Mr. Nick Benko, beloved husband of Eleanor (nee Sass) of Yorkton, SK and formerly of the Willowbrook/Beaverdale district passed away at the Yorkton Regional Health Center on Sunday, February 26, 2012. He was 88 years of age. Nick was born on March 7, 1923, on the family farm near Willowbrook, the son of Gregory and Katherine Benko. He received his education at Junior School. With the sudden passing of his Dad in 1942, Nick started farming with his brother Andrew and later on took over the family farm. On November 7, 1951, he was united in marriage to Eleanor (Sass) of the Fenwood district. The couple were blessed with four children; Richard, Sylvia, David and Bradley. Nick enjoyed farming, welding, fixing and modifying machinery and was known as a "jack of all trades." He also enjoyed several hobbies which included curling, playing cards (especially 3 Spot) and fishing. In 1992, Nick and Eleanor purchased a home in Yorkton and continued farming. In 1999, he then semi-retired and continued helping Richard with farming until 2007. Nick was an active member and president of the St. Mary's Beaverdale Church. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood. Nick was predeceased by his parents; his brothers Mike, Metro, Andrew and Steve, his sister Annie Bonsal, brother-in-law's Mike Bonsal, Fred Krywulak and sister-in-law's Stella Benko, Mabel Benko and Annie Benko. In passing, he leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife of 60 years, Eleanor; son, Richard and his wife (Melita) of the Willowbrook district and their three children; Katherine Conrad and her husband (Justin) of Saltcoats, Mark of Saskatoon and Brandi of Brandon; daughter, Sylvia Lautner and her husband (Don) of Saskatoon and their two children; Ryan and his fiance (Kate Joa) of Saskatoon and Candace Nash and her husband (Dwayne), their daughter Carrington of Saskatoon; son, David of Bonnyville, AB and son, Bradley and his wife (Debbie) of Newcastle, ON and their three children; Kayla, Justin and Brittney and a sister Mary Krywulak of Saskatoon as well as many relatives and friends. Prayers were held on Tuesday, February 28, preceded by the Holy Rosary led by members of Knights of Columbus & Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood. Requiem Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Wednesday, February 29 at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Rev. Father Methodius Kushko, C.Ss.R. as the Celebrant. The responses were led by Ed Pindus, Colette Karapita and parish choir members. The organist, Melita Benko provided the music ministry. The cross bearer was Brandi Benko and the epistle reader was Katherine Conrad. "All Nick's friends and neighbours that shared in his life" were considered honourary pallbearers. An honour guard consisted members of the Knights of Columbus and Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Mark Benko, Dennis Benko, Ryan Lautner, Richard Yaremko, Bill Bonsal and Justin Conrad serving casket bearers. Memorials honouring Nick's life may be made to the ALS Society. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.baileysfuneralhome.com
Vichnaya Pamyat! Eternal Memory!
Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home.
