It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon (Gord) Benko, a devoted husband, and father, a cherished grandfather and beloved brother, who left this world peacefully on October 4, 2025 at the age of 81 years. Gord is survived by his wife Sharon (nee Archer), son Chris (Robyn) Benko, daughter Michelle (Leon) Seiferman and grandchildren: Riley, Jordan, Katelyn, Kristin, and Kayla.

Gordon was born in Lestock, Saskatchewan to Michael and Elizabeth (Horvath) Benko and raised on the family farm near Punnichy, Saskatchewan. He was the youngest of nine siblings and is survived by his sisters Irene (Vern) Merk and Helen Osborne. Gord was predeceased by siblings: Max, Margaraet, Gabe, Julian, Agnes and Frank.

Gord joined the RCMP upon completion of high school and spent twenty-five years serving the communities of Red Deer, Rocky Mountain House, Camrose, Ottawa, Saskatoon, Whitehorse, and Mayo, with his final posting being in Innisfail. He patrolled with integrity, courage and compassion. Upon retirement from the RCMP, Gord became the Assistant Town Manager of Innisfail for many years. He then went on to work with Bristow Welding and Mechanical.

Gord demonstrated a strong commitment to his community through his volunteer work with many organizations such as the Royal Canadian Legion, Innisfail, Branch #104 and the Rotary Club of Innisfail. To all who knew him he was a man of principle, warmth and quiet strength.

Gord loved golfing, camping, curling and travelling. As an avid curler, Gord competed in many bonspiels and competitive curling, competing in the National Police Curling Championships in 1976 and 1977, representing the Yukon M Division. He spent many winters in Arizona and summers camping with friends, often enjoying rounds of golf with close friends. From his “Hamburger Heads” golf team, the Friday “Red Shirt” crew to the Waterton group, Gord played many rounds with these lifelong friends. Gord often spoke of his time in the Yukon. He told many stories of the fun he had living there and of the challenges and rewards of policing in the North. During this period, Gord built lasting bonds with friends who stayed by his side through the years.

Though he may be gone from our sight, he will never be gone from our hearts. His love endures in every story told and every moment shared in his memory.

A Celebration of Gord’s Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #104, Innisfail, on Tuesday, October 21, at 2:00 p.m. For those unable to attend the Funeral Service, please go to www.heartlandlhome.com and click on the Live Stream button just prior to 2:00 p.m. The Live Stream will be recorded and available to view on Gord’s Memorial Page 24 to 48 hours after the Service. A Private Family Graveside will take place at the Innisfail Cemetery.

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to STARS Foundation 570-1441 Aviation PK, NE Calgary, Alberta T2E 9Z9 or https://stars.ca/ or the Alberta Cancer Foundation, 10123 99 St NW #710, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 3H1 or at www.albertacancer.ca Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006

• Date : 2025-10-18
• Location : (Innisfail) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com