BENSCOTER, Don L.

Don L. Benscoter, 77, of Scottsdale, passed away peacefully January 19, 2004. He was born July 23, 1926 and raised in Birmingham, Michigan. Don served as a PBY pilot and flight instructor in the Naval Air Corps. during World War II retiring with the rank of Lieutenant (J.G.) USNR. He graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Business, and went to work in sales for the Burroughs Corporation. Don advanced rapidly in the Burroughs organization, eventually heading up the Western Region for the Electro-Data (computer) division of Burroughs in Dallas before moving to the Valley and first bringing the 7-11 stores to Arizona in 1960. Subsequently, Don re-entered the electronics field in Phoenix, starting a new company specializing in computer leasing. He is widely recognized as one of that industry's true pioneers, establishing GE Capital's electronic computer leasing business. The corporation he founded and served as President and CEO, Systems Capital, Inc. (later NRG, Inc.), was one of Phoenix's few homegrown public corporations in the 1960's and early 1970's. Don was listed in Who's Who in Commerce and Industry, and also served as an independent financial consultant to Howard Hughes, and Hughes Aircraft Company. Later Don would serve as President and CEO of SPAN International, Inc., and its foreign subsidiaries, including SPANARABIA Ltd. in Saudi Arabia. In recent years, he was involved as a principal in several start-up businesses. A member of Phoenix Country Club, Don was also very active in civic and charitable pursuits. While still in his twenties, he was the driving force behind Flint, Michigan being granted the prestigious All-America City Award by then-President Dwight Eisenhower. During the time he owned the 7-11 stores in Arizona, Don partnered with pastor Father Maguire of OLPH parish in Scottsdale to donate large quantities of food to the poor and hungry. Don was also very active as a volunteer and fund raiser for the Franciscan Renewal Center, and was a founder of the Franciscan Renewal Center Foundation. He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Ruth, his four sons, Tom, David, Jay, and Paul, daughters-in-law Chris, Wendy, Nancy, and Kathy, and nine grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donation's may be made to Hospice of Arizona, 2222 W. Northern Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85021, or to the Franciscan Renewal Center. Visitation at Messinger Mortuary at 7601 E. Indian School Road in Scottsdale Sunday evening, and a memorial mass celebrating his extraordinary life was held at the Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Dr., Monday, January 26th, 2004. Published in the Arizona Republic on 1/23/2004.