Richard James Benard

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden & unexpected passing of Richard (a lot of his friends called him Eddy or Big Ed). Richard was born in Saskatoon to Al and Sheila Benard on October 10, 1963. He was the youngest of three children: sister, Carrie and brother, Dale. He lived in Saskatoon almost all his life, except for the 4 years that our family owned the Aylesbury Hotel. It was in Aylesbury at the age of 9, that he had his first job. All three of us kids, each worked 10 days per month after school & on Saturdays at the lunch counter selling chips, pop, chocolate bars, etc. and serving coffee.

Richard had several different jobs in the early years. He worked at the Auction Mart while still in high school. After graduating from Nutana Collegiate in 1981, he was the live-in Caretaker at our dad’s apartment building, Belmae Apartments. He worked at Smokey Lake Tree Planting Camp up north and at Booke Insulation. He also worked at Skyhigh Scaffolding for a few years. In 1992, he began his lifelong career (almost 33 years) with the Saskatoon Public School Board. He was a Janitor in several schools and then became Building Operator at Aden Bowman Collegiate, where he was still employed at the time of his passing.

Richard had a few relationships in his life, including his 23-year union with Shelley Kerth. They had a good life, made a home together and had a lot of adventures along the way. Unfortunately, they parted ways but had remained friends. For the past 8 years, he spent his down time with his partner, Denise Kirkpatrick. They loved going for long walks and shared a great love of all genres of music.

Richard had many friends over the years, but his best buddy was Ernie Finley. They have been lifelong friends and have had many, many adventures together. We are sure that Ernie will miss his side kick, Eddy, and will be lost without him.

Richard was passionate about many things. He loved golfing, fishing, camping, gardening (he always produced very delicious tomatoes) and music was also very important in his life. He was pretty stubborn at times, about certain things, and usually you couldn’t convince him to change his mind.

Left to mourn are his mother, Sheila Benard; sister Carrie Denis (Maurice); nephews: Dustin (Tiffany) Denis and Jordan (Rachelle) Denis; great niece and nephew: Rhen and Daymion Denis; and his partner, Denise Kirkpatrick. He also had a very special place in his heart for Shelley’s nieces and nephews and continued to this very day.

He was predeceased by his brother, Dale in 2004; his father, Al in 2020; all his grandparents and several aunts and uncles.

Richard was a kind and gentle soul and will be missed by many.