To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.
Tribute
In Loving memory of Hank (Henri) BENOIT
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Hank, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many. Hank was born August 4th, 1950, and left this earth on January 30th, 2026.
Beloved Family Man
He leaves to mourn his wife of 53 years, Ava (Lecoq); his daughter Amanda, husband Marlon Paule and their children, Carrissa and Audriana. His son Shawn, wife Kristen (Ball) their sons Daxon, Grayson and Ashton.His youngest daughter Serena, her husband Dave Blair and their daughters, Maisie and Layla “Henriette”.Layla did not meet her grandfather, but when Layla was born the nurse said she’d been kissed by an angel. We know that our special angel is looking down on her. Indeed, all of his children and grandchildren are watched over by that same loving presence.
Remembered by Family and Friends
He also leaves to mourn his passing numerous siblings Denis, Rick, Joanne, Carole, Alain and most notable Dianne Benoit-Hill, who always extended a helping hand in a time of need. One remaining uncle, his beloved uncle Joe and his wife Auntie Agathe. Along with many cousins and friends. Hank was predeceased by his parents, in-laws, uncles, aunts, cousins, and nephew.
A life of Kindness
Hank was a loving and devoted family man whose life was defined by kindness, generosity, and an unwavering willingness to help others. He was also the kind of person who gave of himself freely whether to family, friends, co-workers or complete strangers.He never hesitated when someone was in need to lend a helping hand.
Adventures and Passions
Hank enjoyed traveling through many countries.From the jungles in Peru to the frozen frontier of Alaska while working for Canadian Foremost and later driving through most of Canada and the U.S., either for work or for pleasure.
Hank proudly belonged to the Nifty Fifties Ford Club since 1988, where he enjoyed countless trips with the “Old Car Group” and car shows with friends who shared his passion. His love for classic vintage cars and his deep appreciation for anything mechanical will live on through those he inspired.
Volunteer Contributions and Legacy
Through his dedicated volunteer work with the Calgary Stampede, Hank played a vital role in the delivery and setup of stages at numerous venues. His commitment to ensuring every event ran smoothly was a testament to his unwavering dedication and teamwork. Hank’s passion for helping others and his love for community service remain an integral part of his legacy.
Quiet Acts of Heroism
Trained in CPR, Hank once acted quickly during a medical emergency at work, helping to save a coworker’s life. These actions were not extraordinary to him—they were simply who he was: a steady, caring presence who never hesitated to help when someone was in need.
On another occasion, Hank acted with the same calm courage when a vehicle continued moving through traffic after a collision with a small child inside, managing to stop the car and ensuring the child's safety. The child's grateful mother later wrote to his employer in appreciation of his courage and quick thinking. These moments were not exceptions, but a reflection of who he was at his core.
Memories of you, DAD
YOU are and will forever be our hero.
Music flowed constantly whether it was a long car trip or waking up to him singing while making pancakes on the weekends. His voice will forever echo when we hear one of his favorite songs play.
Dad taught us all about cars, everything from learning to drive manual transmissions which by the way he almost had a heart attack teaching us, to changing a flat tire or the oil. When his son-in-laws came into his life, you could guarantee they would be out back getting a lesson in mechanics, tricks of the trade that have been passed down to generations to come. In fact, his granddaughter learned early on that if she drives a car, these responsibilities come with it. While in a pickle, she changed her 1st flat tire on her own. Grandpa would have been so proud of her.
At Christmas as a family, we would go and cut down a tree in the woods. It was sparse picking but we would always walk out of there with the fullest of trees. Little did we know as a child that he was drilling holes and adding additional branches to fill it out. Strangers would ask where we had found that wonderful tree. He would pull us children in and out of the woods with a sleigh. What a magical time he created for us. Christmas time was so special, waking up with the Christmas vinyls on replay as we sat around the tree opening gifts.Those memories will forever live on as we share similar traditions with our families.
Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, whenever we were as a family for dinner, it was our rule of thumb, whoever cooked didn't do the dishes. Growing up, I remember our Auntie Mona, Grandma Lecoq and Dad battling it out in the kitchen as to who would get the dishes washed from dinner that evening. To this day, Dad kept that tradition going, passing it down the lines to our families.
Long car trips with Dad were always memorable. The classic 50s and 60s rock and roll to classic country being sung as we drove down the highway. Making a pit stop for beef jerky and a Pepsi or the endless bathroom breaks. The gullible tricks he played on us as kids to keep us entertained. The snapping of his fingers to turn on the bright headlights. A trick that fooled us for many years. Driving down the road with Dad just wasn't any car ride. It was the most special, memorable memories created. It was his love and even more so when we drove together as a family from riding in the pickup truck to his 18-wheeler Kenworth. Wherever Dad was we wanted to be right there with him riding down the road. In the middle of the night, crawling in his bunk to sleep and waking up to him singing, jumping in the passenger seat and pulling out the snacks with his Kenworth just beautifully lit up in the middle of the night cruising down the highway. Pure bliss.He always took such good care of everything.
Visiting our grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins in Altamont and Somerset over Christmas or special holidays we’d take the Ski-doo's out with him, have driving lessons in fields or him pulling us in the sleigh down the country roads with the truck. Don't tell mom, he'd say. Or listening to him speak fluent French with his parents. He was always the man we looked up to the most in life, our role model.
Dad always made us feel so loved, even at times when it was tough to love. At the time, we may have not known it, or admitted it, but later on in life, we knew he was always right, and he wanted what was best for us.
Devoted Grandpa
As our families grew and grandchildren were born we saw an even softer side of Dad than we had ever seen. When he held his grandchildren in his arms, his whole world stopped. Time paused and nothing else mattered. His grandchildren were a mini-version of the Benoit’s, and they had him wrapped around their little fingers. He would spoil them rotten, get down on the floor to play with cars, Barbies or even dress-up. They would sit on his foot while holding his hands and play horsey. The giggles didn’t stop when Grandpa was in the room.They love their grandpa and cherished every moment with him. Camping trips, farm visits, horse rides, sleepovers, coloring/puzzles while making breakfast, or simply going to the ice cream store. Grandpa's life started to evolve around spending as much time as he could with his grandchildren, any chance he had. Ballet recitals, baseball games, Christmas concerts, you name it, he would be there with bells on, as he'd always say.
Forever Remembered
Above all he will be remembered for his warm heart, steady presence and the countless ways he made the world a better place. His LEGACY will continue to live on in the lives he’s touched.
WE LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK A THOUSAND TIMES OVER AND OVER.
Love your beloved wife, children and grandchildren
❤️UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
More stories
Hank's two younger grandsons are obsessed with semi trucks. Following in grandpa's footsteps
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Grandpa I miss you more and more every day, I am so so grateful for the time we got to spend together and the memories we made! I miss the sound of your laughter and the sound of your voice telling random stories around the table or even just small conversations, I always loved having sleepovers, going on mini road trips and camping trips, and going to every stampede breakfast with you and Grannie, I will forever miss those small moments so much. It feels like just yesterday we were sneaking cookies and cherry balls when nobody was looking!! I couldn’t have been more blessed than with a grandfather like you who never failed to show up for us and everyone you loved even when it meant going out of your way. You have taught me so many lessons in life and have guided me through more than I could have ever imagined. I hope you know that you were appreciated and loved more than words could ever express. And Even though you aren’t with us anymore a piece of me will always be with you and you will be in my heart forever and ever! I love you to the moon and back!
Simply one aspect of just a nice, caring man. Evelyn and I send our condolences to you Ava and family. He will be missed in so many circles. God comfort you all.
John & Evelyn Moore
Hank was a gentle & kind person and special friend to my husband Dan. He too will be greatly missed. May your memories give you strength going forward. May they both Rest In Peace.
I will miss that teasing grin and our laughter during those cherished card games and so many other times. (He was actually pretty good at counting cards and figuring out your hand)
Amanda, Shawn and Serena, your dad was loved by so many! He was a very loyal friend, father, grand father, husband and brother. He loved all of his grandchildren so very much and I heard he gave a kiss to Layla on his way by (something he would definitely do).
He will never be forgotten and will continue to support and lead us until we meet again!
Please listen to the music chosen by Ava when reading the tribute, as it describes him perfectly.
Please share your stories with my family during this time of grief as we all enjoy the memories.
Love,
Diane
Love you forever and always.Until we meet again DAD❤️
I was so sad to hear of Hank’s passing, I’m so sorry for your loss.
Thank you for sharing all these beautiful pictures of your family and Hank, such a beautiful tribute.
Hold onto these memories and the tears today will eventually turn into smiles when you talk about Hank.
Patti Dickieson, cousin
We all have just so many incredible memories! From working on the many vehicles together, driving long road-tips across the US, or even riding on Thomas the Train, you always wanted to be a part of our lives.
Shawn and I often think back fondly to our New Years trip to Phoenix — I know I definitely will think of you the next time I see a cactus or an orange tree!
I watched your heart grow bigger and bigger as each grandchild came along and always smiled at how the “grandpuppies” also made their way into your caring heart.
Thank you for always showing up for us no matter the problem. Whether it was to fill in for a Father’s Day at daycare, late-night hospital trips, or saving us from a trailer breakdown in the mountains, I knew I could always look to you as a father, and that meant so much to me.
One of the greatest gifts you passed down through your kids and grandkids was your incredible work ethic. The boys love hearing their dad talk about his days of polishing chrome with you at the Okotoks shop. You taught him to always show up and provide - even on a Saturday! - to not be afraid of tough tedious work and to always take pride in your finished job. I often see the same work ethic in the boys, and they want to be “just like Grandpa” when they grow up. They light up at cars, trucks and mechanics, just like you did.
Thank you for being an incredible role model both as a father and grandfather. Though we mourn for the lost time together, I know they will carry you and your legacy through for generations to come.
"Your memory is a keepsake from which we'll never part, God has you in His keeping, we have you in our hearts." - Unknown
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