The Rev. Richard E. “Dick” Benner

The Rev. Richard E. “Dick” Benner, parish minister and passionate advocate for freedom of choice and dignity, died of brain cancer on May 18, 2013, aged 70, at the Tidewell Hospice House in Sarasota, Florida.

A devoted follower of the renowned psychotherapist Carl Gustav Jung, Mr. Benner taught classes based on Jung’s work and attended the C. G. Jung Institute in Switzerland. He was also a founding member of the C.G. Jung Society of Sarasota, Florida.

Richard Elden Benner was born in Bangor, Maine, on May 30, 1942 to Anne and Elden Benner. He received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education from the University of Maine in 1964 and 1969, respectively, and went on to attain a Master of Divinity from Bangor Theological Seminary in 1974.

Mr. Benner was ordained at the First Universalist Church of Westbrook, Maine on June 16, 1974, and began his parish ministry with service to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers, Florida, 1974-79. He went on to settlements at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Central Nassau in Garden City, New York (1979-87), the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, Florida (1987- 98), and finally at the First Unitarian Church of Omaha, Nebraska, from 1998 until his retirement in 2005.

The Rev. Mr. Benner was faithfully devoted to both the larger UU movement and to his local communities. He served two terms as President of the UUA’s Florida District. He also served as President of the Sarasota Council of Concern, was a founding member of the Sarasota Interfaith Education Coalition (SURE), and served on the Board of Directors of the Sarasota Family Counseling Center. With a strong commitment to preserving and promoting freedom of choice and dignity at the end of life, Mr. Benner served as the President of the statewide Hemlock Society of Florida as well as of its first local chapter, Suncoast Hemlock.

Richard Benner enjoyed foreign films, British and Scandinavian television series, and Civil War history. A true dog lover, he would often fondly recall memories of his late, beloved golden retriever, Josh, named after Civil War hero and Maine native, Joshua Chamberlain. Many knew of his poetic gift, and the “humanity, compassion, and wit he was able to convey through his work.” He published several books of poetry based on his experiences in the state of Maine: Maine Moods, Living Double, and Night Songs.

Richard Benner is survived by his wife of 47 years, Susan (Gammon) Benner; sons, Christopher Benner and Andrew Benner; and a granddaughter, Sophia Benner.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota.

Notes of condolence may be sent to Susan Benner at 5459 Beneva Woods Way, Sarasota, FL 34233.