Dr. Varnell A Bench Obituary (1935 - 2016)

Myers Mortuary, 205 S. 100 E., Brigham City, UT 84302 (435) 723-8484 CORRECTED OBITUARY To run in: N&J to run Wed. Dec. 28th Paper Bill to: Myers Mortuary, 205 S. 100 E., Brigham City, UT 84302 Dr. Varnell A. Bench Dr. Varnell A. Bench was born to James Edwin and Ilah Anderson Bench on Nov. 2, 1935 in Logan, UT, and passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 22, 2016 at the Brigham Hospital. Varnell's entire life was filled with adventure, service, and love. As a young man he served in the Korean War from 1956-1959 where he was trained as a welder and created vehicle protection that is still used today. Having grown up in poverty, the friends he met in the army had a profound impact on his life. He returned from the military with a new perspective about the possibilities life and education held for him. He graduated from Utah State University with a degree in education and his new wife Dalene, whom he married on May 15, 1959. He began the adventures of his career teaching in Ogden at Wahlquist Jr. High. He became a master educator who served all who were fortunate enough to be under his tutelage with love and respect. He advanced quickly in the field of education, becoming principal of South Ogden Jr. High and then Curriculum Director for Weber School District. During this time he pursued his education, earning a Masters degree and a PhD while working and raising his little family. In 1975 he became the Director of Utah State University Education Center in Roosevelt, UT where he grew the program from several community-based classes to a full-degree institution where hundreds of students gained a degree without leaving the Basin. While there he served as president of the UBIC celebration and received recognition for outstanding service to the Chamber of Commerce. In 1981 he took on the adventure of participating in a project through USU's association with the Agency for International Development and moved his family to Mogadishu, Somalia for two years. When they returned to Utah he completed his career as Associate Dean of the College of Education over field services where he influenced many students throughout the state of Utah, becoming known as "Mr. USU Extension." It was during his tenure at USU in 1984 he developed and implemented the Academic Olympiad, eventually including schools from Russia, Holland and Germany. He is recognized as the "Father" of the Academic Olympiad, which legacy continues to this day. During his career he received many awards and recognitions, including the Outstanding Teacher Educator Teacher Award from the Utah Association of Teacher Educators, the Utah State University Uintah Basin Branch Campus Director's Award, the Robert L. Mauller Outstanding Project Award for the Academic Olympiad, the Dean's Award for Extended Service to Continuing Education at Utah State University, and the prestigious Utah State University E. G. Peterson Extension Award. He received recognition for Contribution to the Education and Training of American Indian Youth from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and he and his wife Dalene were awarded the International Family of the Year award. He was inducted into the Phi Delta Kappa Utah Educators Hall of Fame in 1995. Varnell was a good friend to all, always looking for the positive in everyone and giving a sincere compliment to strangers and family alike. Nobody met him without walking away feeling better about themselves. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He and Dalene loved to travel and had many wonderful adventures visiting dozens of countries around the world. Their children and grandchildren were fortunate enough to accompany them on many unforgettable excursions throughout the years, including several cruises for the entire family. Varnell was happiest when he was surrounded by his family. He helped and influenced many people throughout his life and shared his keen sense of humor with everyone. He was truly loved by all. He will be greatly missed. He is loved and survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Dalene; his children Danell (Jim) Mieure, North Ogden, Utah; Danette (Doug) Bench, Rio Rancho, New Mexico; Ben (April) Bench, North Ogden, Utah; and Jerry (Tammy) Bench of Brigham City, Utah. He is a hero and example to 13 grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and 7 step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Lora Smith and many adoring nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday Dec. 28 at Myers Mortuary at 205 S. 100 E., Brigham City, UT. Friends and family may call from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Dec. 27 at Myers Mortuary and one hour prior to services from 9:00-9:45. Interment will be in the Logan Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the USU College of Education may be made through the website usu.edu/varnellbench Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-mortuary.com VisitationMyers Mortuary - Brigham City 205 South 100 East Brigham City, UT 84302 December 27, 2016 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ServiceMyers Mortuary - Brigham City 205 South 100 East Brigham City, UT 84302 December 28, 2016 10:00 AM CemeteryLogan City Cemetery 12th East 9th North Logan, UT December 28, 2016