AMCA Announces Passing of Gary Benson
Gary was an icon in the industry and a family man at heart
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. — The Air Movement and Control Association Intl. Inc. (AMCA Intl.) is sad to announce the passing of Gary Benson, retired president of Mechanovent Corp., who received the 2013 Distinguished Service Award.
"AMCA has lost a friend and champion," said Mark Stevens, the executive director of AMCA Intl. "Even after Gary retired, he continued to contribute to the association at past president meetings and AMCA Annual Meetings. His impact on this industry will last for generations."
Long-time friend and colleague, Tom Edwards, vice president of Johnson Controls and past president of AMCA, said, "Gary Benson was a true industry statesman. He was the epitome of class, grace, humor, and kindness. Gary made the world a better place."
Gary grew up in northern Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota, where he earned a bachelor's in mechanical engineering and a master's in business administration. He went on to hold marketing and product management positions at The Trane Co. and The New York Blower Co. In 2004, Gary was elected president of Mechanovent Corp. and later served as its chairman of the board. Gary retired from Mechanovent in 2015.
Gary was a champion of industry improvement, both in the development of equipment standards and in business practices, since joining the industry in 1987. He chaired many AMCA committees, including the AMCA Publicity Committee, the AMCA Statistical Program Subcommittee, the Facilities Needs Project, the Global Understanding Taskforce, and the Air Movement Division. He also helped AMCA establish a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy by helping develop their fan system assessment tool and a guide entitled, "Improving Fan System Performance: A Sourcebook for Industry."
Gary was elected to the AMCA board of directors in 1999. He served as AMCA president for the 2007-2008 term and as chairman of the board from 2008-2009.
While Gary was an icon in the industry, he was first and foremost a family man. He spent countless hours coaching his children's sports teams and attending their sporting events. He was a proud husband and father. He took great pleasure in traveling the world, both with family and friends and with AMCA. Gary had a fondness for Harley Davidsons and antique cars. He enjoyed taking on handyman projects around the house and working in the garden.
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Gary is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sally, and three children, Sarah, Matt, and Curtis. In lieu of flowers, the Benson family is asking that you support them by donating to lustgarten.org, which is a leading pancreatic cancer research foundation.
For information regarding services or to express condolences and remembrances, please click here.
Publication date: 1/27/2017
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