H. Benson Walen

Benson Walen was born in New Mexico; the son of Harry Walen and Elizabeth (Benson) Walen. As a child he moved from New Mexico to Massachusetts where he spent most of his educational years; graduating from Newton High School in 1960 where he was involved in several sports, and musical programs. He graduated from Newton Junior College in 1962, Boston University in 1964, and Antioch College in 1981. He joined the United States Navy as a Seaman Recruit and left the Navy as a Lieutenant.

Benson was a member of the Lions and Rotary clubs, a trustee of the USS Massachusetts, a voted Town Meeting Member in Amherst, MA, Selectman, Planning Board Member, Building Committee Member for the Ingles Memorial Library, President of the Pearly Pond Association, and a member of the group who formed the Recycling Center in Rindge, NH.

After his military service, Ben was a nursing home administrator who was chosen to represent the United States in a People to People Mission helping China develop a program of care for their elderly. After nursing home administration he worked in psychiatric hospital administration. He was also a part time instructor at Holyoke Community College.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years Lois (Ekman) Walen; 2 daughters, Elaine Walen of Willbraham, MA and Christina Walen of Westford, MA; a son, Scott Walen of Londonderry, NH and his wife Jodi; 2 brothers, Kimball Walen of Kingston, NH and his wife Jean, and Robert Walen of Amherst, NH; a brother in law, George Ekman of Orange, CT and his wife Barbara; 9 grandchildren, 2 nieces and 3 nephews.

A celebration of his life will be by the Cremation Society of New Hampshire at All Saints Parish, 51 Concord St. Peterborough, NH on April 29, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Camp Calumet P.O. Box 236 West Ossipee, NH 03890 or Cheney-Armstrong American Legion Post #5 P.O. Box 172 Peterborough, NH 03458.