Dean Edward Bensley of New London, NH passed away peacefully on the evening of November 5, 2020 with his loving wife Clare holding his hand and family by his side.

After retiring from Raytheon in 1981 at the age of 50, he and Clare set sail for four years on their yacht. They completed two transatlantic crossings, and sailed the east coast of the US, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe and the Mediterranean as far east as Turkey. Back on dry land, the Bensleys settled in Newbury, NH where for 23 years the couple resided at their "Between the Mountains Farm." Here, they spent time instilling the love of outdoors within their seven grandchildren. In 2002, a 63-acre tract of land within the farm was protected with a conservation easement with Ausbon Sargent. This important property connected many area trails and served as a wildlife corridor between Bald Sunapee Mountain and Mount Sunapee.

In 2008, Dean and Clare moved to New London where they enjoyed the rich cultural offerings, hiking and bicycling, and community envolvement. One of their favorite nature settings is marked by a marble bench they donated so walkers can pause to enjoy the peaceful surroundings at the Esther Currier WIldlife Management Area. 

Dean inspired all who knew him to respect and enjoy nature, work diligently, and to live life to the fullest. We, at Ausbon Sargent, will be forever grateful for the example Dean set for others with regards to his passion for the outdoors and the strides he and Clare took to be able to share a bit of their special place with the generations to come.