Ken Benson

It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of Ken Benson, announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grand-father, and great-grandfather at the age of 88 years on June 8, 2023 in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Ken is survived by his wife of 14 years Linda; sons Gary (Christine) Benson, Hal (Shelley) Benson, Jeff (Terri) Benson; daughter, Shelley Benson, and step-daughter Lacy (Todd) Degelman. Grandchildren, Scott Benson, Melissa (Josh) Haskell, Taylor Benson, Jordan (Nicole) Magnuson, Kelsey Benson ( Chase), Sarah Benson (Justin), Holt Degelman; and great-granddaughter Charlotte Haskell. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Irene Bender, brother-in-law Calvin (Arlene) Bender and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ken was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Sheila Benson, his parents Carl and Signe Benson, sister and brother-in-law Elsie (Ed) Isley, father and mother-in-law Bill and Ada Byers, sister and brother-in-law Margaret (Ernie) Woods, brother-in-law Jack Byers, father-in-law Chris Bender, granddaughter Kirstin Benson, grandson Brandon Magnuson.

Ken was born on October 9th, 1934 on the farm south of Lintlaw, Saskatchewan. He attended St.Eutrope School and after graduating, continued working on the family farm. In 1953 he embarked on his career path with SaskPower, working construction and building power lines to electrify small towns and farms in Saskatchewan.  In 1954 he transferred to Swift Current, where he met Sheila Byers and they were married in 1956. A career change to the Gas Division  transferred him to Kindersley and later to Maple Creek in 1958  where they put down "roots" and built their first home. In 1963 he seized the opportunity to work with Many Islands Pipelines as an instrumentation technician and a new chapter of raising a family in Medicine Hat, Alberta. In 1977, a Safety Coordinator position in Swift Current would lure him back to Saskatchewan where he retired from SaskPower in 1987. Retirement was short lived as Sheila continued to work, and Ken was on the road again starting a new job with Saskatchewan Association of Health Organization . Here he shared his knowledge of occupational health and safety in health care facilities throughout Saskatchewan. 

Ken's life was not all work. In 1978, they purchased a cabin at Lac Pelletier where this became " The Benson's Second Home " each summer. Ken mastered the art of water skiing and was able to slalom ski right up to the ripe old age of 72. The boat kept him busy, he had as many hours towing skiers as driving his car . He enjoyed over 30 years at the lake, fishing, campfires, singsongs, horseshoes, cards, barbequing, and family gatherings. Ken and Sheila were active members of the First United Church in Swift Current where Ken served on various boards and committee's . Ken was a member of the Kiwanis Club for 42 years, selling apples, Christmas Trees and singing with the Kiwanis Kords.  Ken volunteered his time during the years Gary and Hal played hockey. He was the manager of the Medicine Hat Movers Bantam Hockey Club and served as President of Medicine Hat Minor Hockey ; Sheila played a role as the league statistician. Music was a major part of Ken's life. He was a self-taught guitar player and loved sharing his gift with everyone. You could find him pickin' and a grinnin' at family reunions, Christmas parties , anniversaries and especially serenading countless seniors in assisted living facilities . Later in life Ken and Sheila purchased a motorhome and had many adventures travelling across Canada and escaping the cold Saskatchewan winters for the warm climate of Texas. In 2006 Ken lost the love of his life, Sheila, to cancer.

In 2007, Ken met Linda Watson at the Good Tyme Dance Club and they were married in 2008. The motor home was "on the road" again, venturing out on many trips with the Good Sam Club and winters in Texas and Mesa Arizona. Linda also enjoyed Ken's love of music and was often part of his "Road Crew" for his music gigs. Throughout the years, they shared love, music, dance and cards with their family, wonderful friends and relatives . When Ken's health deteriorated, Linda assumed the role of caregiver that enabled him to live comfortably at home until his passing.

Ken touched countless lives through his music and his loyal commitment to giving back to his community through his volunteer work . He will be forever remembered in our hearts for his unconditional love, support and devotion to his family.

" Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life : and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." ( Psalm 23:6 King James Version)

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to First United Church, 223 3rd Ave N.E. , Swift Current, SK , S9H 2G 1-306-773-9353, email firstunitedchurch@sasktel.net or the Kiwanis Club of Swift Current, Box 1945, Swift Current, SK, S9H 4M6 , email swiftkiwanis@gmail.com

Arrangements entrusted to Warren's Funeral Home , for further information please call 1-306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606 or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members on the tribute wall

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