Lonn Irwin “Lonnie” Benson, 63, passed away unexpectedly on December 3, 2021 in Sedro-Woolley, Washington surrounded by his loving wife, Tarie and son, Heath Benson. He was born October 11, 1958, in Seattle, Washington and grew up in Sedro-Woolley, Washington
Lonn attended Sedro-Woolley High School graduating class of 1978. In his childhood years Lonn enjoyed fishing the Skagit River, playing baseball, and visiting family during the summers.
Lonn went to work right after high school as a shake packer then joined Bendix as a machinist. Shortly after Lonn became a timber faller, he traveled all over West Coast from Alaska to Oregon becoming one of the most experienced loggers in the Pacific Northwest.
In 1997 Lonn was given the opportunity to take over the family farm becoming a 4th generation farmer. As the years went on Lonn and his wife Tarie converted from dairy replacement to organic beef farming and in 2000 founded Skyiou Ranch. Farming was Lonn’s passion taking great pride in the health and welfare of all he cared for from farm to table.
He is survived by his wife and soulmate, Tarie of 40yrs; his beloved son, Heath Benson (Nicole); 2 beautiful grandchildren, Madison and Elijah Benson; brother, Ken Benson (Dolly).
Lonn is preceded in death by his parents, Richard I. and Joan K. Benson; grandparents, Irwin and Myrtle Benson; great grandparents, Sam and Nettie Benson.
In lieu of flowers the family would like to suggest donating to the GoFundMe page (Help Skiyou Ranch rebuild our Organic Farm) set up for the restoration and clean up of Skiyou Ranch which was recently devastated by the major flooding, so Lonn’s passion and legacy can live on.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00, on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share your memories of Lonn and sign the online guest register.
My condolences to his wife children and family.
My thoughts and prayers go out to The Benson family.
We are so very sorry for your family’s loss and that we were unable to attend Lonnie’s service. He will truly be missed.
Very heartbroken by the news. I had the pleasure to butcher for Lonn & Tarie and they made profound impression on me with their gratitude. Lonn is one of the most heard working, kindest gentlemen I’ve met. May Lonn rest peacefully and his legacy live generations to come.
So sorry for your loss—
So sorry for your loss. I am going to miss him on slaughter days beautiful cattle and and wonderful set up .Take care and thinking of you .
I got to know Lon at the Anacortes Farmers Market where he and Tarie sold their wonderful beef from Skiyou Ranch. We discussed a wide range of topics from importance of the regenerative agriculture they practiced to health, politics and many other things. He always had great stories to share and added a unique insight to our discussions. I’ll miss him and our Saturday morning talks. I had the pleasure of visiting the ranch a few times to pick up meat from Tarie and Lon was usually at work in the barn or out in the pasture. His dedication to the ranch can be seen everywhere.
I have had the great privilege of working with Lonn and Tarie the last five years or so in the Skagit Valley. The Benson’s are some of the few in the Skagit area that appreciate the wildlife as much as their farming life. He did so much to benefit the health of the Skiyou Ranch and Skagit River area neighboring them, and took it upon themselves to make lands accessible for all species. I was excited every time I found a day to visit with the Benson’s or work with them on a wildlife project. Lonn was a one of a kind person and just always had a great demeanor about life, no matter what situation faced him. I can’t believe that the last time I saw him in April, when he was helping me with yet another project, would be the last time. I am devastated for Tarie and can only hope there is enough support to keep Skiyou Ranch going in whatever capacity is feasible without that great farmer Lonn to assist. Thank you Lonn and Tarie for inviting me to utilize and appreciate that beautiful farm. A great man has passed, but his mark on the property will live on. Much love to Tarie and I will try and catch up with you sometime in 2022. 👩🏼🌾 💗
My condolences to the family. I’m appreciative of the memories I had on the farm as a kid with fam. I wish I had some words that were more useful during this time.
So sorry to hear about Lonnie. We are thinking of you and your family and send our love..
Norman and Maggie
Tarie, I am at a loss for words. I know there is nothing anyone can say that will make your loss easier but know that Vicki and I are sending you are love and support. I hope you can understand what I can’t put into words. Our condolences to you, your family and friends.
So very sorry for your loss.
Remember Lonni as a small one.
Loved Dick and Joan.
J
Very sorry for the loss of Lonni. Aways smiling and kind he was. Rest in peace
So sorry for your loss. We are proud to have known Lonnie.