Obituary of Benedict (Benny) SCHECHTEL

March 3, 1940 – Macklin, Saskatchewan             
May 2, 2020 – Cochrane, Alberta  

Born in 1940 on a small farm in Saskatchewan, Benny was the youngest of eleven children. He left home at sixteen, moving to Banff, where he had family.  He found work immediately, and went to work for Parks Canada as a labourer, and worked his way up to Heavy Equipment Operator. He worked there for thirty-seven years, and had to retire young due to serious back problems, plus several other medical problems over the years.

He met Gail one evening when she was walking home from work, and he and two friends whistled at her, and they were severely rebuked. Soon they were dating, and five years later they got married. They were blessed with two children. First a son, Mark, who married Silvia from Austria, and Shelly, who married Derek from Saskatchewan, and of course along came their daughter, our granddaughter, Melyka.

Benny and I were always a “My Girl,” “My Guy” couple, as it is what we called each other!

Benny loved golfing, and he also played ball, curled, and bowled. He was an avid sports fan. Of course the Saskatchewan Roughriders was his favourite football team, the Edmonton Oilers for hockey. He enjoyed tennis too. He was a very quiet man, but loved a party, playing cards, dancing, and singing.

Benny will be remembered by numerous people. He was very kind, a good hard worker, super proud of his family, very loyal to his good friends, and always willing to help whoever needed it. He was always cheerful, eager to build things, and putz around the garage, which was where he liked to have beer and visit his friends. He usually had a twinkle in his eyes, and could be mischievous. Benny was always very polite and a true gentleman. We will all miss him deeply. A great guy! He loved having coffee at the A & W with his buddies – great service and waitresses!

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Benny’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Points West Living Cochrane (60 Fireside Gate, Cochrane, AB T4C 2T9), Telephone: 403-840-0150. It is an amazing facility with phenomenal staff, giving 100% to their residents! Thank you! And/or donations to Two Pharmacy (100 Grande Blvd #105, Cochrane, AB T4C 0S4), Telephone: (403) 932-2500, to purchase a wheelchair for Points West Living Cochrane.

Special thanks to Dr. McLaughlin, Two Pharmacy, and all of our friends. Thank you Cochrane for everything. Benny's family would like to thank everyone for their acts of kindness, friendships,  and words of sympathy during this time. Thank you all very much.

In living memory of Benny Schechtel, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Cochrane, 369 RAILWAY STREET, COCHRANE, AB, T4C 2E2,   Telephone: 403-932-4740.