John C. Bensenhaver

Dr. John Calvin Bensenhaver, age 88, of Virginia Beach, VA, and Grant County, WV, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 10, 2025, at his home in Petersburg, WV.

Born on September 20, 1937, in Rig, WV, John was the son of the late Vance William Bensenhaver and Goldie Elizabeth (Riggleman) Bensenhaver. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Vista Jean Bensenhaver Ours and Carol Lee Bensenhaver Leason, and one brother, Vance “Sonny” William Bensenhaver, Jr.

John is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Margaret (Snyder) Bensenhaver; two loving daughters, Lisa Scott and husband Rob of Knoxville, TN, and Heidi Behan and husband Joe of Lorton, VA; and eight cherished grandchildren: Calvin Scott and wife Kathryn, Nathan Scott, Katrina Scott and fiancé Josh Martin, Elijah Cole Behan, Caitlin Behan, Claire Behan, Caden Behan, and Carys Behan.

A lifelong learner and dedicated professional, John graduated from West Virginia University in 1960 with a degree in Agricultural Education. He began his career teaching high school biology in Morgantown, WV, before pursuing his passion for veterinary medicine. He attended The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where he was awarded the prestigious Mark Morris Fellowship and graduated cum laude in 1966 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.

Dr. Bensenhaver began his veterinary career at Brentwood Veterinary Hospital in Portsmouth, VA, and later practiced at Great Falls Animal Hospital in Great Falls, VA. His curiosity and commitment to scientific advancement led him to work in cancer research at Bionetics Research Laboratories in Kensington, MD, before returning to his first passion, caring for animals and the people who loved them. In 1969, he fulfilled his dream of opening his own clinic, Great Neck Veterinary Clinic in Virginia Beach, VA, which quickly became a cornerstone of compassionate small-animal care in the community.

Throughout his long and distinguished career, John’s entrepreneurial energy led him to establish and expand multiple veterinary practices across Virginia, including Animal Medical Center (1970), Bayside Veterinary Clinic (1973), Friendship Veterinary Clinic (1982), Hilltop Veterinary Clinic (2000), and Ivor Veterinary Clinic (2009). Each one reflected his belief that good medicine begins with genuine care for both animals and their owners, and all his practices continue to serve their communities today. He also served as the veterinarian for the Norfolk Zoo in the early 1980s while managing his thriving practices.

While deeply dedicated to his profession, John also found joy in life’s simple pleasures and the satisfaction of hard work outdoors. His stories from years as a veterinarian were both heartwarming and hilarious, turning even brief encounters into lasting memories.

John’s compassion reached far beyond his local community. In the 1980s, he took part in veterinary relief work in Haiti through the Christian Veterinary Medical Association, offering his skills and kindness to communities in need.

John’s life was also deeply rooted in his Christian faith. For more than 50 years, he was a faithful attender of Virginia Beach Community Chapel, where he and Margaret formed lifelong friendships. In recent years, he also found great joy worshipping at Bethel Church in Petersburg, WV, while spending time in the mountains he loved so dearly. His family takes comfort in knowing he is now home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In honoring Dr. Bensenhaver’s wishes, he has been cremated, and a Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 11 AM at Bethel Church, 7231 Franklin Pike, Petersburg, WV 26847. His legacy of kindness, innovation, faith, and service, along with the many stories that will be told for years to come, will live on in the countless lives he touched and the communities he helped build.

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