Robert Douglas Benfield

Born in 1930 during the Great Depression, he grew up in the tiny town of Valley in Northeastern Washington state. His father died when Bob was four years old, leaving his mom Mary to raise four children by herself. But she worked hard, and exemplified the qualities that Bob would reflect throughout his life--a commitment to doing what is right, a calm approach to solving life’s challenges, a desire to help others, and a love for God.

Bob began piano lessons on a borrowed piano at age 10, and involved himself with good music throughout his career: as a music teacher, performer, and encourager. He attended high school at Upper Columbia Academy in Spangle, Washington, and went on to earn a degree at Walla Walla College. There he majored in music, paying for his schooling by working long hours in the book bindery. At Walla Walla, he met another music major, Phyllis Wical, and both soon realized that they enjoyed spending time together. But the Korean War was heating up, and the U.S. Army came calling. Bob was drafted, registering as a Conscientious Objector. He carried out basic training and was sent to Korea as a company clerk for a medical company. Later he was promoted to sergeant.

After returning from 17 months in Korea, Bob and Phyllis married in 1954. Soon after, they volunteered for mission service, and traveled to Brazil, where they spent the next 17 years, busy with music teaching and sharing God’s love in other ways. During this time, four children were born to the couple.

In 1972 the Benfield family left Brazil and moved to Sacramento, California, where Bob taught elementary band and classroom music at Sacramento Adventist Academy. In 1977 Bob and Phyllis parted ways, and Bob continued to teach in Sacramento and to serve at the Woodside Seventh-day Adventist Church, which he attended for 53 years.

In 1993 Bob met and began dating a precious lady, Glynes Weist. The two decided to get married on New Year’s Eve that year. They have been together for 32 years, helping their community in many ways, from volunteering at church to sharing Bible lessons with prison inmates.

On January 4, Bob was taken to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with pneumonia. After several days, his condition worsened and he asked to be allowed to return home. There, he was surrounded by family and friends—and his favorite hymns. On January 13 he took his last breath, and now quietly awaits the return of Jesus and the great resurrection day!

A celebration of life service will be held at the Woodside Seventh-day Adventist Church in Sacramento on Sunday, February 15, at noon.