Retired longtime Imlay City firefighter passes away

IMLAY CITY — The Imlay City Fire Department is among those mourning the loss of one of its own after Patrick “Pat” Benson, 81, died over the weekend after a battle with cancer.

In a Facebook post, the department said: “It is with a heavy heart that the Imlay City Fire Department shares the news of the passing of retired Firefighter Patrick ‘Pat’ Benson. Pat dedicated his life to the service of others. He joined our department in 2003, serving faithfully until his retirement in 2021. 

“In addition to his 18 years of service as a firefighter, Pat served our community as a paramedic for 32 years and proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Pat was a cornerstone of our community — always present, whether driving a fire truck in local parades or keeping watch as an EMS provider at Friday night football games. His legacy of dedication, bravery, and kindness will not be forgotten. Please keep Pat’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers,” the post read.

According to his obituary, Benson lived life to the fullest despite a battle with cancer.

Benson was born in Owensboro, Kentucky, on July 21, 1945, to the late Bryson Byron and Josephine Katherine (Moore) Benson, according to his obituary. On Jan. 4, 1969, he married Valerie Jean (Blankenship), in Warren, Michigan.

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Benson served during the Vietnam War. He later worked as a skilled trades tinsmith for Chrysler and General Motors. 

Benson continued his service to the community through 32 years as a paramedic with Richmond/Lenox, Almont, Marlette, and Lapeer County EMS, and 18 years as an Imlay City firefighter. 

He was named Firefighter of the Year in 2016 and received the Michigan State Firemen’s Association Annual Paul Wilcox Award in 2018.

Visitation will be 3-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at Muir Brothers Funeral Home, 225 N. Main St., Imlay City.

Funeral services, with military honors, will take place at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Muir Brothers Funeral Home of Imlay City, with visitation 10:30-11:30 a.m. that day. 

To share condolences, memories or to sign the online register, visit muirbrothersfh.com.