It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Duane Benson. Duane was born July 31, 1926 on the homestead near Quill Lake, Saskatchewan. He was the only son of Clinton & Lillian Benson, having six sisters. He passed away peacefully at Langley Memorial Hospital on March 10, 2020.
He was predeceased by Judy, his beloved wife of 67 years, sons Quenton & Curt, son-in-law Archie Tall & grandson John Benson. Also predeceased by 4 sisters; Anna Mae, Louisa, Kathleen & Joyce. He is survived by his son Mark (Laurie), daughters Bonnie (Cyrus) Maxilom, Denise Tall, Myrna (Rob) Goddard, 14 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren & sisters Jeanne & Marie.
Duane overcame much adversity in his early years, and due to hard times, he and his sisters were placed in an orphanage. After many temporary homes, Duane was taken in by Jim & Lena Westberg to which he had 3 foster brothers. This home gave him the stability & work ethic that drove him to succeed. Though he didn't complete high school he was a man of many talents. With his wife Judy they ran a coffee shop in Quill Lake, then farmed for a few years. In 1952 he moved his young family of 2 sons to Milner, BC, having bought the General Store (which later became Duane's IGA). It was a busy time running a business & raising family. He was very community minded and had a heart for mentoring young people. As a devout Christian he volunteered with his church and the Gideon Bible Ministry.
In 1976 he sold the store, then purchased the Orange Oasis malt shop in the old Langley Mall. He also had the "Big D" Burger Restaurant in Aldergrove.
In 1991 came retirement, which included ocean fishing & camping, snowbirding in the motor home and time at Beachwood. Family was important to Duane and he loved being a Grandpa. He leaves a legacy of honesty, integrity, generosity and humor.
A memorial service to be determined at a later date.
Donations to the Gideon Bible Ministry would be greatly appreciated.
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