ROCKLAND — John C. Benson, 84, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died Nov. 1, 2015, at Knox Center for Long Term Care in Rockland.

Born in Owls Head on March 12, 1931, he was the son of Carl and Velma Eaton Benson. Educated locally, he graduated from Rockland High School in 1949. Following graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

On Oct. 14, 1949, John married Elaine Christoffersen. The two settled in their hometown of Rockland. He began his employment with First National Stores. He later worked for 30 years with the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier in Rockland. John retired in 1986.

An avid motorcycle rider, he enjoyed trips on his bike with good friends. Whether out in the woods on his tractor, or running his chainsaw, he found any excuse he could to be outside puttering around. He also loved riding his snowmobile. His passion was collecting things most people considered junk, fixing them up, and then selling them at his never-ending lawn sale.

Later, John enjoyed bowling every Tuesday and Friday morning. Bowling couldn't begin without a stop at Willow Bake Shop for coffee, donuts, gossip and good friends. He was also a member of the Rockland Lodge of Elks, as well as the Rockland Lodge of Masons.

Predeceased by a son, Wayne Benson in 1980’ John is survived by his wife, Elaine Benson of Rockland; his daughters, Donna Maxim and her husband, Kenneth, of Edgecomb, Joannie Arsenault of Boothbay and Sharon Bryant of Standish; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

The Rev. Paul Marshall is officiating his celebration of life on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2015 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street in Rockland.