RICHARD E. BENSON

Richard “Dik” Summers Benson, 69, of Kihei, Maui, Hawaii, died June 14, 2010, at Maui Memorial Medical Center following complications from massive blood clots in one leg.

Dik was born Feb. 21, 1941, in Orofino, Idaho. He was the owner of Dik Benson Salon in Kihei. He spent his childhood in Lewiston, Idaho, including attending Nick’s Beauty School. Dik moved to California in 1960 and Maui in 1978.

Dik was perceived as compassionate and caring.

He had an extraordinary talent as a hairdresser and a passion to make people feel good. He extended that talent and passion by helping those afflicted with leprosy or Hansen’s disease.

He is survived by his mother, Edra Mattson; sons, Shawn Benson and Karl Benson; daughters, Kendal Benson and Teresa Carter; sisters, Sharon Vahlkamp of Lewiston and Deana Johnson of Anchorage; a brother, Don Benson of Palmer; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and nieces, grand-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard R. Benson of Palmer and brother, Larry Benson. A memorial will be held later this fall in Kihei.