Deseret News | Reader comments: From big developer to bus driver, Park City man counts his blessings

Reader comments
From big developer to bus driver

41 comments | Read story

Public Education mate | 12:30 a.m. June 15, 2009

That is a great story! God bless you John. Public schools need more people like you.

Awesome | 12:41 a.m. June 15, 2009

John,

Gutty guy, you are a hero. Sounds like a good wife too.

a kid | 2:19 a.m. June 15, 2009

Wow, cool.

Comments continue below

Jim P | 3:27 a.m. June 15, 2009

Great story, would be interesting to have a column of school bus drivers life stories...amazing who are out their every day, hopefully, influencing the children.

Thank You! | 3:37 a.m. June 15, 2009

This is a very inspirational story. Thanks for reporting on something so positive and uplifting, where a man can lose most everything material, and still be happy and contribute!

awesome | 4:38 a.m. June 15, 2009

This is fabulous. So good to see someone who isn't too good to get whatever job he can and pay some of his own bills....unlike my good for nothing brother in law who is waiting for the perfect job to come along. Hope you're reading this buddy! Get a job.

viking | 5:15 a.m. June 15, 2009

What a heart-arming story of someone who has overcome superficial riches to find real riches with a wonderful wife and family. People can learn to live without luxuries but you cannot live without love. Take care of your health. You are on top of the world. Life good and it is getting better.

Chris J. | 5:28 a.m. June 15, 2009

What an inspiring story. Please, Deseret News, keep writing inspiring, stories of great individuals in our communities like this.
Way to go Mr John Benson! Your story is an inspiration to us all!

Kudo's to the man. | 6:01 a.m. June 15, 2009

It takes a person of strong character to overcome the adversities of life to provide for his family and keep all together. It shows a strong family supporting each other and accepting their losses and learning to live with what they have. It also goes to show that money doesn't buy happiness, it only provides luxuries. Some younger people should take his story to heart and learn from it, self and possessions are less important than family.

ER in AF | 6:44 a.m. June 15, 2009

Sounds like the best choice he ever made was marrying his wife. If your wife always has your back you can be happy. Everything in life is perspective. His smile looks genuine and he is alive and still has hope. Something that cannot be said for his partner; again, life is about perspective. I have worn a suit while doing international business, I have worn overalls digging holes, I even wore the blue vest at Toys 'R Us for a Christmas season. I now am an officer in the US Embassy system. I have been happy doing all those jobs. I wish Mr. Benson success in getting back on his feet and hope he has good luck in all he does! But John, I think you will be fine.

D Green | 6:45 a.m. June 15, 2009

Thank you for sharing this inspiring story. It's nice to read about someone who is so well grounded and to be reminded the the most important things in life aren't "things".

Shar | 6:49 a.m. June 15, 2009

Sounds like a great guy! We all can learn some lessons from this article!

Sammy | 7:27 a.m. June 15, 2009

Yes, you find out who your friends are.

Are we not all beggars in need? If you are putting your trust in your food storage and trying to be completely SELF-sufficient then you still haven't figured it out.

We are all in this one together. Let's pull together and make this place awesome!!

Great story.

Joseph | 8:04 a.m. June 15, 2009

Very touching story.

It should be inspiration to all of us that there is life after change. If more people had this perspective what a world it would be.

Dallas Aggie | 9:45 a.m. June 15, 2009

Great uplifting article! Thank you for sharing it. During this recession I have seen so many people come together to lift the souls of those around them that are suffering. This man obviously has a wonderful family, and they are a great example.

To your success!

BobP | 10:50 a.m. June 15, 2009

Good for you John.

25 years ago my income dropped from 30,000 a month to about 4000. We survived, but we lost all of our toys.

I really can say, that it was fun while it lasted.

Jaime Capps | 10:53 a.m. June 15, 2009

John you are an amazing person, and a great husband and father, I no this first hand because you are also a great brother- inlaw to me, I love you so much.
J.

Your Son | 10:54 a.m. June 15, 2009

well your famous dad haha. and i still do love you no matter what happens.

Save money | 11:03 a.m. June 15, 2009

Great guy. I like him. Moral of the story: If and when you make millions, SAVE SOME OF IT, instead of chasing the highlife (ie multi-million dollar homes, boats ect).
It's called a Rainy-Day Fund and Americans are too materialistic to have one.

B & L | 11:11 a.m. June 15, 2009

We have seen first hand what John, Laurie and their son have been through. When you have life figured out and you know what reality is, then you can always deal with the ups and downs that life throws your way. John and Laurie figured life out a long time ago and they both know how to accept the changes they have faced. They are a great family.

For all of you that have read stories like this one, have you figured life out yet? More importantly, what have you been teaching your children. With all of the "things" your children expect to get, will they know how to survive.

wallofvoodoo | 12:10 p.m. June 15, 2009

There are millions of people out there doing the sme thing everyday. Why don't they have their 15 minutes of fame? I think becuase this guy used to live the high life & was brought so low. It was nice to hear his wife stuck with him. I guess I see honest, good, hard working real estate developers as a bit of an oxymoron. Maybe he is the exception & if he is I hope he continues on the road to success wherever that may be.

Kyria | 12:33 p.m. June 15, 2009

Knowing you personally has been rewarding - you can always be counted on for a smile and a kind word. Keep on making lemonaide out of your lemons, John, you are an inspiration.

Jayson Robles | 12:38 p.m. June 15, 2009

I got to know John Benson about fifteen years ago. It was then that he became my number one client in the automotive business. Fifteen years later I realize that you only meet one or two people like John Benson in a lifetime... ( if you're lucky )
Back then I knew there was something about John Benson... just something about him??? Over the years I got to know him better and better and the only thing I can say is... This guys heart is bigger than his whole body... He is the same with or without money... I remember sitting in his kitchen with him when this so-called downfall started to gain speed... I remember telling him...
" Well your're still standing aren't you? " He just looked at me and smiled... I wasn't worried about him then and I'm not worried about him now, as long as he has his health...

DS | 12:44 p.m. June 15, 2009

I'm a bit confused about John's "hero" status. He definitely has a good attitude about everything, but if he hadn't been in a position to roll the dice with borrowed money (read: other people's money), none of those material possessions would have ever been his in the first place. Leveraged real estate development is a risky proposition -- apparently even in good times as John's troubles began in 2003. John lost what he probably never really should have had, and the banks/government/you foot the bill for the clean-up. John is not the only one at "fault" here -- I'm sure the bankrupt bank, unrealistic consumer appetite for luxury 2nd homes, and overall loose credit can share some of the blame. Certainly the unwind is painful and unfortunate, and I applaud his approach to life and family, but there is also an underlying culpability that should not go unmentioned.

A friend | 1:37 p.m. June 15, 2009

I knew John in High school. He had just as big a heart then as he does now. I was pregnant in high school and the babys father wanted nothing to do with me. With Johns help and support I made the decision to place my daughter with a loving home. I have since found her and we have a wonderful relationship. John helped me realize I wasn't a bad person and that I could do the most loving thing for my daughter. Her life was great. I made the right decision. Thank you John for your open heart even back then.

Christine | 1:53 p.m. June 15, 2009

John Sr. was "our" bus driver when our teenager and adult kids were in grade school. What a great and loved man. It is clear that the apple did not fall far from the tree in your case. I admire you John Jr. for supporting your family regardless of the pay grade.

Bobb | 2:56 p.m. June 15, 2009

What a great story Elaine - the people who struggle along with meager means but great character have a lot of power to inspire the rest of us complainers. We envy wealth but we admire integrity. I hope we hear more about ordinary work done by extraordinary people - so many of them in SLC.

Heather | 3:19 p.m. June 15, 2009

You have been more of a father figure than my father ever was. : ) i love you uncle John

JJ | 3:19 p.m. June 15, 2009

John Benson has always been more than his finances. You aren't around him for very long before you recognize that he lives what he believes. I've found him to be a man of integrity and intrinsic worth filled with compassion and non-judgement. I am priveleged to know him!

CB | 3:23 p.m. June 15, 2009

The truth is you are the same with or without money - A VERY GOOD MAN! To me it is remarkable that you still lift others while facing tremendous struggles in your own life. Thank you for your many, many kind words and for your smiles! Your slightly younger, better looking brother.

Janelle Vigil | 5:41 p.m. June 15, 2009

Men like John are few and far between. A true winner. I've known him for almost thirty years, and he's special, alright, and so is his family... You are the best John. You deserve all the blessings this world has to offer. Truly the kindest, gentlest man I know--to think he lost everything he had--and still he has the entire world, because he has gratitude.
I'm so proud of you, Johnny, and I love you!

REAL Wealth | 6:00 p.m. June 15, 2009

Article quote: "On the day of the auction, Benson's wife, Lori, left him a note: "I meant what I said for richer or poorer."

Sir, for having a wife like that you are a RICH, R-I-C-H man, indeed!!!!!!!

God bless you and hang in there! With the attitude you have I bet you'll be making millions again some day!

DM

The Four F's | 6:10 p.m. June 15, 2009

What really matters?

The "Four F's"!

1 - Faith
2 - Family
3 - Friends
4 - Freedom

Everything else is gravy.

Trust me. I'll make $135,000 this year in guaranteed salary, have no major debt and my job is protected for another 6 years and there are days I'm miserable.

Why?

Rocky relationship at home.

Good spouses are worth 10 times their weight in gold and this guy's got a winner!

Best of luck to you!

dustin | 7:36 p.m. June 15, 2009

Everyone is afflicted by societies misconceptions of what makes life have value.john is my brother in christ!which means LOVE!he doesn't only talk it he walks it without judgement. who is perfect? save your opinions they are worthless.he knows how to love not only his family,but people as a whole.the right and the wrong the good and the bad.he is more than a succes story.if you only really knew him as i do.you are my family,i love you brother.as you know .to the public it is not about being a hero.it is about learning to love.and not be afraid. GOD BLESS ALL THE WEARY AND HURTING OUT THERE.there is hope and love.IT IS THE KEY JUST BELIEVE!!!!

esbenson | 7:59 p.m. June 15, 2009

I have always known your were great and I have known
you all of your life. You know what matters and what real worth is all about. You and your family will always be on top of what really counts. You are bringing honor to your NAME SAKE and ALL of your family. Keep smiling and loving life. How blessed we are.

Rich | 8:11 p.m. June 15, 2009

I am John's driver instructor and I can vouch for his character and enthusiasm. He is a great man and he truly loves what he is doing. His outlook on life and his example is one we can all learn from.

RoseMarie Mentzel | 8:51 a.m. June 16, 2009

Cousin John, we are very proud of you and will always love you. These are very difficult times for most people. If you have your health and a family who loves you that says it all. And like you said, you now know who your real friends are.
Love,
RoseMarie Mentzel

Jonathan | 1:36 a.m. June 21, 2009

John, you are one of my heroes. You have blessed me and my family in many ways for many years. Thank you for your faithfulness and love. To God be the honor and praise, but also let honor be given where it is due. I'm proud to see my uncle's story shared, one of true humility and integrity. Much love and aloha.

Tyler H. | 9:07 p.m. July 12, 2009

Hi John, dunno if you're still reading these comments but i was always happy to have met such a great humble guy. I really hope you are doing well, and thanks for those boat trips couple years ago;)

John Benson | 3:28 p.m. Oct. 14, 2009

PART ONE:
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my story. I wanted to share the following quote by Theodore Roosevelt that I read at my father’s funeral as a tribute to his life – I believed he lived his life by these words... and if I can be half the man he was I’ll have achieved the sweetness of these words and the success that accompanies them: SEE PART TWO...

John Benson | 3:30 p.m. Oct. 14, 2009

PART TWO:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; who does actually try to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly. Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat”.

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