Benjamin Carter Benjamin

Born in Flint, Michigan, to Elwin Lewis Benjamin and Lillian Jean Le Vasseur, Mr. Benjamin grew up with an innate interest in, and aptitude for, all things mechanical. After serving in the U.S. Army, he enrolled at Michigan State University, where he received a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He subsequently held engineering positions at the British food processing equipment manufacturer Baker Perkins, Ltd., and at Fuller & Emerson, a company co-founded by his stepfather, John R. “Jack” Emerson, which dedicated itself to the design and manufacture of parts for the automobile industry.

A change of ownership at F&E coincided with the opportunity to join Schmelzer Corporation—a company similarly involved in the auto industry—as a full partner. He served as Schmelzer’s president and guided the transition of the company after its acquisition by Masco Corporation, until his retirement.

Throughout his career and for the rest of his life, Mr. Benjamin was fortunate to have the love and support of his wife and fellow Michigan State graduate, Carolyn (Lintz) Benjamin, to whom he was married for over 65 years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Scott Carter Benjamin of Tiburon, California and Robert Gregory Benjamin (Marianne Blackwell) of College Grove, Tennessee and his grandson, Carter “Cal” Benjamin, of Harbor Springs, Michigan. His family was the central focus of his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all those who knew him honor his memory by performing a selfless act of kindness.