Paul Leonard Benson passed away peacefully at Providence Medical Center–Colby Campus in Everett on May 24, 2011 at the age of 71.

Born in New York, N.Y. to the late Ernst Paul Benson and Ingrid Lindwall Benson, the family moved to Seattle in 1948.

He graduated from Ballard High School in 1957 and went on to the University of Washington. After honorably serving four years in the Army, he returned to Seattle and rejoined Washington Natural Gas (PSE), where he worked for 51 years.

In 1966, Len met and later married Carol Doherty, beginning their romance in Ballard. The family lived on Whidbey Island for 27 wonderful years before moving to Marysville.

Len is survived by wife Carol; sons, Jeffrey of Marysville, Michael of Sammamish, John (Wendy) of West Seattle; grandson, Xavier; sister Betty Ann Fry; brother George; and many treasured nephews and nieces.

Len found joy in traveling and reading, enthusiastically sharing both with family and friends.

Len’s family would like to thank Providence Medical Center and Hospice for their gentle care of our precious person in his final hours with us.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Experimental Educational Unit (EEU) at University of Washington or Work Opportunities in Lynnwood.

At Len’s request, there will be no funeral. A remembrance will be held with family and friends on June 11, 2011. For further information, contact the family.