Alan Benefiel Obituary

Alan Dean Benefiel Sr., beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and lifelong adventurer, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, at the age of 96.

Born on June 8, 1929, in Los Angeles, California, Alan spent his childhood growing up in Pacific Palisades. His early years between the coast and mountains sparked a lifelong love of the outdoors and exploration.

Alan spent his teenage summers traveling north to Alaska, where he worked on riverboats and railways. When back in California, he could be found riding his bike along the Pacific Coast Highway, hiking the John Muir Trail, playing football at Will Rogers State Park, or exploring the rugged landscape of Tehachapi Canyon.

At 19 years old, while working in Fairbanks, Alaska, Alan was drafted into the United States Army. He served as a Sergeant during the Korean War, an experience that would become an important chapter in his life.

After returning home from military service, Alan attended California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, where he earned a degree in engineering. During this time, he married his first love, Audrey Jeanne Staben, in 1954, beginning a partnership that would lead to raising two sons and decades of adventure.

Alan built a long and respected career with the Bureau of Reclamation in California, and eventually moving with his family to Durango, Colorado in 1972. Durango quickly became home. Surrounded by mountains and endless opportunities to explore, Alan continued to nurture the adventurous spirit he had carried since childhood.

Even after retiring from his government career, Alan never slowed down. He joined the Purgatory Ski Resort Pro Patrol, where he worked as a binding mechanic, a job that allowed him to stay close to the slopes while enjoying countless days skiing with his friends.

Alan was fortunate to experience two great loves in his life. After the passing of his first wife Audrey in 1992, he later met and married Beth Seales. Together, Alan and Beth shared many happy years in Durango, spending time with family, and traveling the world together.

Throughout his life, Alan maintained a deep love for skiing, travel, card games, puzzles, long drives, and family gatherings. Friends and family will remember his booming laughter, his love of conversation, and his tendency to enthusiastically critique the accuracy of local weathermen.

To his grandchildren, he was lovingly known as "Poppo," a name that carried with it memories of laughter, stories, and the warmth of family gatherings.

Alan is survived by his sons Alan Benefiel Jr. (Lori) and Howard Benefiel (Cathy); his grandchildren Rachel Rosenthal (Lee) and Roxanne Benefiel; and his great-grandchildren Finley and Ruby Rosenthal.

He is also remembered by Beth's children Lezlie Mayer and Jeff Shoaf, and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his sons, Audrey Staben Benefiel, and second wife Beth Seales Benefiel, his sister Jean Mathews as well as Beth's son Tripp Shoaf.

Alan's life was one of curiosity, adventure, and connection. His legacy lives on in the generations of family who carry forward his love of the outdoors, his spirit of adventure, and his reminder to live life fully.