Burton Benjamin

March 6th, 2026

I have so many fond memories of days spent with Burt (and Sheila). We spent hours at the kitchen table talking about his history, his inventions, his professional recognition, best business procedures and his latest projects. We sent email attachments of cars and projects for sale, while at the same time he was starting new projects and fixing up existing ones. His basement was a slice of heaven as we became 40 years younger sharing our love and collections of Lionel trains, boats, slot cars and his skillful modelling. He was my favorite motivational speaker and story teller. The big picture was always beautiful with Burt and he would often confide that it couldn’t have been done without Sheila at his side.

It was beautifully stated that he tackled everything with a goal to make it better, more meaningful, more efficient or improved in some way. His keen eye for opportunity was only eclipsed by his loving stories about his family and zeal for life. He was so proud of everything his grandchildren were doing and wanted to celebrate them at every opportunity.

I’ll always respect and cherish his determination and insistence, and how in an instant, he would smile and turn to mush when Miriam, Gail or Andrea would call and he heard “Hello Daddy”.

May his memory be for a blessing.
Skip Frost

~Skip Frost
~business relations and always a friend, Northbrook

February 22nd, 2026

Tina and I have many wonderful memories of our time spent with Burt and Sheila. I truly enjoyed every moment with Burt. We both became little kids when we entered his basement, because of our shared love of toys. I love Burt and will miss him always.

~Al and Tina Van Natta
~friends, Freeport Il