Ozro Irving Benner, passed away peacefully on Dec. 23 after a brief battle with cancer. Born in Damariscotta, he lived his entire life in the midcoast area.
After graduating from Lincoln Academy, Oz worked as a fisherman and then as a machinist before going to Bath Iron Works where he was a top-notch welder for 27 years.
Oz had a great love of nature and was happiest being outdoors. Walking “the loop” and climbing on the rocks at Pemaquid Point with his wife and daughter was one of his favorite activities. He enjoyed hunting, but was never really devastated when he didn’t get a deer because he just liked walking in the woods and observing the wildlife.
Oz also loved fishing in the summer and winter. Another pastime was baseball, a sport he played in high school. Oz was an avid Red Sox fan, a passion that was instilled in him by his father and grandmother. They spent many nights sitting around the television watching the games.
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Oz served in many capacities over the years. He was a very humble man who loved the Lord and had great compassion for others. He was truly a man without guile.
Oz’s greatest joy was his family, and he treasured the time he spent with them. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones and friends. He leaves behind his wife, Susan; daughter, Paige Williams and husband Kyle; sister, Barbara Fossett; brother, Donald Benner and wife Pat; brother-in-law, Robert Law and Ruth; nieces, Peggy Savage, Marcia Moore, Teresa Burnham, Jacki Ocanez, Cyndy Hunt, Karen Fossett, Kelly Humphrey, Debra Law, Diane Gauthier, and Linda Carlson; nephews, Troy Benner, Bill Law, and David Hofrichter; many loving friends and neighbors; and last, but not least, his beloved cat, Eyenez. His parents, Earle and Lillian Benner, predeceased him.
A memorial service will be held 10 a.m., Sat., Dec. 28 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at the corner of Rt. 1 and Belvedere Road in Damariscotta. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bristol First Responders, 104 South Side Rd., New Harbor, ME 04554.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
