business and still dreamed about renovating hotels and starting new businesses.

Dick leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Phyllis Benson; his sons Douglas Benson (Catherine) and Jason Benson; his daughter Karin Benson Durio (Jeffrey); grandchildren Glory Benson, Brinley Benson and Cade Benson; and many, many close friends and colleagues.