I have pleasant memories of sailing with Steve in the off seasons from swimming.   He sailed the schooner and was the  commodore of our cadet sailing squadron.  My condolences to his family.

To Steve's family, please accept my condolences upon your loss of Steve.  My memories of Steve from our days at USCGA are a faint.   We never served together on active duty in USCG.  I had a wonderful time with Steve a few years ago at a class runion in Utah.  I know from contacts in the oil business that he had a long and successful career.  He was highly respected.

I'm a classmate and have lots of memories of Steve from cadet days.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you now.

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Lots of fond memories of Steve from our days at CG U.. He's being missed by many.

20 December 2011

Steve was a classmate and friend.  I marvelled at how he could swim ---I could not, and was perhaps just a bit jealous ---truthfully, a lot jealous.
As all, we were deeply saddened to hear of his illness and death.  Our best to his family.

Tom and Sue Dunn

Steve will always be remembered with a special bond to his CGA '66 classmates.  Our deepest sympathies are with you and your family.

I'm sure most of the '66rs have fond memories of Steve, as I do. We'll miss you, Steve.

Although our paths did not cross in recent years, I have very fond memories of conversations Steve and I had long into the night as we stood boat standby watch aboard cutter Eagle. Steve was a very interesting and engaging person as well as a good friend. Carole and I send sincere condolences to Terri and all of Steve's family. He will be missed.

steve was a loved and respected classmate of cga's class of 66's best and brightest , and me too ! although our paths never crossed upon graduation , a " coastie " never forgets what a classmate means to him or her . may god be with steve and all those who loved him .

The CGA Class of '66 are a band of brothers. We are sad to lose one of our own.  May the outgoing tide bring Steve to a safe harbor.

Surviving family of Philip J. Cardaci, class of '66 U.S. Coast Guard Academy, send our deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Cherie, Michael and David Cardaci.

Ensign Benson was a good man and excellent officer.  I had the honor of being on board the Minnie and serving with Mr. Benson until after the VietNam tour of duty.  Very sad day.  Victor Nieves

I had the pleasure of serving with "Ensign Benson" on the Minnetonka in the late 60's.  I was a boiler tender and Steve was assigned to me to teach him about the operations.  He took a bunch of us BT's and Machinist Mates to a cabin in Calif. that his parents bought,where we helped clean up the place, ate pizza and drank beer and sang songs.  The time we spent with "Ensign Benson" has been memorable. I have told the story many times about that cabin and the room I walked in that  religious person would not enter. I considered my self a religious person and challenged that entry....I will never forget that feeling in that room.  I will never forget "Ensign Benson" and very sadden for his family lose.

As an Academy classmate for one year and Minnetonka shipmate during our Vietnam deployment we shared both difficult and good times that will forever bind us all that went down to the sea in ships. Our paths did not cross after '68 but I got to know Steve again through the loving eulogies by Erik and Stephanie at his memorial service. They are two great kids of whom I am sure he was very proud and happy knowing they will carry on his legacy. Terri, I share your sorrow and hope time will bring peace to you and all your family and that you will be filled with many joyful memories.

Terri and family. Steve is a friend and classmate. Please accept my condolances at this difficult time. May time bring you eace and joyful memories.

It is with great sorrow we heard of Steve's passing. We wish the best to all his family. We will all miss him and pray that he finds peace and tranquility.

Brian Kichline, Friend and Classmate

I hope Steve's family realizes the deep respect all of his classmates at the Academy had for him.  Losing him is a terrible blow; we miss him and wish his family the grace and peace they deserve.

To Teri and family, Joyce and I were saddened to hear of Steve's passing. Even though it was a few years ago, we feel fortunate that we had an opportunity to spend a few days with Steve. The video made us feel that we knew him really well. What an exciting life he lived.  Our sympathies to you all after such a big loss.      
Allan & Joyce

Two images of Steve from our cadet days come to mind.  First is a powerful picture of him-- the butterfly competitor-- creating his own bow wave. Our coach 'Newt' is scowling nearby.  Second is Steve departing on liberty in spit and polish dress blues and 'packing 2 stars'.  Please accept condolences from Karen and me.  Rest in Peace Steve.

Sad news to hear of Steve's passing. He was a shipmate on the USCGC Minnetonka and an outstanding officer and gentleman... He was the finest officer in our Engineering department and admired by all who knew him and served with him. May he rest in peace and God's perpetual light shine upon him. We will remeber him always. My sincere condolences to his family.

Steve's passing fills me with deep sadness.  He was a Coast Guard Academy classmate, swim team mate, wonderful person, and friend.  Although I had not seen him in some time, I greatly feel the loss.  Fair winds and following seas, Steve.  Rest in peace.  Richard Wright

Steve was a good friend and fellow swimmer at the Academy. After many years apart we shared a great time in Idaho with other classmates. He will be missed by all of us.

Steve was one of my Class of 1966 Coast Guard Academy shipmates. As seniors Steve and I worked an special honors electrical engineering project on single sideband radios. As I recall we earned an "A" for the project. I shall miss him. My sincere condolences to Steve's family. I wish Steve Fair Winds and Following Seas throughout his journey in eternal life.

My deepest sympathies to the Benson Family on their loss of Steve.  I enjoyed our years of growth in New London together.

Steve was a good officer and a great guy.  I enjoyed serving with him on the mighty Minnie in vietnam

All of his classmates from the Coast Guard Academy's Class of 1966 will greatly miss Steve.  He was smart as a whip and a special friend to each of us.

My prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Steve will always be rememberd as both a shipmate and Officer aboard USCGC Minnetonka.

Steve was a classmate, shipmate. and friend. He bought me my first taco in 1966 and took me to his family " getaway" outside Sylmar. I was introduced to his family and we sang at Shakies Pizza. Times took us on different life paths, but he was always a special friend. My condolences to his family. Rest in peace old friend.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
I will always remember Steve as a great shipmate during our time together on the USCGC Minnetonka.
Fair winds and following seas to you Steve.

May God rest Steve's soul.  He was a truly outstanding, respected member of the USCG & USCG Auxiliary. 

May the peace of the Lord be with him and with his family.

Please accept my condolences. Steve was a CGA '66 classmate and friend for more than 45 years.  Our paths did not cross much since graduation but I will grieve alongside of you.

Bob Faucher

May  God the " Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort", give you and your family the strength to endure this difficult time. (2 Cor. 1:3,4)

OBITUARY

Steven Loyal Benson

July 31, 1944 – November 15, 2011

Westminster Memorial Park and Mortuary

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