DENNIS BENSON

Dennis Benson died at home February 13, 2010.  He is survived by his wife Linda and sons Mark and Scott.

A native Moose Javian, Dennis spent his youth frequenting the corner rinks, tennis courts, and ball diamonds of the city. While attending the U of  S, he met a spirited young lady from Banff; from then onward, he and Linda were inseparable.  The couple moved back to Moose Jaw where they raised two sons and Dennis spent his career as a chartered accountant, retiring as a partner with GE Noren and Partners. 

Dennis loved sports and was a keen golfer and a committed supporter of his home teams.  He also had a wider-ranging spirit of adventure, embarking with his family on hiking and canoe trips throughout northern and western Canada.  He found his spirit in wilderness: beneath the larch in a snowy alpine pass, paddling whitewater amongst the spruce, or wondering at the meadowlarks and the season’s first crocuses.

Dennis loved his family with an encompassing passion and devotion, and throughout his journey with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), he touched many with his grace, humour, and optimism.  In turn, he often spoke of his blessings in having caring people around him throughout his life.  Of his illness, he said, “I didn’t choose this road, but it’s the road I’m on.  When I wake up every morning, I have a decision to make about how I’m going to live my life.  I’m going to live it the best I can.”

He did.  And he inspired others to do the same. 

The Celebration of Dennis’ life will be held at Minto United Church on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 1:30 pm. Reverend John Carley will officiate. Memorialization will take place at a special place determined by Dennis and his family at a later date.  Donations may be made to the ALS society of Saskatchewan, Box 31028, Normanview Mall, Regina, S4R 8R6.  In living memory of Dennis, a tree will be planted in Besant Park by W.J.Jones & Son Funeral Home.


Guest Book

Tracey Lennox  H/C and longtime friend - Moose Jaw, SK: My hugs to you all at such a difficult period in your lives. I look forward to the day when we can reminisce our memories together and laugh once again, but now is a time of healing. We will all miss Dennis. He was a special man. A special Husband, a special Father, a special Brother, and a special Friend. He touched many, many lives in his short time here, and he was very special to our Family. Thank You Linda, Dennis, Mark & Scott for allowing us to share in your lives since the 70's!!  That's a long time. May we continue on this journey with Dennis in our hearts.

Lizanne Knox-Beam - Moose Jaw, SK: My heart goes out to you in your loss.  Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sue Truscott - Chilliwack, BC: We first met Linda as a young and bubbly school teacher across the road from us.  We met Dennis shortly thereafter, and so began a lifelong friendship.  I will never forget how much in love they were, and it was a shining example to me as a young teenager.  She would call him "honey" and he would inevitably answer, "Yes, peanut butter?"  The last time I saw Dennis was when I went home to Saskatchewan in April, and they were still obviously happy-go-lucky and in love despite the agonizing circumstances.  (((((((((((Hugs)))))))))))) Linda, and Dennis... we will never forget you.

Dan & Lorraine Lennox - Lake Errock, BC: Linda, Scott and Mark, our thoughts have been with you and Dennis throughout the years we have known you, and want you to know that we are thinking of you now.  I still tear up thinking about the journey your family has had to take and the loss you have had to suffer, and I wish you and the boys peace of mind and heart now, knowing that the husband and father that did so much for you, and whom you did so much for, is in a better place now.  Thinking of you...Dan & Lorraine and kids

Diana Humenick - Moose Jaw, SK: Linda, so sorry to read of Dennis's death. His long fight is over.  Wish I could be there for you.  Take care of yourself. "Within the embrace of family we discover the sharing of life's most precious legacy. It is here we learn to love and to be loved, and to understand the meaning of listening hearts, outstretched hands, and the song of joy and laughter. The beauty of family brings us cherished memories we wish to hold forever, for it is through our memories that our hearts find their way home." ~flavia

Dot & Louis Lennox -  Moose Jaw, SK: Our heartfelt Sympathies go out to our Dear Friends Linda, Mark and Scott and to Dennis Brother Lyle on the Passing of Dennis. Dennis and his Family mean so much to our Family and he will be missed greatly. Lots of Love and hugs from Dot and Louis.xxxx

Willis & Cheryl Wingert - Moose Jaw, SK: Our love and sympathy to you Linda, Mark & Scott. We shared so many happy times together - raising our families, celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and many meals. We will miss Dennis - he was a fantastic man - always smiling, witty and caring! May you find comfort and strength in your happy memories. Take care of each other. God bless you.

Darla and Lloyd Spicer -  Moose Jaw, SK: Linda, Mark and Scott; Our deepest condolences to each of you on the loss of a wonderful man.  Dennis was a joy to know, and an inspiration to everyone in the way he dealt with his illness.  With our deepest sympathy and kind thoughts.  Lloyd and Darla Spicer

Jerry Noren - Moose Jaw, SK: Linda  I share your sorrow at this time,  Dennis was a good friend and it was an honour to have him as my partner. We shared many funny and serious times together. I know he loved you dearly.

Kim - Sackville, NB: My heart is so very heavy with sadness.....but so very full for I have loved and been loved by Dennis. I love you all. xxxxxxx

Gord and Robin Winder and family -  Moose Jaw, SK: Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time Linda, Mark and Scott.  Dennis was truly a great man and will be missed by everyone he knew.

Bev Constable - Moose Jaw, SK: I enjoyed working with Dennis in the past he was such a great guy to be around - and more recently as a neighbour - my thoughts are with you Linda at this trying time.

Cheryl Miller - Moose Jaw, SK: Dennis was such a wonderful, caring, patient man.  He taught me so much about accounting over the years, and always answered each and every question I had as if it was his most important question of the day.  It was an honor to know him.  Sending you all my thoughts and prayers.  May he always remain in your hearts.

Doug and Maureen Keal - Moose Jaw, SK: Please accept our deepest condolences, Linda, Mark and Scott. Dennis will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Doug and Maureen Keal

Mel and Ferne Bradford -  Moose Jaw, SK: Linda - our thoughts are with you at this time and our deepest sympathy. We met you folks over at Floyd and Marie's and we greatly enjoyed your company and could see a love for one another. Will be thinking of you.

Ellen Wattam - Coquitlam, BC: Linda: My thoughts are with you & your sons at this time.  Nothing prepares us for losing our very best friend.

Adam & Erin Lewis - Foam Lake, SK: We were saddened to hear the news, we've been thinking about you lately.  We will be keeping you in our prayers.

Leigh Anne Clarke - Moose Jaw, SK: Our thoughts and prayers are with you Linda, Mark and Scott. I am thankful I was given the opportunity to know such a wonderful man. Dennis will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.  Leigh Anne and Tracey

Susan Dokken - Moose Jaw, SK: There are no words to describe the feelings of loss that the end of this precious life story has brought about.  Linda, Mark, Scott - you are all in my thoughts and prayers every day.  I thank God for bringing you all into my life and for the gift of being able to have called Dennis my friend.   There was more love and wisdom in his quiet gaze, then most can boast achieving in a long lifetime.  Our huge loss is Heaven's huge gain.  God bless you all.

Doug & Trudy Trithardt - Moose Jaw, SK: It has been a blessing to us to know your family.  God has been your strength through a most difficult time and he will continue to strengthen each of you. What a great loss. We loved him so much and appreciated his kind, jovial nature.

Bud Isley - Moose Jaw, SK: My sincere condolences to you, Linda, Mark, and Scott. One cannot truly understand the depth of emotional pain you have endured these last few years; only God knows, and He has been, and will remain with you, I know. I cherish the happy memories with Dennis as a co-worker so many years ago, and the many laughs we shared in those carefree days.

Gordon  & Debbie Noble - Moose Jaw, SK: Our sincere condolences on the passing of a great husband, father and friend.  I enjoyed working with Dennis and believe he is in a far better place.  Face the road ahead with same love Dennis did and you will never go wrong.

Kim Steele - Regina, SK: Dennis was a wonderful man and a very good friend. His remarkable sense of humour and courage are inspirational to me. I will miss Dennis very much. My thoughts and prayers are with you Linda, Mark and Scott.

Marlis, Louis & Ken Duff -  Moose Jaw, SK: Linda, Mark & Scott - Know our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kelly Friesen - Airdrie, AB: Mark, My heart has been heavy with sadness since learning of your dad's passing.  I am so sorry for your loss.   Sending love to you and your family. 

Rod Boys - Moose Jaw, SK: My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sons at this time and my deepest sympathy.

Walter & Luella Bergen - Saskatoon, SK: You have been in our prayers for some time. We feel very blessed through knowing you and seeing how you have walked this most difficult road. God Bless and may you find comfort in your precious memories and in your friends.

Dayna Blanchette - Moose Jaw, SK: I'm so sorry to hear of your loss Linda. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.  Sincere condolences.

Fred & Fran Gomersall - Moose Jaw, SK: Our Deepest sympathy Linda, Scott & Mark for the loss of Dennis. He was such a loving, caring & all round wonderful person. We were privileged to have known him, if only for a little while. Our love & prayers are with all of you. 

Carolyn Graham - Moose Jaw, SK: My thoughts are with you Linda, as they have been over the past months as you dealt with Dennis's illness as a family. I understand the strength, courage and resilience that is needed to be present and care for a seriously ill family member. Be gentle with yourself now. My heartfelt condolences to you, Mark & Scott.

Sharon and Lorie Benson - Moose Jaw, SK: Linda, Mark, Scott, and Lyle, It has been a blessing these last few months to get even closer to you and your family. Words cannot express the pain we feel for you over the loss of our special cousin.

Lynda & Ron Ekdahl - Fox Creek, AB: We were sorry to hear of Dennis' passing. Whenever I think of Dennis I will remember his courage, determination and infectious wit. He was truly a person who loved friends and family. Take care and treasure the memories.

Peter and Laurie Smith - Victoria, BC: Dearest Linda, Scott, and Mark. Our thoughts and prayers are very much in Moose Jaw with you at this time. While our hearts are heavy with sorrow and we will miss Dennis so much, we also celebrate the wonderful man that he was and the myriad things that he managed to accomplish in his life. We know that you are totally bereft at the moment but please know that Dennis will be with you always; when you stumble or fall, it is the memory of his amazing courage and strength under adversity that will help you to rise again and carry on; when you succeed and when special events happen in your life, you will remember and feel the pride in, and love for, you that he felt each and every day. And we will all remember his amazing smile, his wry and delightful sense of humour, the laugh that could brighten even a dark and dismal rainy day, his intelligence, his humanity, his gentle kindness, and most of all, his all encompassing love for his family, even all those extended ones! a long ways away, such as ourselves, who he still managed to make feel that we were important and special in his life. And we will always and forever remember Emerald Lake.   

Jan & Carolyn Swanson - Moose Jaw, SK: Linda & family,  Dennis was such a great guy, happy, knowledgeable, friendly; it was hard to see the road he travelled in the last couple of years, but he did it with grace and strength. He is now safe in the arms of Jesus, resting at peace.  He will be remembered fondly and missed by many.  Cherish your memories, thinking of you all.

Corilea Benson - Regina, SK: My most sincere condolences Linda, Mark and Scott. Denny will be so missed by all of us. His optimism throughout his challenge was such an inspiration and your strength a testament to your family bond. Although I am away and unable to attend the service, please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
love - Corilea

Shareen and Dan MacKay - Moose Jaw, SK: Linda and family....Our most sincere sympathy on the loss of Dennis...Linda, I will always remember you calling him, "my guy!"  And so he was...a real family man who was an exceptional role model on what a real GUY should be.  Praying for peace for all...\

Jim, Marg Mitchell - Moose Jaw, SK: Dennis was our accountant for over 15 years and we met socially when he and Linda came dancing, he was one of the nicest persons we've had the privilege to know .Sincere condolences to his family

Marian Campbell - Moose Jaw, SK: Linda, Mark and Scott.  More sympathy is with you now than words alone can tell.  May you find strength in your faith, and comfort in knowing your friends are praying for you.

Ron Williams - Saskatoon, SK: Linda, Scott & Mark: Dennis was a great father, leader and friend.  He always knew the right direction to take and also to provide the right direction to others.  He had a significant positive impact on everyone he touched.  He fought his battle in a positive "Dennis Benson" approach.  He will be sadly missed but always watching and guiding us down the correct path.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you. 

Don and Valda Craig - Calgary, AB: Linda, Mark, Scott, and all of the immediate family. Although we were unable to be there for the service due to prior commitments, please know that our thoughts and prayers are certainly with you. We have many special memories of Denny and will particularly remember that sparkle in his eyes. He was a wonderful man and handled his hardship with grace and dignity. We were blessed to have him as a part of our family. Love to you all.

John & Marily Snell - SK: Linda, Mark & Scott- Our sincerest sympathy on the loss of Dennis. May all the wonderful memories you shared as a family help you through this difficult time. May these same memories keep Dennis in your hearts forever.

ALS Society of Saskatchewan - Regina, SK: Our condolences to Dennis Benson's family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this time of sorrow. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need anything. From your friends from the Board of Directors of the ALS Society of SK.

Melissa Bader - Saskatoon, SK: My heart goes out to you in your time of loss and grieving. May your experiences together and memories carry you as you learn to continue on down your journey.  You are in my thoughts and prayers. 

Leslie MacDonald - Moose Jaw, SK: Linda and family,  My sincere condolences to you all... Cherish the wonderful memories of your husband and father and hold them close to your hearts.  May the close bond that you have as a family give you strength...Take Care....

Stewie - Moose Jaw, SK: Linda and boys, Watching Dennis for the last few years, he showed the fight and strength that many of us only can wish for.  My prayers are with you at this sad time.

David Graham Banman - Moose Jaw, SK: Sincere condolences to the Benson family.


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