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RICHARD ROGER BENOIT
Born: Jun 01, 1944
Date of Passing: May 17, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryRICHARD ROGER BENOIT June 1, 1944 - May 17, 2014 With heavy hearts we announce that with his family at his side, Richard passed away peacefully at the Victoria General Hospital on Saturday, May 17, 2014 after a valiant battle. Remaining to forever cherish Richard's memories are his loving wife and best friend Lucille (nee Pantel), his one and only treasure, his chosen daughter Lauranne, her partner Trevor Hryciw and his soon to be and already very much loved grandchild. He also leaves to mourn his passing his dear sister Patricia Willis (Ken), his nephew Jason Willis (Stacey), his friend and brother Edward Darryl Stemkoski (Elan) and their angels Sarah, Taylor and Hannah, his stepbrother Doug Stemkoski (Mryna), his stepsister Shirley Dandeneau (Ed), his stepsister Bernice (Willis), his sister-in-law Jacquie Stemkoski (Wayne Smith), his sister-in-law Patricia Pantel, his nieces Diane Bihun (Dave), Danielle Rondeau (Paul), their daughter and his great-niece Anna Rondeau. He will also be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews in the Stemkoski family. He was predeceased by his father Maurice Benoit, his brother Ray-Allen Benoit, his mother Lydia Stemkoski, his stepfather Edward Stemkoski, his brother-in-law André Pantel, his stepbrother Joe Stemkoski and his father-in-law and mother-in-law Jules and Louise Pantel. His education and his upbringing shaped his life into one of life-long learning, of giving, of paying it forward through his generosity, his volunteer work, his reading, ensuring that he always had the latest national and world-wide information on any topic. CBC, CTV, RDI, EWTN and CNN will miss him. He reminded us often that that we had received a lot and that we needed to remember to give back. Richard attended Grades one to four at St. Alphonse Convent as a boarder, grade five in a rural school, grade six at Mariapolis Elementary School, grade seven in the hamlet of Cardinal, grades eight to 10 at St. Boniface College, again as a boarder and grades 11 and 12 at Notre Dame Collegiate in Notre Dame de Lourdes. He loved school and learning. Family dinners, which he truly enjoyed, always included a reminder that he could not eat certain foods because he had attended boarding school. He attributed his outgoing personality and his ability to mingle well in groups to his having attended many schools and learning to adjust to many different situations. He obtained a teaching certificate, B.A B.Ed. Masters in Education, and course work toward a Phd where he stopped when we received the gift of a beautiful baby girl, our daughter. He became a teacher, a principal, a superintendent of schools, a school division secretary-treasurer, a University administrator and professor. He worked in the Mountain School Division as a teacher, principal, superintendent and secretary-treasurer. He taught at the University of Regina. He was a principal in the Carlyle School Division, Saskatchewan. He was superintendent in the Wakaw School Division, Saskatchewan. In 1983, he became director of graduate studies and a professor at St. Boniface College where he remained until his retirement in 2002. In retirement he continued to work for St. Boniface College teaching Masters in Education courses in Vancouver for the francophone teachers. His volunteer work was a source of great joy. He was president of Child and Family Services of Central Manitoba for several years after receiving the gift of Lauranne. He was a Fourth Degree Knight and served as Grand Knight of Council 5264 and as a District Deputy. He also served as board member and vice-president of Child and Family All Nations Coordinated Response Network an organization that allowed him to make friends who meant a lot to him. He was a board member and president of the Retired Teachers' Association of Manitoba, an organization where he advocated for retired teachers. Serving at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish was indeed very special to him. He was president of the Board of Administration, a pastoral council member and he also taught RCIA. Richard's love of family and friends was truly exceptional. He loved extended family gatherings, family dinners every Sunday, being with friends, calling friends often, sometimes three or four times in a day, serving his community and his Super Bowl was Canadian and American election results. Travelling throughout Canada with family and going to Las Vegas, both have created very special memories of his love for the finer things in life, at the same time being a very humble man always wanting to pay it forward. Richard was our rock. No words can express how much he will be missed. Richard's body has been contributed to the University of Manitoba for the advancement of medicine through anatomical study. Friends and family may wish to make a donation to the Anatomical Research Fund or to the charity of their choice. The family would like to thank the team of doctors and nurses at the Victoria General Hospital for their care, compassion and dedication to save Richard and to give him back to us. Father Kevin Bettens will preside the funeral mass celebrating Richard's life on Friday, May 23, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Mary Mother of the Church Parish, 85 Kirkbridge Drive. A reception will follow in the parish hall. Love you Dad! THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 21, 2014
Condolences & Memories (30 entries)
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J'ai eu la chance de côtoyer M. Benoît à Vancouver alors que j'y suivais mes cours de maîtrise en Leadership éducationnel. J'ai même eu la chance de le recevoir à ma table, car comme vous le savez, il aimait bien joindre l'utile à l'agréable et en ce sens, il refusait rarement un bon repas entouré de gens agréables après un long weekend à travailler. Avec le départ de M.Benoît, c'est une partie de moi-même qui s'éteint. M. Benoît fut une source d'inspiration et un mentir hors-pair. Mes plus sincères condoléances à tous ses proches et amis. - Posted by: Alain Thibault (Student and friend) on: Jun 24, 2014
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Bonjour à vous, Une pensée pour vous dire que nous avons bien appréciés la présence de Monsieur Benoit à Vancouver. Malgré le temps et la distance les autres étudiants et moi avons toujours continué à demander des nouvelles ou nous remémorer ces fameux w-e de cours de maîtrise. Une belle personne nous a quitté mais elle restera dans nos coeurs et pensées Sophie Lemieux North Vancouver - Posted by: Sophie Lemieux (Étudiante de Vancouver) on: Jun 20, 2014
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Je voudrais sincèrement dire ma profonde tristesse à la connaissance du décès de M. Benoit et j'offre mes plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux proches! J'ai gradué comme directeur d¨école au Conseil Scolaire Francophone de la Colombie-Britannique sous la férule de M Benoit, un guide, un homme de conviction. M Benoit fut mon professeur pendant trois ans à Vancouver et j'ai pu découvrir un homme profondément humain, un être à l'écoute des besoins de tous et toutes. Il a su comprendre les défis que nous vivions en tant qu'enseignants.es d'expériences mais en début d'apprentissage comme direction d'école . Il avait le don, dans sa grande sagesse, de nous enseigner les divers éléments de notre future professions en y ajoutant une grande touche de philosophie, de nous convaincre de faire les choses de façon franche et d'être vrai, authentique dans nos actions quotidiennes. Merci pour tout M Benoit ! - Posted by: michel J R Boulianne ( Student in Vancouver...( School principal)) on: Jun 20, 2014
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I was very saddened to hear of the loss of your dear husband and father, Richard. I know that you have shared many wonderful experiences throughout the years and that he will be greatly missed. May those memories provide you, Lauranne, and your extended family, the comfort you need in your journey forward. - Posted by: Cyndy Stewart (Colleague) on: Jun 17, 2014
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Lucille, please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your husband. We enjoyed reading about his life in the beautiful obituary. You and Lauranne will be in our thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Bob and Dale Fast (Co-worker and parents of students.) on: Jun 01, 2014
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Mrs. Benoit (Lucille), Please accept my family’s sincerest condolences over the loss of Mr. Benoit (Richard). My boys and I have had the pleasure of providing snow removal and lawn services for you over the past number of years and we are all very shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. Mr. Benoit was a wonderful man who always had a kind word to say to compliment the boys for their diligence, hard work and responsibility. All great qualities that my wife and I believe he and yourself had a hand in teaching them. His and your support to both Matt and Brad, over the years, have been both very generous and very much appreciated. We will all miss Mr. Benoit - one of the kindest most sincere people that we have ever met. Warmest Regards, Richard, Cathy, Matthew and Bradley White. - Posted by: Richard and Cathy White (Friend) on: May 27, 2014
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My sincere condolences to Richard's family. From time to time in our lives we crossed paths, reached for each others hand and after a brief time we parted again. That moment was a warm feeling in my soul. - Posted by: Denis and Patricia (Cousin) on: May 24, 2014
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Chère Lucille et Lauranne, C'est avec beaucoup d'émoi que je viens d'apprendre le décès de Richard. Que de bons souvenir je garde de lui et de nos parties de cartes. Durant mes années au CUSB, il a été un collègue toujours dévoué à la tâche et toujours prêt à nous venir en aide. Nous avons passé d'excellents moments à jaser ensemble de tout et de rien. Je me souviens de l'intérêt qu'il portait à tous mes projets. Toutes mes condoléances à vous et les vôtres. Que l'amitié qui vous entoure présentement vienne adoucir votre peine. Normand Fortin (Rivière-Ouelle, Québec) - Posted by: Normand Fortin (Ami et ancien collègue) on: May 24, 2014
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Lucille, Nous voulons t'offrir nos plus sincères condoléances. Nous garderons toujours de bons souvenirs de Richard - sa gentillesse, sa nature accueillante et son réel désir de toujours nous aider. Nos prières et nos pensées sont avec toi et Lauranne durant cette dure épreuve. Huguette et David - Posted by: Huguette Gérardy et David Rondeau (ancienne collègue de Lucille, anciens étudiants au CUSB) on: May 24, 2014
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Mes sincères condoléances, Lucille. Richard fut un homme dévoué et bien présent pour les éducateurs manitobains. Nombreux sont les bons souvenirs qu'il laisse avec nous! Mes prières et pensées sont avec toi et ta famille en ces moments difficiles. - Posted by: Roma Falsarella () on: May 24, 2014
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Et le voyage continue...Bonne route Richard. Merci pour nos années d'amitiés.... Je me souviens.... de l'année a l'école Normale toi en classe B,moi en classe L.. nos diverses comités et projets.... on s'est retrouver a Winnipeg, toi au CUSB, moi au Conseil Scolaire Fort Garry avec Lucille et ensuite au CUSB pour des cours de maitrise au CUSB et a Vancouver... je te remercie pour ton grand dévouement a la profession meme apres ta retraite.... Un peu comique, je suis a Notre Dame de Loudres pour compléter l'année... pres de chez vous... Merci - Posted by: Jean Beaumont (friend and colleague) on: May 24, 2014
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Hi Lucille and Lauranne: It was with great sadness that Gaye and I learned of the passing of Richard. He was a rock of support for me during my Master's program at the U of R. Gaye and I both valued the friendship with you and he that developed. His was a life well lived! His was also a life well loved! There can be no greater epitaph than that. Although we are saddened by the loss of a husband, father, uncle and special friend, we can all take comfort in the fact that he is now in the loving arms of God. Please accept our sincere condolences at this difficult time for your family. Warmest personal regards, Walt and Gaye Morris - Posted by: Walter Morris (Friend) on: May 23, 2014
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Lucille and Lauranne met father Toupin today and he said he had been to a funeral. when he said who it brought tears and deep feelings of sympathy for you both. Richard was a true leader and mentor in my mind, he will always be remembered and loved by both of us. We will pay you a visit at a later date. - Posted by: Ron & Janine Delaquis (Friend) on: May 23, 2014
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Richard was my professor in several courses. He was always genuinely interested in every student. He wanted to know each of our educational paths and provided wise advice. He loved to celebrate the end of the course with a special meal in his home. He was kind and generous. My sincere sympathies to my colleague, Lucille. - Posted by: Brad Burns (Student at CUSB) on: May 22, 2014
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We are so thankful for the get together just a month ago. You and Richard told us some history that we never knew about all your life experiences. I will so miss his phone calls whenever one of us got hurt or got sick. He was quite a writer of many verses that he would put music to, to suit the occasion and when he would call me he would start by singing the song. We had so many good laughs. We offer to you, the whole family our most sincere sympathies. - Posted by: Rene & Elsie Hacault (Cousins) on: May 22, 2014
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We were so sorry to hear of Richard's passing, our thoughts and prayers will be with you. - Posted by: Sid & Wendy Bloomfield (Neighbour) on: May 22, 2014
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Lucille, I had the great privilege of working with Richard in my very first school in St. Claude. He was such a wonderful mentor and administrator. He demonstrated great patience and confidence in me. He instilled such a love of teaching in his staff and encouraged a sense of humour in all things. A delightful man to know and such a loss to us all. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. I - Posted by: Sandra Benum (Colleague) on: May 22, 2014
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Lucille and Lauranne: Our deepest sympathy on the loss of Richard. He will be greatly missed. We are so glad to have had the opportunity to enjoy His company only a month ago. Love Clement & Marilyn - Posted by: ClementCCClement and Marilyn (cousin) on: May 22, 2014
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We are so sorry to hear of Richard's demise having enjoyed his company along with Lucille at dinners or other celebrations. His sense of humour will be especially remembered. - Posted by: Connie McCorrister-Moravek and Karel Moravek (Friend) on: May 21, 2014
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Mes sincères condoléances à toi et ta famille, Lucille. Richard m'a donné mon premier emploie en 1973 comme enseignant à l'école Richard à Somerset. J'ai de bons souvenirs. La perte d'un être cher n'est jamais facile. Mes prières et mes pensées sont avec toi Lucille. - Posted by: Bernard Gagné (Connaissance) on: May 21, 2014
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Richard and I travelled the doctoral path together. I always remember how caring he was of his Australian friend (especially when I was preparing for our French foreign language reading exam! Our friendship spanned 40 years. Every time I returned to Canada, which was relatively often, Richard and Lucille always gave me a very warm welcome and treated me grandly. I will miss him on my next trip in September. Sincerest sympathy, Lucille. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Deirdre Duncan - Posted by: Deirdre Duncan (Sydney, Australia) (Fellow doctoral student) on: May 21, 2014
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Richard was a kind and wonderful man. It was a pleasure to work with him on the ANCR Board of Directors. We had many wonderful discussions once we realized our similar interests in Politics. Richard always gave me great life advice at a time in my life when I needed it most. Richard would call me just to check on me and lend me his ear and always made me feel like things would work out. I will miss him. - Posted by: Faye Jashyn (All Nations Coordinated Response Network employee and Secretary to the Board of Directors) on: May 21, 2014
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Mes sincères condoléances Lucille. Mes pensées et prières sont avec toi et ta famille. - Posted by: Joanne Lagassé ((colleague- Pembina Trails)) on: May 21, 2014
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My thoughts are with your family during this time of sadness. I know he was a kind man and I am sure he will be greatly missed by many. - Posted by: Caterina Aiello (friend and colleague of Lucille) on: May 21, 2014
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Our Condolences to you and your family, our prayers and thoughts are with you in these hard times. - Posted by: Don & Shirley Pantel () on: May 21, 2014
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À la famille Benoit, nous voulons exprimer nos plus sincères condoléances. J'ai connu Richard au Collège de Saint-Boniface ou j'ai eu le plaisir de travailler avec lui. Son attitude au travail, sa communication facile avec tous ses confrères et consoeurs m'a laissé avec de bons souvenirs. Nos prières et nos pensées sont avec vous en ces temps si difficiles. La perte d'un époux et d'un cher Papa est toujours très pénible. Lise et Gilbert Ruest - Posted by: Gilbert and Lise Ruest (Co-Worker) on: May 21, 2014
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Lucille, I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved husband. Please accept my condolences to you, Lauranne and your extended family and friends. - Posted by: Lisa Boles (Colleague of Lucille's) on: May 21, 2014
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Nos sincères condoléances Lucille! - Posted by: Richard & Elaine Sabourin (Amis) on: May 21, 2014
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Richard and I began working together in August 1982, when Mountain School Division hired me as the founding principal of Westmount High School in Bruxelles. At the time, I had been back in Canada for only eight months (having spent the previous six years in Australia), and I had not worked in a Manitoba school since 1968. As a key member of a highly competent board office team, Richard contributed tirelessly to the logistics underpinning the school's successful launch. Thus, when Richard left Mountain School Division for a professorship in Education, I was fully confident that he would infuse an essential dose of pragmatism into the preparation of Manitoba's next generation of teachers. And, indeed, that self-same pragmatism was evident during Richard's post-retirement tenure as President of the Retired Teachers' Association of Manitoba. It was an honour to have been one of Richard's colleagues. He will live long in my memories. - Posted by: Keith Bricknell (Colleague in Mountain School Division) on: May 21, 2014
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Lucille, my deepest condolences on your great loss. Though I only met Richard a couple of times, I know he will be greatly missed. Thinking of you and your family. - Posted by: Claudia Schlamp (Friend) on: May 21, 2014
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