Bradford L. Benz
March 16, 2017Share using:
A much-loved son and brother, Bradford L. Benz, 70, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully at Stonehill Care Center on March 16, 2017. He bravely fought a fifteen-year battle with Alzheimer’s.
Brad was born to the late Dorothy and LaVerne Benz on September 13, 1946 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1964, earned a BA in landscape architecture in 1969 and a Master of Landscape Architecture in 1970, both from ISU.
Relocating to Colorado, Brad worked for an architectural firm before moving to San Jose in 1983 forming Bradford Benz/Golf Course Architects. Brad was a world-renowned golf course architect, who designed more than 140 courses in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Brad believed there was a difference between "playing" a golf course and "experiencing" the game of golf. He was a skilled negotiator and collaborator, and described himself as a “classicist” with an affinity for the old golf courses built by hand that utilized the existing landscape to its greatest advantage. He liked nothing more than leaving a tract of land healthier than it was before it was developed.
Brad was a musician, enjoyed gardening, was well read, an accomplished cook, loved art in all forms and was himself an artist with a pencil or pen. Most of his adult life was shared with loving pets, some of which found him. .
Brad is survived by three siblings, Todd (Angie) Benz of Mead CO, Kim (Don) Pape and Scott (Theresa) Benz, of Dubuque, and a number of nieces and nephews, and maternal aunts. His Aunt Ruth Potter of Dubuque was an extremely kind, thoughtful and dedicated friend who shared both Brad’s musical talents and interests. His siblings, nieces and nephews were his constant companions throughout Brad’s decline. He loved his family and found great comfort in their company.
Brad was a strong, intelligent, generous and compassionate man and his life was an adventure. He loved to laugh, listen, and be mischievous. His presence in our lives will be missed, although he will remain in our hearts forever. His wonderful spirit, joy, and talents will be celebrated at a private family ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Dubuque or the Alzheimer’s Association in Brad’s memory.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the many dedicated caregivers at Oak Park Place, Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque, who treated Brad with dignity and kindness.
"To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time." ~ Clara Ortega
