Obituary for Al Benney

Al Benney, age 66 of Austin TX, by way of Maple Grove and Duluth, MN, passed on 4/27/24 in Austin, TX with family & his pastor by his side. Al was a beloved father, and a adored brother/uncle/cousin and friend. He also took immense pride in being a grandfather. As a longtime Paramedic and Emergency Medical Services Instructor, Al was immensely influential in the local, national, and global EMS community. Survived by children, Andrew, Adam (Erica), Aaron (Sandra), Kari (Sam), Lauren (Jake); 12 grandchildren; siblings, Florence, Darlene, Annette & Anita; innumerable friends and extended family.

In his professional life, Al served as the Community Paramedicine Program Chair for Hennepin Technical College and the Paramedic Network. Al was a pioneering figure in the field of Community Paramedic education, having taught more Community Paramedics than anyone else in the country. His dedication to healthcare education has left an indelible mark on countless lives. His commitment, passion, and wisdom have not only shaped the future of Emergency Medical Services but also ensured that communities across the country have skilled, compassionate care available when needed most. Al was a shining example of what a paramedic can bring to the community; the provision of emergency medical care in one’s time of need and the provision of in-home care, as needed, for patients with chronic illness, as a member of their health care team. Al’s career accomplishments were significant. As a graduate of Mankato State University, Al began his EMS career as an EMT for Stillwater Ambulance, continuing as an advanced practice Paramedic in ALS, Critical Care on ambulances, fixed wing, and rotor wing aircraft. In 2007 he joined the faculty at Hennepin Technical College while continuing his paramedicine practice. In addition to serving for many years as a paramedic, Al became one of the first licensed Community Paramedics in the world when graduating from the only recognized community paramedicine collegiate program in 2009.Al was a well-known author of several EMS publications and co-author the first Community Paramedic textbook, distributed by Jones & Bartlett internationally. He was instrumental in bringing the Community Paramedic program from a certificate to an academic credit program, contributing to the 4.0 curriculum, and developing the customizable Community Paramedicine education program for the Paramedic Network/Mobile CE.

Al touched so many lives, both personally and professionally, with his generous spirit and compassionate heart. In life he enjoyed being outdoors, camping, and caring for and riding horses. He was a man of great faith and was assured of his place in Heaven whenever he would be called home. He also loved to attend sporting events with friends and family, and after his stroke in 2016 he re-adopted a love for music and theatre after embracing, if only half-grudgingly, a slower pace that those who knew him before were keenly aware was a bit unnatural to him.That being said, he kept his calendar full and spent the majority of his time doing what was most natural to him: being with people.

Much could be written about his family and social lives, but he would prefer that those stories be relayed during times of fellowship and “visiting” with those friends and family members.

Visitation on SAT 6/15 from 10AM-12PM at Evans-Nordby Funeral Home, 34 2nd St. NE, Osseo 55369.