Obituary of Lyle Anthony Matthew Benko

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Lyle passed away peacefully on February 26, 2016 from complications that arose after heart surgery. He was predeceased by parents Nick and Kay, and his brother Ken. Lyle is survived by Donna, his loving wife and best friend of 43 years; his son Dean (Kirsten), his beloved grandchildren Emma and Andrew; his daughter Paula (Warren) Weber; numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Lyle served as a teacher, administrator, and consultant in the Regina Catholic School Division for over 30 years. Following that, Lyle shared his talents at the University of Regina as a teacher in the Faculty of Education. Lyle also served as president of L*A*M*B* Consulting Inc., working internationally, nationally and provincially with Education for Sustainable Development and Climate Change. Lyle was also the Co-coordinator of the Regional Center of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development (RCE Saskatchewan). Lyle has presented at the United Nations in New York, he was part of the Bonn Declaration development in Germany and he presented at the 9th Global RCE Conference in Japan. Lyle has worked tirelessly to support the work of many important boards and committees including: Society Environment & Energy Developments Studies (SEEDS); Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS); SaskPower Shand Board of Directors; Saskatchewan Outdoor and Environmental Association (SOEEA); the Saskatchewan Science Centre Board; the Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF) Board; Wings Over Wascana (WOW); the Canadian Western Agribition (CWA); the Green Ribbon Community Climate Change Advisory Committee and the City of Regina Environmental Advisory Committee. Throughout his career, Lyle received numerous distinctions including the University of Regina “Inspiring Teacher Award”. The driving force behind all of this work was Lyle’s hope to ensure a sustainable future for his grandchildren. One of Lyle’s favourite quotes was from a Senegalese Poet, Baba Dioum. “In the end, we conserve what we love. We love what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught.” Most importantly, Lyle was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was “larger than life”, cherishing every moment with family and constantly marveling at the beauty and wonder of the world around him. Lyle had many passions including: camping and spending time outdoors, curling, the Saskatchewan Science Centre, swimming, classic cars, playing his accordion, listening to music, the Toronto Maple Leafs, collecting owls, making yearly additions to his Christmas village and cheering on his grandchildren in their every endeavour. Most of all Lyle cherished beautiful moments with his loving wife Donna: traveling, playing crib and snuggling by the fire. We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support we have received from family, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives were touched by Lyle. The family wishes to express their appreciation for the excellent care provided by the OR, ICU, and other medical staff of the Pasqua Hospital and the Regina General Hospital. As well, we are deeply grateful for the support of the chaplains and all those who provided spiritual care. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Resurrection Parish, 3155 Windsor Park Road, Regina, SK, on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. John Weckend officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Lyle may be made to RCE Saskatchewan. Make cheques payable to Luther College and send c/o Dr. Roger Petry, Co-coordinator RCE SK, Luther College, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK, S4S 0A2.