Lax Official Tom Bensman passes away

[laxfan25]

I received a very sad e-mail from our District Governor this morning;

With a heavy heart I am sad to report that Tom Bensman has passed away quietly while at home this afternoon with his wife, Jackie, and his two daughters and son by his side.
Our prayers and condolences to the Bensman Family during their time of sorrow.

Tom, who lived in Toledo, OH, was a veteran official in a number of sports, and along with MDIA lacrosse, did a lot of D3 college games in Ohio. He will be greatly missed.

[Sonny]

Sad news indeed. RIP Benz.

[John Paul]

I am completely shocked by this sad news. Tom was one of the good ones, on and off the field. We'll miss him.

[Sonny]

A picture of Benz in action from the 2005 Michigan Invitational:


Benz also was selected to work the 2005 National Championships in Minnesota. I believe he was selected to work one of the Div. A semifinals that year, if I'm not mistaken.

laxfan25 if you receive more information or find an obit online, please share it with us. Thanks.

[laxfan25]

Here is Tom's obituary:

BENSMAN Thomas S. II Thomas S. Bensman II, age 49, passed away at home on November 2, 2006, after a short but intense battle with cancer.

Tom was born to Thomas and Marilyn Bensman on November 15, 1956. He was a 1975 graduate of Central Catholic High School. He was employed through Monroe Labor Local 499 (formerly 465) at various construction projects in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan for the past 30 years. A Detroit Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings and Ohio State fan, he was always there for a friend in need. Tom also served as a high school football and basketball official for 30 years and officiated college lacrosse since 1982. He was a former CYO coach in basketball, softball, cross-country and track. He also volunteered for years with the Toledo Alive Track Club.

He will be deeply missed by his wonderful children, Lynsay, Lisamarie, and Matthew. He was their first coach and biggest fan. Also surviving are his wife, Jacquelyn (Mercurio); parents, Thomas and Marilyn; sister, Pamela (Robert Seymour) Bensman; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews and close friends.

Visitation will be held at Thomas I. Wisniewski Funeral Home, 2426 N. Reynolds Rd., Toledo, OH, on Saturday, November 4, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 7:30, Sunday November 5, from 2:00-8:00 p.m. with a Scripture Service starting at 7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the funeral mass at the church on Monday.

The funeral mass will be held at Little Flower Parish, 5522 Dorr St., Toledo, OH, on Monday at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Thomas' name to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or any charity of your choice.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the entire staff at St. Luke's Hospital, Fallen Timbers Family Physicians, and Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

Published in the Toledo Blade on 11/4/2006.

[Sonny]

Based on the obituary, I put together a brief story on Tom:
http://www.collegelax.us/news.php?actio ... ews&id=899

laxfan25 - Feel free to share this link with other CCLA officials, Clark Bell, etc.

Thanks.