Obituary of Richard David Benedict

Richard David Benedict (Beny), of Gridley, California passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2017 at the age of 66.

Rick was born to parents Robert and Betty Ann Benedict on September 18, 1949 in Gridley, California. He grew up as the fourth of six children in Gridley until 1964 when the family moved to Honolulu, Hawaii. He graduated from Kalani High School and soon moved back to Gridley where he attended Butte College and earned an A.A. degree. He was on the golf team in High School and in college and was the No. 1 golfer on both teams. Rick worked for several years at the Appeal Democrat as a graphic artist. He spent over 30 years working in Construction. There was nobody he met that didn’t like Rick. He mastered everything he attempted, including the game of golf, the game of Scrabble, which he played almost daily with his equally skilled brother, Mike. He also loved to draw and he was talented at sketching and painting. His home was covered in remarkable sketches of people from all walks of life.

Rick was married twice; to Gail DeMeyer, of Gridley, and Marci Cavanagh, of Marysville, California.

He is survived by two daughters, Kellie Ann Montgomery, and Marina Cavanagh and one son, Clint Cavanagh. He is also survived by three brothers, Mike Benedict ,of Yuba City, Tim Benedict, of Arizona, and Matt Benedict ,of Gridley; two sisters, Sally Serger, of Yuba City and Joanna Frost, of Sutter; ten grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; cousin/best friend Chip Robinson, of Gridley; multiple nieces and nephews, and his crazy cat, Jeff. The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to Chip for his endless support.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 9 a.m.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements entrusted to Gridley-Block Funeral Chapel 530-846-2138.