Passing of Bennet Peterson, Benroy Teardrop

[kuffelcreek]

We received an email from Bennet Peterson's son-in-law relating the death of Bennet Petersen, designer and builder of the Benroy Teardrop. He died in Carmichael, California, on 12/25/08, after a relatively brief battle with cancer. Bennet is survived by his wife Elaine Petersen, daughter Terry Pine, and grandson Corey Sunday, all of Vacaville, CA. His cremated remains will be buried in a Veteran's cemetery in Dixon, CA

Bennet was a great friend to teardroppers, opening his house (and driveway) to gathering for camping and visiting him. Declining health and mobility kept him from doing much in his later years, but he was very generous with his time and knowledge. I'm afraid his generation of WWII vets are passing from us too quickly for us to realize the loss we have.

Kevin Hauser
Kuffel Creek Press

[Sparksalot]

... I'm afraid his generation of WWII vets are passing from us too quickly for us to realize the loss we have.
...

RIP Bennet

[Oasis Maker]

In all of our present day Teardrop bliss - here's a legend of the game. R.I.P. and thanks. In so many different ways in life, we are standing on the shoulders of giants.

Scott G.



Bennet Petersen
http://www.outbackteardrop.com/benroy.html

[TinKicker]

A fine man! I would have loved to have travelled out that-away and chatted with him around a campfire somewhere. We need to take note: give PLENTY of flowers while they're still living, LISTEN deeply to what they have to say, and do our best to make sure the memory and mission are CARRIED ON!
There's a big hole in the heart of the camping nation today. No smiley is appropriate for this note.
Peace.

[Kevin A]

Here's a few pics I took at the Dam Gathering several years ago.

[mikeschn]

Such news is always sad. And so much information is lost. And though I never knew Bennet Petterson, much of what we talk about, design and build was started by Bennet many many years ago. Heck, even the Generic Benroy plans trace their way back to Bennet. Christmas day, 2008 is a day to remember in the teardrop world.

Mike...

[TinKicker]

Kevin, was that your tear or one you happened upon? That's a cherished piece of history now with that autograph.
Peace.

[Kevin A]

Kevin, was that your tear or one you happened upon? That's a cherished piece of history now with that autograph.
Peace.

I wish it was mine. I thought it was really cool when I saw the autograph, had to get some photos of it. I'm a bit embarrassed that I can't remember the name of the owners. I do know that they are friend's of Grant's and may be living in Texas now.

[grant whipp]

Kevin, was that your tear or one you happened upon? That's a cherished piece of history now with that autograph.
Peace.

The trailer belongs to Bob & Judy Audette, now of Lavon, TX. Bob used to build Benroy replicas in his shop in Clearlake, CA, and this one is his personal "demo" unit.

Bennett graced us with his presence at the Dam Gathering in 1997 (and a couple of times after, as well), and personally inspected, approved, & autographed two restored original Benroys (one belonging to Brad Romaine & Jackie Long) and two reproductions (both built by Bob) ... and yes, those autographs are cherished mementos!

Without a doubt, there is a great sadness at Bennett's passing ... as well as sombre regret that we didn't get the chance to see him again before he left us ...

Grant

[Sparksalot]

Kevin, was that your tear or one you happened upon? That's a cherished piece of history now with that autograph.
Peace.

The trailer belongs to Bob & Judy Audette, now of Lavon, TX. Bob used to build Benroy replicas in his shop in Clearlake, CA, and this one is his personal "demo" unit.

Holy cow. Lavon is about 10 miles as the crow flies from me.