LUTHERAN QUILTERS – Members of the Quilts for Comfort Group stand between pews draped with some of the 205 quilts they made, in the Sitka Lutheran Church Tuesday. The group made the quilts for five local non-profits and one in Anchorage. The remaining quilts are sent to Lutheran World Relief which distributes them to places around the world in need, such as Ukraine, as part of Personal Care Kits. Pictured are, from left, Helen Cunningham, Kathleen Brandt,Vicki Swanson, Paulla Hardy, Kim Hunter, Linda Swanson and Sue Fleming. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)
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Alaska Beacon
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Sentinel Staff Writer
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Sitka police received the following calls by 8 a.m. today:
March 27
At 2:36 p.m. a dead [ ... ]
This Week in Girls on the Run
By Sitkans Against Family Violence
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By Sentinel Staff
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Sentinel Sports Editor
After storming into the state 3A boys basketball brac [ ... ]
By Sentinel Staff
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Northern Journal
Tribal and environmental advocates calling for a crackdown o [ ... ]
Police Blotter
Sitka police received the following calls by 8 a.m. today:
March 26
At 2:10 p.m. a man e [ ... ]
Big Rigs Sought
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The 3 to 5 Preschool’s spring fundraiser and Big Rig event is happening [ ... ]
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Sentinel Staff Writer
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By Sentinel Staff
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Sentinel Sports Editor
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By GARLAND KENNEDY
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Alaska Beacon
A bill that passed the Alaska House of Representatives on Monday [ ... ]
Daily Sitka Sentinel
Jose Benson, SHS Grad, Dies in Florida at Age 66
Jose Benson
Jose Benson, 66, of Tampa, Florida, passed away on February 6, 2021, due to complications from Covid-19.
Born in El Tigre, Venezuela, he moved to the United States in 1959, when the family settled in Ridgefield, Hockinson and Battle Ground, Washington.
In 1970 the family moved to Sitka where he graduated from Sitka High School in 1972. He was active in SHS sports including baseball, wrestling and cross country. After graduation he received his associates degree from Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa, Idaho, and later received his bachelor’s degree from National Louis University.
In 1984 he married his wife Betzaida and they moved to Tampa, where he worked for many years for JPMorgan Chase. After leaving that company, he started his own insurance agency, Compass Insurance.
He was an active member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church where he was a part of the men’s group, choir, livestream video team and leadership team. He loved serving the Lord by serving the homeless people of Tampa.
Jose will be remembered for his love of the Lord, genuine kindness, and charming and funny personality.
Jose is survived by his wife of 36 years, Betzaida, son Brent, 35, and daughter Brenda, 27.
He is also survived by siblings, Vilma Perales (Freddy), Julie Hames (Randal), Iris Uchytil (Rod), Ivan Benson (Nilda) and Roy-Parker Benson; and many nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his father, Ralph Benson, mother Carmen Benson and older brother Hector Benson.
A small funeral was held on Thursday, February 11, 2021, followed by burial near his mother’s grave at Rest Haven Memorial Park, Tampa.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 6100 Memorial Highway, Tampa, FL. 33615 or to a charity of choice.
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20 YEARS AGO
March 2004
Advertisement: Tea-Licious Tea House & Bakery 315 Lincoln Street Grand Opening! Freshly Baked Scones, Cakes & Pastries Innovative Salads, Soups & Sandwiches Harney & Sons Tea. Lunch * Afternoon Tea * Supper.
50 YEARS AGO
March 1974
Photo caption: National Republican Chairman George Bush takes a drink of water offered by Jan Craddick, Sitka delegate, during the Republican convention held here. Mrs. Craddick explained to Bush that the water was from Indian River, which means, according to local legend, that he will return.