Advanced Search:


Regular Search
❮ Go Back to Listings
RICHARD HENRY BENDER Obituary pic RICHARD HENRY BENDER Obituary pic

RICHARD HENRY BENDER

Born: Oct 08, 1947

Date of Passing: Jun 02, 2023

Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

RICHARD HENRY BENDER

October 8, 1947 - June 2, 2023


Ric passed away suddenly, while cutting his grass on Friday, June 2, 2023. Our loss is immeasurable, but so is the legacy of love he left behind.



Ric is survived by his wife and childhood sweetheart, Betty. They were married for 52 wonderful years. He is lovingly remembered by his daughter Bonni-Anne, grandson Ben (Kaitlyn), granddaughter Jane (Liam), and granddaughter Emma, along with her dad, Bob. He will be forever missed by his son Travis (Melanie), and their children, Chase and Claire.



He is also survived by his brother Bob (Shirley), sister-in-law Diane (John), and sister-in-law Janet (Ernie). His many nieces and nephews were deeply loved, and they will all miss his goofy jokes and uniquely original stories.



Ric was an educator for 48 years and influenced the lives of so many students, with Ralph, Jerry, and Barnsey being among his favourites. He was a devoted coach his entire adult life, focusing on basketball, football, and hockey. He won championships in each of these sports, at multiple levels, and was so very proud of all his teams. He also had the recent privilege of coaching Emma’s basketball team.



Ric cherished all of us and was always there for everyone. He was so proud of all of his grandchildren, and never missed an opportunity to tell us how special we all were. It is very difficult to sum up a life that touched so many other lives. He really had a wonderful life and we will miss him for the rest of ours.



In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Variety, the Children’s Charity of Manitoba, Unit A - 440 Don Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0S4.



In keeping with Ric’s wishes, a private family service was held on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach, MB.





Rest in peace, my darling.

Arrangements by:

BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL CO-OP

1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

www.birchwoodfuneralchapel.com


Publish Date: Jun 10, 2023

RICHARD HENRY BENDER

1947 - 2023


Ric Bender passed away suddenly at home on Friday, June 2, 2023.



A private family service will be held. Longer obituary to follow.

Arrangements by:

BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL CO-OP

1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

www.birchwoodfuneralchapel.com


Publish Date: Jun 6, 2023

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 06, 2023, Jun 10, 2023

Condolences & Memories (17 entries)

  • Mr. Bender was one of my favorite teachers. I took his Sociology class in Grade 10 (1989) and found him so engaging and endearing that I took any class with him that I could. I still recall some of the personal stories that he shared with us (his students). It was a gift to know him. My deepest condolences to his family. - Posted by: Jennifer Wood (Student) on: Jun 19, 2023

  • I took sociology in grade 10 at Tec Voc back in the late 70s. Mr Bender was the teacher. I took the class as a dodge figuring it would be easy. It wasn’t, but Mr. Bender made it so interesting I always think of it as one of the best classes I ever had. I was shocked to hear of his passing and I send my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. - Posted by: Daniel Cuthbert (Student ) on: Jun 11, 2023

  • Mr. Bender was one of my first coaches for many years playing hockey, with his son Travis. To this day in all the sports I’ve played as a child and adult, he is remembered to me as the best coach I’ve had. I carry his coaching techniques today to my children’s teams. My families condolences to his whole family. - Posted by: Kevin Wood (Friend/Coach) on: Jun 11, 2023

  • One of the best teachers I have ever had. He was always so patient and made sure everyone was okay. Personally he always gave great advise when I needed it. He will be missed. Sending my condolences to the family at this time. - Posted by: Dennis Da Silva (Former Student at Tec Voc) on: Jun 11, 2023

  • Had the pleasure of having Mr Bender as a teacher at Tec Voc. Later I met his daughter Bonni and granddaughter Emma through my job and occasionally would run into Mr Bender. Always had a friendly hi! Bonni and Emma I send my deepest condolences. I hope it gives you some comfort in knowing that when news of Mr Benders passing reached the Tec Voc alumni, tributes came pouring in. - Posted by: Liz Joned (Former student) on: Jun 10, 2023

  • The Wood family will always remember “coach”. Ric (Mr. Bender to so many kids) was an inspiration to all who know him. - Posted by: Wood family (Friends) on: Jun 10, 2023

  • I was deeply saddened to learn of Mr. Bender’s passing. I had always hoped to one day run into him again and have a conversation. He was one of my favourite high school teachers at Daniel McIntyre. I was never much of a History buff, but he always managed to make it interesting in the way he taught it, going back into the personal life stories of each of the main characters from the past. Rest in peace Mr. Bender, you will be missed. - Posted by: Darlene Bonney (Student) on: Jun 10, 2023

  • my condolences to the family, I knew Rick from my time going to Shapes Fitness, he was always a very up beat guy, sorry for your loss - Posted by: Kevin Walker (Fellow Gym friend) on: Jun 10, 2023

  • Mr. Bender was a great teacher. But he was an even greater human being. He always seen something in everyone and did what he needed to do to bring out the best in people. He was always kind and open to listen no matter where he was or what he may have been doing at the time. We lost a Great One!! Till we meet again! James Puffalt - Posted by: James c Puffalt (Friend) on: Jun 07, 2023

  • Met Rick around 2000 at Tec Voc HS. He was a very gentle man. Always a smile on his face and always something wise or at least nice to say. He was an inspiration to all who walked the halls at Tec. Rest Easy Sir - Posted by: Terry Willerton (Colleague ) on: Jun 07, 2023

  • My sincere condolences to Rick’s family and friends. Rick was many things and among them to me he was not just my high school basketball coach, but turned out becoming a friend and someone who really cared about people. You will be missed Rick. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Fino Napoleone (Friend) on: Jun 06, 2023

  • Out condolences to the family. He was a wonderful teacher to me in Grade 7 as well as high school and I’m sure had a lasting impact on many students lives. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Glenda Murphy (Student) on: Jun 06, 2023

  • Coach Bender was my Tec Voc Varsity Boys coach for years. He was tough, respected & pushed you to be your best. One of a kind, inside & out! A devoted teacher & mentor. He will forever be remembered for pushing us to do the ‘4 minute mile’. RIP Coach - Posted by: Carl Tumak (Basketball Coach & Friend) on: Jun 06, 2023

  • Our condolences on Aric’s passing. I first met Ric in Regina and then worked next door to him in Winnipeg. He was a fine man. - Posted by: Fred Wright (Former business colleague ) on: Jun 06, 2023

  • My Thoughts and Prayers are with you Betty and Family. A true gentleman that planted many seeds as a Educator and Hockey Coach/Mentor. I watched many hockey games that Rick coached. Two words that standout out... Rick was Cool & Collective. Thanks for the many memories that I will cherish forever. Until we meet again 'Hockey Bubby'. Kim Kozak - Posted by: Kim Kozak (Hockey Buddy) on: Jun 06, 2023

  • We are so sad to hear of Mr. Bender’s passing. He was one of the BEST teachers and we have so many fond memories. We are so thankful we met up with him just a few months ago at the Shell station in Niverville and had such a good conversation. He’s one of those people that leave a lasting impression with you that you will never forget. Our condolences to his family. - Posted by: Keith and Darlene Boutet (Students) on: Jun 06, 2023

  • Very sad to hear that Rick has passed away. Our condolences to Betty and family. - Posted by: glenn and pat chorney (friend) on: Jun 06, 2023

❮ Go Back to Listings