Obituary of Kanda Rae Benaschak

Kanda Rae Benaschak was born July 8, 1982 at Gravelbourg, SK to parents Marg (nee Wilkins) and Richard Benaschak. She was raised on a farm in the Bateman area with her three older siblings Trisha, Rhett and Dwight. Kanda attended Bateman School from kindergarten until the end of her grade 7. Growing up, Kanda was involved in the Bateman United Church and Sunday School, 4H, dancing, skating and softball. She spent a couple weeks each summer camped at Shamrock Park where she took swimming lessons with many of her cousins. Kanda completed grades 8-12 at Gravelbourg High, graduating in 2000. She attended Lethbridge College and the University of Lethbridge to obtain her Bachelor of Management Degree. In 2004, Kanda travelled to New Zealand and Australia. Kanda had previously worked at various jobs in Swift Current, Moose Jaw and Medicine Hat and was employed as an auto adjuster at SGI in Swift Current at the time of her passing. Kanda cherished the opportunity for family gatherings. She had a special love for children, especially her nieces, nephew and younger cousins. She also had a genuine love for animals and had volunteered at the Swift Current SPCA. Some of Kanda’s favourite things included: family ski trips; relaxing on the beach at Palliser Park; going back to the farm and taking scenic photos; enjoying a walk outdoors; a good thunderstorm; watching hockey; attending concerts; listening to music, watching movies, reading and travelling. Kanda was very organized and took exceptional care of her possessions. She was a true friend and confidante and formed a special bond with many of her cousins and co-workers. Kanda will always be remembered for her kind heart, her warm smile, her contagious giggle and her great sense of humor. Kanda passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at Moose Jaw, SK. She is survived by and will be so sadly missed by her parents, Marg and Richard Benaschak, her sister Trisha Kreutzer (Chris), her brother Dwight (Jill), nieces Koralyn and Jessica Kreutzer, nephew Rhett Benaschak and her grandpa Rankin Wilkins, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Kanda was predeceased by her brother Rhett (1997), grandparents Hazel Wilkins and Bill and Susie Benaschak, her uncle Harold Hoffman and cousin Brent Benaschak. A funeral service for Kanda Rae Benaschak was held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 28, 2012 from Our Lady of the Assumption Co-Cathedral, Gravelbourg, SK with Pastor Neil Gilbert of the United Church officiating. Family entered the church to "Sissy’s Song” by Alan Jackson. Honorary pallbearers were "All Kanda’s cousins, family and friends.” Active pallbearers were Kanda’s cousins Amy Wilkins, Tiffany Wilkins, Kaci Wilkins, Courtney Wilkins, Kari Hamilton, Jana Hamilton, Ella Klippenstein, Arin Hamilton, Jill Benaschak, and TerraLee Hutchinson. Words of Remembrance were shared by Kanda’s cousins TerraLee Hutchinson and Kari Hamilton. Her cousin Clay Benaschak read the poem "Love Never Disappears” by St. Augustine. One of Kanda’s most listened-to songs, Magnolia by Jakalope, was shared during a slide show of Kanda’s scenic photography. During the presentation of roses by her siblings and their spouses, her nieces and nephew, her cousins and cousins’ children, another of Kanda’s favourite songs "Just Breathe” by Pearl Jam was played. Josh Carley provided the piano music for the service, which included the hymns "Part of the Family,” "In the Garden,” and "Amazing Grace.” Josh also played a beautiful piano solo of Jamey Johnson’s "Lead Me Home.” "Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum was played at the conclusion of the service. Interment for Kanda Rae Benaschak took place at the Bateman Community Cemetery. Donations in memory of Kanda may be made to the Swift Current SPCA, 2101 Knight Cres., Box 1163, Swift Current, SK S9H 3X3 or the Bateman Community Hall, Box 6 Bateman, SK S0H 1X0.