Garth Leland Bench

Garth Bench peacefully went to heaven April 28, 2022 at the young age of 71.  Garth was born September 13,1950 in Chico, CA to Elaine and Bernard Bench.  Garth married Joyce on June 27, 1992 in Flower Mound, TX.   Garth and Joyce shared 30 years of marriage – of deepest love, best friendship, greatest love of family and the Lord, humor, love of motorcycles, camping among many things.

Garth was raised in California and graduated from high school in Santa Barbara, CA.  He went on to have various jobs, but his claim to fame was originating the Egg McMuffin while working for McDonald’s in Santa Barbara during the early 70’s.  He also enjoyed wearing the costume of Ronald McDonald while entertaining kids and families at various McDonald’s functions.  That was probably the beginning of his “costume career”.  Garth went on to work and retire from Verizon.  He started as a customer service rep in California.  While working for Verizon, Garth and Joyce lived in Texas, Florida, Ohio and California before moving to Southern Utah.  Garth retired from Verizon as Director of Customer Care after 25 years of dedicated service.

Garth truly loved making people smile. If there was an opportunity to wear a silly costume, he was the
guy – whether it was “Birthday Man” at Verizon corporate headquarters in Irving, TX, “Turkey Man” for the birthday of a dear friend in St. George, “Elvis Wannabe glitter” or a blow-up ride-on ostrich Halloween costume for a church Primetime event, a spotted cow costume at Carlsbad Beach, CA with his BFF, silly matching Christmas sweatshirts or pajamas with grandkids or red clown noses and unlimited Xbox time with grandkids – the list goes on.  His heart was as big as the universe, and he spread his love, kindness, continuous puns, jokes and silliness to anyone in need of a smile.

Garth loved motorcycles of any type.  He rode and owned bikes since he was a very young man.  He shared that love of riding with his family and riding buddies.  He was especially excited when the grandkids were old enough to want to ride with Grandpa/Pow Pow, whether on the motorcycle or ATV. 

Garth loved the Lord with all his heart, mind and soul.  He served faithfully for many years on his church’s security team and also as usher.  Garth was always willing to serve wherever he could be useful in welcoming people to hear God’s word.  He helped facilitate the church’s 50+ social group which always guaranteed a good time when Garth was at the microphone. 

Garth is survived by wife Joyce Bench (Washington, UT), daughters Jennifer McCarty - husband Jeramie - (Boise, ID), Becky Unger (Henderson, NV), Alyssa Slamal (La Mesa, CA), Heather Suarez (Hillsboro, OR), 11 grandchildren,  7 great-grandchildren and Boxer Dog Lola. 

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 4^th, 12:00 pm – 2:30 p.m.  Location is the Washington Rec Center, Reception Center Room, 350 N. Community Drive, Washington.  Entrance is on the side rear of the building. 

Arrangements are made under the direction of Hughes Mortuary, 1037 East 700 S., St. George, UT, 435-674-5000. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to either of the following:

St. George Cancer Center  (Please call 435-251-2480 with any questions)

 Gifts by check are made payable to

Intermountain Foundation, St George Regional

1380 E Medical Center Drive

St. George, UT 84790

Gifts may be made online at

giving.intermountainfoundation.org

BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse)
https://utah.bacaworld.org/st-george-chapter

St. George Chapter
PO Box 1276
Helpline: 435-673-2564