Emma Pritchard
More than 150 attendees gathered in the Gwydir Chapel at Parkview Funeral Home in South Grafton on March 19 to pay their respects and celebrate the life of Denis Michael Benfield.
A passionate advocate for veterans across the Clarence Valley and beyond, a dedicated friend and comrade to many, and loved and respected by all who knew him, Mr Benfield passed away suddenly in Grafton Base Hospital (GBH) on March 10.
He was 78 years old.
Born in Sydney to Francis and Daphne Benfield, he was one of seven siblings and moved to Grafton as a young child.
In 1962, aged 15 years and 11 months, he joined the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
Three years later, he was deployed to Vietnam and was among the first Australian troops to arrive at the port of Da Nang on the HMAS Sydney.
He was posted to Darwin in 1967 where he met Denise Arandale, the love of his life, and later married her in 1969 after she accompanied him to Sydney following a further posting with the RAN.
Mr Benfield joined the HMAS Hobart and in 1970 served in Vietnam.
The couple soon welcomed their first child, son Michael, and Mr Benfield was promoted to Petty Officer Writer before their second child, daughter Karlee, joined their family.
In 1974, Mr Benfield was posted back to Darwin, and later that year he and his family witnessed the devastation Cyclone Tracey unleashed on the harbourside city.
Always one to help his local community, Mr Benfield assisted with the recovery operation following the natural disaster.
He was posted to the HMAS Hobart, HMAS Penguin, and the HMAS Vampire between 1975 and 1977, and the family relocated to Canberra where they welcomed their third child and second son Matthew.
In 1982, Mr Benfield was discharged as a Warrant Officer after 20 years of honourable service with the RAN, and he brought his family home to the Clarence Valley to settle in Grafton.
Mr Benfield dedicated the next 20 years of his life to the hospitality industry at the Grafton District Services Club (GDSC) before retiring and travelling the world with his wife.
Caravaning soon become a popular hobby for the couple, which led to the establishment of new and lifelong friendships and lasting memories on the road.
In his dedicated efforts to assist Australian servicemen and servicewomen, veterans and their families, and ensure their outstanding and selfless contributions to their country were never forgotten and stories of their legacy were passed down to emerging generations, Mr Benfield became involved with the Grafton RSL Sub-Branch and served as their Honourable Secretary.
Anzac Day and Remembrance Day were occasions which were especially close to his heart, and he regularly accepted the role of MC at ceremonies in Grafton and surrounding communities.
Mr Benfield loved spending time with his family and was a role model to many Clarence Valley residents who held him in high esteem.
He is survived by his loving wife, three children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.