Benard was born September 11, 1926, in Fort Worth, Texas to Lillian and Louis Laves. The family moved to Austin in 1929, and Benard graduated from Austin High School in the Class of 1943. He enlisted in the Navy during World War II and served as a radar technician. After the war, he attended the University of Texas at Austin. While at UT, he met his wife, Cecile Perry Laves, and was a member of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. He graduated in 1948 with a degree in business. After graduation, Benard worked in the family business, Laves Jewelers, and, in 1961, he and CeCe founded Benold’s Jewelers on Burnet Road. He opened other Benold’s locations over the years, and ultimately consolidated them all in the current location on West Anderson Lane. He served as president of Benold’s until his retirement.
Benard was very active in the community. He was president of the local chapter of B’nai B’rith, and was a member of Congregation Agudas Achim, Congregation Beth Israel and Temple Beth Shalom. He was a founding member of the Knights of the Symphony, and was honored as Lord Chancellor XIX. Benard was an active member of the West Austin Rotary Club, and was also a 32nd degree Mason of the Scottish Rite. In his later years, he enjoyed attending networking breakfasts and reunions of his Boy Scout troop.
He was preceded in death by his wife, CeCe, and their daughter, Eileen Laves Guzick.
His memory will be cherished by his brother Pacey Laves and wife Myra Laves, his son Barry S. Laves, his son Alan Laves and wife Daemie Laves, his grandchildren Daniel Guzick, Louis Guzick, Susan A. Laves, Sarah Laves, Jacob Laves and Kennedy Lakics, a large extended family, and his many friends, former customers and former employees.
A graveside service will be conducted at three o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 17th of May 2013, at Austin Memorial Park with Rabbi Neil Blumofe and Rabbi Alan Freedman officiating. Services are under the direction of Cook-Walden Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Laves’ memory to Temple Beth Shalom, Congregation Agudas Achim, the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Condolences may be sent to www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.
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