Obituary of RICHARD KIM BENJAMIN

Richard Kim Benjamin   

August 05, 1946 – February 15, 2023

Richard passed away peacefully on February 15 surrounded by his family.

Left to mourn the loss of Richard is his wife of 52 years Deanna (nee Ladobruk); daughters Tammy (Kevin), Christine (Shaun) and Kimberly; his grandchildren Steven (Nicole), Kristian, Kianna, Cole, Luyanda (Josey), Mareanna and Khanya; great-grandchildren Mason, Celeigha and Mylo; sister Ramona; sister-in-law Jeannie; and many extended family members who loved him.  Richard was predeceased by his parents Charles and Grace; brothers Eric and Doug; sister Chuckie; and his granddaughter Kaira.

Richard was married to Deanna in August of 1970.   They met in Calgary and quickly became smitten with one another.  After a few years in Calgary, they decided to head back to Manitoba.  They bought their first and only home in Transcona and had Christine and Kimberly to complete their family. 

Dad had a thirst for knowledge unlike many others.  He loved reading his National Geographic magazines and always had a new bit of information to share with anyone who would listen.  His daily crossword puzzle was something no one else could touch…those were his enjoyment.  Dad also loved puzzles.  The girls would always try and find the hardest one every Christmas for dad, and he would take over the dining room table and finish in record time which always amazed us. Dad loved tinkering and was pretty good with a wrench as well.  Dad had an amazing heart – he always gave every person he met love, respect and a bit of trivia knowledge.  As someone recently told mom – Richard never said a bad word about anyone, and if he did, he did it behind my back.  That was who dad was – he believed in second chances and that people are always good even if its deep down.

Mom and Dad were often seen out and about in Transcona.  They loved sitting outside smelling the lilacs in the backyard, having their date nights playing the odds of the VLTs at the local bars and cheering on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.  Dad also loved all sports – anytime there was a “big game” on you can bet Dad knew all about it and would tell you everything you needed to know.

Many memories were made with dad.  He was always the first one to take us to WWE wrestling shows,  hockey games, family outings and the beach.  Summers were spent in Stonewall and the yearly trip to Grand Forks with all of us.  He never said no…ever…he would be the one to pick up all of our friends at the end of the night…no matter what time the night ended and drive everyone home safe.   Christine and Kimberly’s friends always told them “you have the best dad”.  He would make sure that everyone felt like one of his kids.  He loved making his famous pancakes for his girls, and later for his grandkids.

Gigi (as he was known) loved his grandkids, they were his pride and joy. He loved watching the grandkids play football.  He went to every game with his Steinbach Raiders hat on and later the Transcona Nationals and would cheer the loudest.  He would always be available whenever one of them needed advice or a shoulder to lean on.  His stories were famous in the grandkid’s circles…. he always had a special way of teaching without trying.  He had his dad jokes that made them laugh and a sweet treat to make them smile.

Richard worked all his life to provide for his family.  He had many adventures from working on the railroad, working at the malt plant and at Motor Coach Industries.  He loved the comradery with his work friends and enjoyed the problem solving in those jobs.  After some health issues, Richard finally retired at the age of 60 and was able to reap the rewards of a long work life. 

We want to thank you dad.  We are grateful for your love, we are grateful for your leadership, we are grateful for your patience, and we are grateful for your sacrifices.  We thank you for always making sure we were taken care of no matter what you had to do to make us comfortable and secure.

A Celebration of Richard’s life will take place at a later date.

Goodbye my family my life is past.

I loved you all to the very last.

Weep not for me but courage take.

Love each other for my sake.

For those you love don’t go away,

They walk beside you every day.

(author unknown)