Rain dribbled as family and friends of the late Mayor of Nome Richard Beneville gathered around a white cross bearing an inscription of his name and signature catch phrase “Hello Central!”. At the base of the cross purple velvet was draped over a freshly placed headstone.
Richard Beneville’s niece, Susan Beneville, opened the ceremony with a speech as approximately 30 people stood scattered across damp mud and grass.
“We’re going to keep it fairly short here because it’s such a lovely day,” Susan Beneville said sarcastically. “We wanted to have a moment where we could just thank you. For me the creation of the headstone is a way to honor Richard, but it’s also a way to honor his connection to the people of Nome.”
Susan Beneville told stories of her late uncle’s life, including a trip to see an Iditarod statue in New York City’s Central Park.
“He took us to see this statue of a dog, Balto. It was long before there was even a flash of an idea in Richard’s mind that he would someday end up here in Nome. We’re his biological family, but you all are his chosen family. I believe in the strength and beauty of that.”
Derrick Beneville, Michael Beneville, and his son Maverick Beneville pulled back the purple velvet to reveal the 300 pound black granite headstone to applause from the crowd. Susan Beneville leaned down to read the inscription aloud.
“A New York showman who found his home and himself in Nome. He served, entertained, and was devoted to this town and all of its people. He was loved by one and all,” Susan Beneville read aloud.
A family friend was then welcomed to perform the shaker song “Simple Gifts” in Richard’s honor.
Click the play button below to hear Shelly perform the song.
City of Nome Mayor and Richard Beneville’s successor John Handeland finished the unveiling ceremony. He noted that Richard Beneville requested to be buried where he could watch planes go in and out. As the ceremony winded down a plane took off heading east, flying just above the cemetery.
Attendees shuffled into assorted vehicles perched on the hill of Nome Cemetery and started off towards Old St. Joes at the center of town. There they were greeted by a TV at the front of the room featuring a slideshow of photos. The slides included a campaign poster from his run for Mayor, appearances on national TV shows, and Richard Beneville sitting in the driver seat of his notorious tour van with “Hello Central!” emblazoned on the side.
Derrick Beneville opened the reception with a story about his own encounter with the Balto statue in Central Park. He told of his uncle propping himself up on the base of the bronze statue and telling strangers about the Iditarod and people of Nome.
Emily Riedel sang an operatic rendition of Ave Maria in honor of the late mayor. Her mother, Anne Riedel, played the guitar as her powerful voice reverberated off of the cavernous walls of Old St. Joes Church.
Click the play button below to hear Emily Riedel perform Ave Maria.
Michael Beneville rounded out the introductory speeches, telling the audience about the completeness of his uncle’s life following struggles with addiction and sobriety. Nome residents Chick Trainer, Jake Kenick, Molly Kenick, Linda Steiger, and Augie Krutzsch took turns telling their own stories of Richard Beneville’s life.
From her seat in the center of the hall, Nellie Weyiouanna took to the microphone to sing the gospel song “My Real Home”.
Click the play button below to hear Nellie Weyiouanna My Real Home.
John Handeland took to the stage, setting his phone down on a lectern as he pointed the microphone toward it. He hit play and a recording of Richard Beneville performing “Mack the Knife” flooded the room.
Click the play button below to hear Richard Beneville perform Mack the Knife.
Smiles outnumbered tears at the celebration of Richard Beneville’s life. Four years after his death the five-year mayor and 32-year resident’s impact on the community of Nome remains immeasurable.
