In loving memory of

Bennett Wilson

Ben (Bennett) Wilson of Sun City, AZ passed away on November 26, 2015. Ben was born in Visalia, CA on April 4, 1917.  He was preceded in death by Lillian (Lilly) the love of his life and wife of 68 years.  He was a decorated World War II Veteran who served in the Counter Intelligence Corps.  He married Lilly on June 27, 1946 and they lived on the West Coast until moving to Phoenix, Arizona in 1958. They had one daughter, Julie (Smee) who adored them. Ben had a successful career as a commercial artist and advertising executive.  In the 1970's, his career took him to Las Vegas where he painted murals for well-known hotels and restaurants.  Artistic and creative, Ben illustrated and wrote children's coloring books and produced a series of water color prints that were sold in bookstores and art shops.  A wonderful husband, father, brother and friend, Ben's wit and wisdom will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.  A graveside service will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary and Cemetery, 6500 E. Bell Rd. Scottsdale, AZ. Donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley in lieu of flowers.

Tributes

Jude wrote on Dec 2, 2015:

"Bennett had this uplifting effervescence about him as did the love of his life, Lily. You could not be around them without feeling peace. They simply made you feel better about yourself. I became enamored of Ben\'s extraordinary talent when he hand painted Peter and Julie\'s door in their first home to look exactly like wood. I\'m not kidding! EXACTLY like wood! Fortunately for me, I got to work with Ben on a couple of projects. We\'d meet for a lovely lunch and discuss redoing a company\'s logo or, my favorite, illustrating a simple story I had written for my niece Anna. He turned her into a princess with the most beautiful castle. My story paled in comparison! Ben was always ready, willing and able to help with one of my nutty ideas. His support and willingness to help meant the world to me. His beautiful hummingbirds provide me with inspiration when I first open my eyes and when I close them at night We have an inside story about a canvas, pallet and credit card. I promise Ben - I\'m going to give it a go! Create in peace, my friend. The firmaments of heaven will surely glow with your artistry."

Julie Wilson Smee wrote on Dec 1, 2015:

"Bennett was a wonderful father and friend who will be deeply missed."