Richard Wayne Behnke

Richard was born on February 18, 1952, in Balcarres, Saskatchewan. He was the oldest of four children and he grew up in Regina and Lipton. He graduated from Balfour High School in 1970. Richard met the love of his life Esther in July 1973 and they were married December 28 that same year. Richard and Esther moved to the farm by Lipton and were blessed with four children: Calle, Tyrel, Lijah and Breanna.

Richard farmed with his dad, Alfred. They were best friends and that made running the farm a lot easier. Richard loved a good bargain and getting the best deal on everything. He loved the thrill of the hunt and along the way made many friendships. Richard loved to visit with family and friends, and he always had a fresh pot of coffee on.

Richard passed away in Royal University Hospital, in Saskatoon on January 31, 2026, at the age of 73 years.

Richard was predeceased by his parents Alfred and Zelmira (Trithardt) Behnke; infant son R. Aaron; parents-in-law John and Dorothy Dahms and brother-in-law Daniel Dahms.

He is survived by his loving wife Esther (Dahms) and their children: Calle of Saskatoon, Tyrel of Regina, Lijah (Carissa) of Saskatoon and Breanna (Gord) Bradford of Lipton; 10 grandchildren: Kyle and Rachel (Tyrel); Jayna, Anderson and Nola (Lijah and Carissa); Alex, Dexter, Logan, Katelyn and Danielle (Bre and Gord); 2 grand-pups Daisy (Calle) and Samual (Bre and Gord); sister Dorothy (Jerry) Holfeld; brother Ron (Wanda) Behnke; sister Judy (Donald) Wesa; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

The funeral service will be held in the Lipton Evangelical Missionary Church, Lipton, Saskatchewan on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Lawrence Trafford officiating. The interment will take place in Lipton Memorial Gardens and coffee will follow in the Lipton Town Hall.

Please note that while the church is wheelchair accessible, there is no washroom option for wheelchairs until the gathering in the hall.