Born on February 7, 1929 in Sharon, CT, he was the son of the late Lawrence and Ann (Morehouse) Benson. Norm was raised on the family bicentennial farm with his parents, paternal grandparents, late brother Conrad Benson and surviving sister Shirley Benson Hewlett. Following graduation from Dover Plains High School, Norm attended and graduated New York Agricultural and Technical Institute at Delhi. He later received a Bachelor’s Degree from NYS Empire College.
Returning from Delhi, Norm joined his father in operating the family dairy farm. In a few years, he took over operations of Bensondale Farm and continued dairy farming for another 20 years. On August 21, 1954, he married Barbara E. Raycraft at the Dover Plains United Methodist Church. Children blessed form this marriage were Cheryl Ann Hanselman of Hillsdale, Timothy N. Benson, Craig A. Benson of Wingdale, Mark R. Benson of Putnam Valley and Amy Benson. These children blessed them with eleven grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren.
On January 15, 1976, Norm took his new position as manager of Dutchess County Soil and Water Conservation District in Millbrook where he served with distinction for 15 years. On August 22, 1987, Norm married Adene G. Haynes of Burbank, CA at the Dover Plains United Methodist Church.
Immediately following retirement from DC Soil and Water in April of 1991 the couple worked a short time at Yosemite Park, an enlightened experience, in California. When returning home to Dover, the Town of Pawling offered a part time job as environmental planner which turned into a full-time position lasting 18 years. At the age of 80, it was time to retire at which time he wrote and published his autobiography, “Raised a Farm Boy” for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
While working full time he served as an adult Boy Scout leader including Scout Master for Troop #39. Norm served as Contingent Track Leader to Philmont High Adventure Camp in New Mexico Rocky Mountains five times. He also served as roundtable commissioner, assistant district commissioner and more. Norm is most proud that as a scout master, six scouts gained the rank of Eagle Scout including his sons, Craig and Mark.
Norm has served as the master of the Stone Church Grange four different times. He was recently honored by the National Grange Master, the NYS Master and the local Grange Master for 75 years of service and membership in the Stone Church Grange. Norm was a member of and past president of the Dover Library Association, a member of the Valley View Cemetery Board of Directors and the Dover Plains United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the DC Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors. Norm was a certified soil erosion and sediment control specialist and served as vice chairman of the NYS DEC Water Quality Policy Committee. He was also a member of the County Executive Water Resource Policy Board, director of DC Farm Land Protection Board, NYS Natural Resources Conservation Service Technical Review Committee and the first Stonykill Association Board of Directors and much more.
Norm joined the Dover Masonic Lodge on June 1, 1950 where he was raised to the third degree by Master of the Lodge Lawrence Benson who was also his father. Norm was grateful for the 10 years of research on Timber Rattle Snaked with a team from the Bronx Zoo.
Awards were numerous, his favorites were the Silver Beaver District Award of Merit, Wood Badge from Boy Scouts, the Willard F. Croney Distinguished Service Award from NYS Soil and Water Conservation District Employees Association to whom he served as District IV representative for over 10 counties.
Norm was proud and grateful for the successful lives of his children. He appeared happiest with his children and wife when they were farming the land, wilderness camping, hiking and traveling this great country: Alaska, Sierra Nevada Mountains, National Parks, riding Mules down the Grand Canyon or with Adene photographing nature’s beauty.
Calling hours will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1p.m. on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at the Hufcut Funeral Home, 3159 Route 22, Dover Plains, NY. Funeral services will take place at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Dover Plains. Memorial contributions may be made to Hudson Valley Hospice, 374 Violet Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.
