THE sons of a Salisbury philanthropist who "saw the best in people" have paid tribute to his life which they said was "marked by achievements in every sphere".
Sir Christopher Benson died on Sunday, January 21, at his home in Salisbury after a long-term illness.
"Incredibly proud" sons Charlie, 61, and Julian, 59, shared memories of their father who has been praised by the Stars Appeal for transforming care for bereaved parents alongside his late wife Lady Jo Benson.
Sir Christopher's career started "inauspiciously" by prodding cattle around a ring for an agricultural auctioneer following a brush with formal education.
Charlie recalled one of Sir Christopher's stories from working at the auction as he was being chastised by a superior to whom he refused to give his food coupons.
The superior loudly announced: “The ladder of life is a very long ladder Benson. It is very wide at the bottom and very narrow at the top. If you get to the top of the ladder you will eat chicken. If you remain at the bottom you will only eat cheese. You Benson, will eat cheese.”
"How wrong he was - Christopher was a particular lover of roast chicken and rarely ate cheese," Julian said.
Sir Christopher was not dissuaded as he studied to obtain qualifications as a surveyor and later made a name for himself in the property world with MEPC Plc after joining the navy.
During his career, Sir Christopher spent four years as Chairman of Boots (1990-1994), three years as chairman of the Sun Alliance Insurance Group (1993-1996), and two years as chairman of the Royal and Sun Alliance Insurance Group (1996-1998).
In public life, he was appointed chairman of the London Dockland Development Corporation in 1984, presiding over the development of Canary Wharf, and then chairing the Housing Corporation (among others).
Sir Christopher was knighted for public service in 1988, served as a Magistrate for over 20 years, was appointed High Sherrif of Wilshire, and then a Deputy Lieutenant for the City of London.
In 2013, it was Sir Christopher and Lady Jo’s gift that enabled the creation of The Benson Suite at Salisbury Hospital, which provides ‘a place of peace’ for local families who lose a baby at birth.
Over the years, further support from Sir Christopher, and that from those that the Benson Suite has inspired, is funding the hospital’s first-ever dedicated bereavement midwife.
Last April, the charity was joined by Sir Christopher to mark the 10th anniversary of the Benson Suite, at which he was able to meet some of the many parents who have had call to use the Suite, and hear about the difference it had made to them.
The couple were also donors for the font in Salisbury Cathedral.
A man 'possessed of impeccable manners and charm'
Charlie explained how his father had been badly injured in a car accident during his youth and became "disfigured and partially deaf" which later led to him becoming a patron of the Changing Faces charity and president of the National Deaf Children Society.
He was also a keen flyer, and an active helicopter/fixed-wing pilot for 50 years, and he flew in a Spitfire when he was in his eighties.
Later in his life, Sir Christopher had to give up his hobby but then became a driving force behind the Salisbury ‘Secret Spitfire’ project, which came to fruition in 2021.
Charlie said: "He made friends wherever he went. He saw the best in people.
"He was possessed of impeccable manners and charm. He made an indelible mark on our lives, and the lives of those who knew him.”
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