Obituary of Lewis Ivan Benedict II

Lewis Ivan Benedict II

Vancouver, Washington

March 29, 1946 ~ June 19, 2019

Lewis (Louie) Ivan Benedict, II, 73, of Vancouver, Washington, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2019, in Vancouver’s Peace Health Hospital with family by his side.

Louie was born to Erma and L. Ivan Benedict I, in Portland, Oregon on March 29, 1946. He grew up in Vancouver and graduated from Hudson’s Bay High School in 1964. He ran track and cross country while at the Bay, (and was voted Most Handsome by his graduating senior classmates).  Shortly, after graduating, he joined the Marine Corps reserves until 1971.

Louie enjoyed being active and athletic.  He was a certified ski instructor on Mt. Hood in Oregon for several years. He enjoyed teaching and encouraging others. He continued to stay fit by running and lifting weights. He also enjoyed riding his Harley, going on road trips and camping on weekends.

Louie had a varied and interesting work history. Early on, he worked for Frazier Boiler Works in Portland, repairing the inside the boilers of large ships. Eventually, his work took him into the office of several title companies which prepared him to work in the Clark County Assessor’s Office and Public Works Department.

Out of his passion for fitness and health, Louie and his wife Valerie opened VALMAR Gym in 1980 and eventually two more Exclusively for Women Fitness Centers.  For many years Louie was a member of a group of dedicated athletes that supported one another in training for marathons, triathlons and Ironman competitions. Valerie was his #1 supporter in ways that made his participation so successful. They were an incredible TEAM.

After opening the business, Louie went back to work for Clark County as a Right of Way agent until he retired after 26 years of service to Clark County.

Louie is survived by his wife, Valerie, of 41 years, his son Chad Benedict of Houston, Texas, his brother Dennis Benedict of Vancouver, WA, and his sister Marcia Benedict of Portland, OR. He has one granddaughter, Avery Benedict, of Dallas, Texas.

Louie’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2019, at 1:00 P.M., at Glenwood Community Church, 12201 NE 72nd Ave., Vancouver, WA, 98686, 360-571-3300.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Open House Ministries in Vancouver, WA, a homeless shelter for families at www.sheltered.org.

Please sign the guest book at www.CascadiaCremation.com .