(C) Arizona Mirror
This story was originally published by Arizona Mirror and is unaltered.
. . . . . . . . . .
My favorite Steve Benson story [1]
['Jim Small', 'Emily Holshouser', 'James E. Garcia', 'More From Author', 'July', '.Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Coauthors.Is-Layout-Flow', 'Class', 'Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus', 'Display Inline', '.Wp-Block-Co-Authors-Plus-Avatar']
Date: 2025-07-14
Stephen Reed Benson, acclaimed editorial cartoonist, sharp-witted satirist, and devoted husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025 at the age of 71. A Pulitzer Prize winner and longtime voice of both wit and conscience, Steve leaves behind not only a remarkable legacy in journalism but also an enduring example of devotion to family and the rights of all.
Born on January 2, 1954, in Sacramento, California, Steve was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Richardson, Texas and Fort Wayne, Indiana. Steve was the eldest child of Mark and Lela Benson, and the eldest grandchild of then Secretary of Agriculture Ezra Taft Benson. Steve’s sharp eye, quick mind, and irrepressible sense of humor were apparent from a young age—qualities that would shape his career and endear him to generations of readers and loved ones.
A cum laude graduate of Brigham Young University, Steve earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science laying the foundation for his future as a keen observer of government, policy, and human nature. Steve also served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fukuoka, Japan, an experience that deepened his appreciation for culture, language, and human connection. Though his spiritual path evolved over time, his early faith and global experience helped shape his worldview and his lifelong commitment to service.
Over his 40-year career, Steve addressed a broad range of political, social, and moral issues, with his fearless commentary and visual wit. He joined the Arizona Republic in 1980 and quickly rose to national prominence, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning in 1993. The AZ Mirror (2019-2024) served as the closing canvas for Steve’s lifelong art of political satire.
Unafraid to skewer the powerful and spotlight injustice, Steve used his cartoons not just to entertain, but to challenge, provoke, and illuminate. His editorial cartoons—whether satirical, searing, or solemn—pushed public conversations forward. He was often quoted as saying, “I don’t aim to please, I just aim!”
Behind Steve’s keen, incisive wit, there was a tender and empathetic heart. Not only was he capable of deep irony and bold satire, but also created imagery that honored grief, humanity, and resilience. He reminded us all of our shared humanity through his poignant tributes to victims and heroes.
And to those who knew him best, Steve’s greatest masterpieces were not drawn for news outlets but, instead, were drawn for birthdays, wedding celebrations, and as holiday cards—delightful caricatures he gifted generously to friends, family, and colleagues. His personalized sketches became treasured keepsakes, just as his published cartoons became cultural snapshots. Steve was always ready with his sketchpad, a clever joke, a magic trick and a hearty laugh.
Beyond the newsroom, Steve was a man of many passions. He loved hiking in Utah’s majestic canyons where he found inspiration in the beauty of nature. These adventures were often shared with his lifelong academic comrades—fellow thinkers and friends with whom he explored both landscapes and ideas.
Steve also found deep purpose and brotherhood in his volunteer work as a reserve police officer of the Gilbert Police Department. While out on patrol he developed genuine, lasting friendships with those he served alongside—men and women he admired for their courage and service.
Steve had a lifelong affection for animals—hamsters, snakes, lizards, birds, fish, cats, and especially his dog, Penny. Whether as a kid pitting his turtles against each other in races or as an adult observing the habits of his famously slow-moving tortoise, Steve delighted in the uniqueness and quirks of each creature.
Above all, Steve loved his children fiercely and worked hard to provide them with the best lifestyle and advantages he could. He was incredibly proud of the exceptional adults they have become. He loved every one of his seven grandchildren and delighted in being their Papa and Grandpa Steve.
Throughout his life Steve maintained meaningful relationships with his parents, brother, sisters, nieces, nephews and cousins across the continent. He stayed connected through family celebrations, group texts and phone calls (mostly in the middle of the night!)–all filled with humor and affection.
One of the sweetest chapters in Steve’s life was falling in love, courting, and marrying Claire Ferguson. They were deeply devoted to each other and complemented each other with wit and tenderness. A native of the United Kingdom, Claire relocated to Arizona to build a life with Steve. Claire stood faithfully by Steve’s side with unfailing love and tender care, especially through his final months. Together, they welcomed Steve’s eldest grandchild, Trenton, into their home and created bonds of love that will endure forever.
The Benson family wishes to express their profound gratitude to the team of caregivers at M&K Assisted Living Layton Lakes, particularly Mercy, Kim and Hannah. They are also immensely grateful to Anthem Hospice, particularly Jen, Dan, Robert and Ed. All of whom supported Steve with skill, compassion, and dignity over the last 15 months. Their kindness made a lasting difference and their care brought comfort not only to Steve, but to all who love him.
Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Mark and Lela Benson, his daughter, Rebecca Benson, and his sister, Stephanie Benson Young. He is survived by his beloved wife Claire, his treasured children Eric (Mary), Brent, Audrey (Stephen), and his adored grandchildren Trenton, Jacob, Derek, Madilyn, Jakayla, Jamari, Jayondre and his eagerly awaited new grandson, Baby Nuamah. He is also survived by his loving siblings Stacey Ann (Martin), Margaret (Benjamin), Mary (Ryan), Michael (Debi) and his sister Stephanie‘s widower David (Jennifer) along with a wide circle of family, friends, colleagues, and readers who will miss his fearless voice and his kind heart.
A private celebration of Steve’s life will be held with close friends and family. A Zoom link will be shared closer to the time of the service for those who wish to join remotely. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider making a donation to a cause or organization that holds special meaning to you.
Steve’s legacy reminds us all to speak truth boldly, to share our talents generously, and to do as America’s first political cartoonist, Benjamin Franklin, advised: “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”
[END]
---
[1] Url:
https://azmirror.com/2025/07/14/my-favorite-steve-benson-story/
Published and (C) by Arizona Mirror
Content appears here under this condition or license: Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds:
gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/azmirror/
