Robert Benson passes away peacefully

For those of you who have not heard, Lanark has lost one of its longtime residents of more than 20 years. Robert Benson, 67, passed away peacefully at his home in Lanark on Sunday, Aug. 11. Robert was a very helpful person, mostly to his parents, Bob and Aileen Benson, also Lanark residents. Robert was by his mom’s side through his dad’s illness and death. He was always there for his mom during her illnesses and everyday life. Some of his passions, outside of being there for his mom, were the beautiful roses that he grew and his two cats, Amanda and Owen. He will be missed by his loving family, by his loving sisters Connie, Louise and Patty, and brother Daniel, and his friends and neighbors. Condolences and prayers go out to Robert’s family at this time of sadness.

This past week Lanark was lucky to have a stranger, who became a friend, stop by for a much-needed rest in this heat. Caleb Curtis Werntz and his traveling cat, Marilyn, were hosted by Lanark residents Remona Larsen, Missy McCuen and Harry Larsen. This is Caleb and Marilyn’s fifth cross-country bicycle trip. They started their ventures when Caleb was 21, a victim of the symptoms on society of Covid – loss of job and loss of home – when he made a choice to start on this nomadic lifestyle. By denying himself, he feels he has grown spiritually and learned what is important in (his) life. He has worked along the way to sustain his journey. Caleb is a filmmaker and looks forward to sharing his experiences in a documentary. Many people along the way have supported his journey visions. Thank you Caleb and Marilyn for sharing this part of your trip with Lanark. Safe travels.

All regular events will be available in Lanark this week. On Friday, Aug. 30, American Legion Post 82 will be having music with their wonderful hamburgers, beginning at 5 p.m., with the music of the Ashley Morgan Band from 6 to 9 p.m. ET. On Saturday, Aug. 31, Sumpin Old Sumpin New will play from 6 to 9 p.m. The Wok N Roll Tacos food truck will be on site for your eating delight.

Start gathering your donations to bring to the Lanark Village Golf Club Yard Sale, on Saturday, Sept. 7 starting at 8 a.m. Then you will have room to buy more at the yard sale.

People are still leaving garbage cans unsecured, to feed the bears and for their neighbors to pick up after the bears’ dinner. Get your own garbage can, do not use others’ can.

Love Lanark!

Pat Sewell Funderburk is the Times Lanark News columnist. Be sure to send news and society items about Lanark Village life to her at p.funderburk@yahoo.com.