Robert C. (“Bob”) Benbrook passed away peacefully with family by his side on Monday, April 13, 2026. He was 91.

Bob was born January 19, 1935 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Emil and Bernice Benbrook. He was the oldest of four children, including his sister Barbara Kay, and brothers William David and Timothy Scott.

When Bob was very young, the family – like many others during the difficult times of the Great Depression and the start of World War II – tried to find a good place to live and work. They traveled back and forth from Oklahoma to Southern California, eventually settling in the Los Angeles area. From there, they moved to Johnsondale in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains. Bob had many fond memories of his and his siblings’ time as children there.

From Johnsondale, the family moved to Humboldt County in Northern California. There, the four Benbrook kids roamed the redwood forests in Crannell, a lumber town that no longer exists, while Emil worked on heavy equipment for the lumber industry.

In 1942, at the age of 7, Bob was baptised as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses along with his mother, Bernice. They both served their heavenly Father faithfully until their passing. Bob grew up studying the bible and became a knowledgeable, qualified teacher of the “Good News” spoken of in Matthew 24:14. He loved teaching and helping others learn more about his hope for the future, and our loving Creator.

Bob graduated from Arcata High School in 1953. In 1956, he married the love of his life, Julia (“Judy”) Watson, and together they made a great team. They raised three sons, helped others to learn about the Bible, helped build quality businesses, and made many, many, life long friends along the way.

Bob joined his parents, brothers, sons, daughters-in-law, nephews, and nieces to build a formalwear business (Tuxedos Eureka and Tuxedo Den) with stores throughout Northern California, Nevada and Oregon. He loved working with his co-workers and employees, and helping everyone dress for the most important days of their lives: graduations, proms, weddings, anniversaries – you name it. As a family, they also delved into the bridal business with Forever Yours Bridal stores.

Somehow, with all he had to do, he found a way to become a professional photographer (owning The Portrait Shoppe in Redding, CA) and a patron of the arts, too. In the 1990’s, he was a proud recipient of the Sacramento Elly Award.

Bob was the “real deal.” He was genuine, caring and loving. When you were with him, you knew he was truly interested in you. As an employer, he wanted you to be your best, and he was often generous to a fault. He truly lived by the Golden Rule. He was happiest when joined by friends and family for gatherings and important events… and he was somewhat famous for making great pizza.

Bob is survived by his wife of 70 years, Judy, his brother David, his son Rod and wife Cindy, his son Austin and wife Donna, his grandsons, Curtis, Ash, and Zane, his great-grandsons, Ryker and Silas, his nieces, Devon, Lara, and Melissa, and his nephews, Derek, Daniel, Trevor and Gregory. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Bernice, his sister-in-law, Suzie Newstrom, his mother-in-law, Ruth Kott, his middle son, Michael, his brother Timothy, and his sister Barbara Kay.

A Memorial for Bob will be held on Saturday, June 6th at 2:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 5351 Cedars Road, Redding, California 96001. The memorial will also be broadcast via Zoom.

CONTACT: Rod Benbrook
rodmanc57@gmail.com