Tribute to Randall J. Benson

Tribute to Randall "Randy" J. Benson - KB8III, W8HO
December 6, 1958 - January 24, 2021

Randy was an active member of the North Port Amateur Radio Club. He was also a member of Dayton Amateur Radio Club having previously served on many committees. He was active with Greene County Fair Groups working with younger people. He had many friends world-wide through the amateur radio clubs. Randy also enjoyed farming.

Randy lived in North Port, FL. He previously lived in Xenia, OH. Randy was a charter member of our BGFN (Big Gun Friendship Net). I only met him once at Dayton 2017 and knew from talking to him that he was a very friendly guy. His friends would say Randy would do anything for anyone. Randy became another victim of Covid-19. This is very sad. We will all miss Randy. RIP my friend. Tom K8CX

I just went for a walk for a couple of miles outside and then came in to read this just terrible news. This just makes me so upset and so saddened since I lost another Ham friend, Art, KA1YVU, last weekend. I am in a state of shock right now and just out of words. Randy was such a dear friend and we had so many long telephone calls. I just can’t believe this has happened. My sincere condolences to Missy and family. This is going to be difficult to ever get over. The whole idea of the Big Gun Friendship Net started on 80M when Randy and Saif A71AM and I thought of this together. Tim K3LR was there from the beginning and every day since. My talk at DARA will be dedicated to the memory of Randy. I hope I can hold together when I talk about him. Cal told me he had tears this afternoon and I have to admit I did too. What a terrible loss. Only time gets one thru this and also thinking about all the good memories. We all have to go thru losing loved ones and friends and it never is easy ever. I will be sending out some recordings that Howard, VE2AED, made at the beginning of the BGFN and Randy has some transmissions there. It is such a good memory of that first time of the BGFN. I am just so thankful that I got to know Randy and that we became really good friends. I will miss him dearly too With a deep heart. R.I.P. Dear Randy. Jim WA3FET

CONDOLENCE OF MR. RANDY'S FAMILY. GOD REST HIM IN PEACE. Col. Petre (Pete), Romania. YO7MPD

Yes brothers as I sit here with tears on my eyes to clear my mind my heart is heavy. I only met him once in Orlando but yes he was a big man with a bigger heart. My sincere condolences to the family and all you guys that knew him so well. RIP big guy! You will be missed. Cal K1CAL

I was shocked when I got the news yesterday. Randy and I were neighbors here in the beautiful rollings hills south of Xenia, OH. He was an incredibly generous person. When I put up my newest tower and was putting the beams together he would just drop in for support and guidance in my endeavor. He was here to help me get my beams in the sky! Recently he was incredibly instrumental in getting towers and beams up at the Xenia Fairgrounds for special events and a 4H training program here in Greene Co. Ohio. Randy has a condo in Xenia and would often travel here from Florida just to help any of us. He and KF8J, Jim and our Sheriff would just hang out swapping stories at a safe distance on my front deck. I recently gave Randy a Kenwood 520 that belonged to my late brother David KB8OCP who is the founder of what is now called the Dave Kalter Youth DX Adventure. He and Randy were very close. I took a picture on Friday Sept. 25, 2020 we were working on the 4H antenna tower at the Hamvention site. he was a key leader on this project. Randy was a great business owner and he cared about his people. I know because I worked with him on selling his business, giving him a valuation of the business and lots of discussion finding the best. Randy was a true devoted friend and an amazing Amateur Radio Operator. It is no wonder so many care about him. He was such a low key, humble and gracious individual. He was ALWAYS ready to help. I am still at an incredible loss for words. All we can do is console his family and each other. Michael W8CI

This is just too sad to hear. So sudden and such a short time too. My thoughts to Missi and family, on such s terrible occasion. RIP Randy. Rob M0KPD

OMG Michael that is just terrible terrible news. My heart goes out to all his friends and family. I’m at a loss for words. RIP our brother Randy. Angel WP3R

My brother Randy Benson lost his battle with Covid on Jan 24th and I just can’t wrap my head around loosing him. So many of his family and friends from all around the world were praying like saints but to no avail. Initially he thought he had Bronchitis, a common problem for him. Unfortunately that turned out incorrect and I suspect by the time he was tested and verified he had Covid, it reduced his chances for recovery. I am really having a difficult time with Randy loosing his battle for life. I am 9 years older and always believed he would be here to bury me. Just not to be.... Over 60 years we worked on all kinds of projects, had the same Elmer, Don Hinton, W8RTL where we kept his antennas and ham radio equipment running. Even then we argued about every detail. Others who worked with us thought we would get in a fist fight over our opinions but we always ended up laughing off our different position when we finished something successfully. I can’t imagine a world without Randy and for sure have lost my most supportive volunteer. How to get back in the saddle and move on... I just don’t know but I do know that he will be strongly encouraging me from heaven, why don’t you do it this way?!? Now that I think back, he was probably right more often then I care to admit.. I will forever hear his voice in my ear, my heart and my soul. Jim Simpson KF8J

I did not know Randy well. I first worked with him while he and Jim Simpson were putting the antennas on the new tower next to Rodney's office (Greene County Fairgrounds) just before HV a couple years ago. I have very fond memories of him as a gentle soul with great strength and knowledge about putting aluminum in the air - and of his close friendship with Jim Simpson, demonstrated when he and Jim were helping to put up your (W8CI) antennas on the new tower. Rick WS8G

Randy was one of the good ones... Art WA8VSJ

I met Randy through amateur Radio and enjoyed going places with him and Missy and Jordon those many years ago. Like life it's self things change and we go separate directions only to meet again through amateur radio when I talked to him at his home in Florida from here in Ohio using amateur radio. To say that I'm saddened by his passing would not cover how I feel. May God bless Randy's family during these trying times, May God bless your soul. 73 old friend. Larry Baker KB8EMD

2017 Dayton Hamvention

KM8Q, W8HO, KM8AM

W8HO Antenna construction

2020 Orlando Hamcation

W8HO, W2JUQ

W8HO, WA3FET

Workers at the 2020 Dayton Hamvention (cancelled) in Xenia, Ohio

W8HO, KD8ENJ, LIZ, KF8J, W8CI, W8AAV

Randy's antenna farm in North Port, FL

2017 Dayton Hamvention Photo K8CX Collection
Antenna construction photo courtesy of W8CI
2020 Hamcation Photos courtesy of WA3FET
Workers at 2020 Hamvention photo courtesy of W8HO
Randy's antenna farm from his QRZ.com page