August 24, 1961 - November 7, 2021
"CORRECTED VERSION"
With deep heartfelt sorrow we announce the sudden accidental passing of our beloved Rick; born in Williams Lake August 24th, 1961 leaving far too soon November 07/2021.
He spent his life in the Cariboo; at Horsefly, Black Creek, Williams Lake and Quesnel. His first job was weekends in his Dad's truck stop at 13; weekends for P & T at 16; full time after grad. Rick was always busy, often 3 jobs at once; P & T, Fraser Inn Steakhouse and sharpening saw bits for P & T. He bought his first house at 21, which he renovated; about then he got his diving license with PADI. He left P & T to sell cars at Cariboo GM for several years and did it well; left GM to buy the 150 Mile Hotel with his brother Al and good friend Mike. He bought 'Julie's Hair Studio' and kept it for about ten years; then bought an apartment building. He got his realtor's license and sold at NRS for several years until he met the love of his life Diane Kotzer of Quesnel and moved to Quesnel, where he worked in the Kotzer family business. In 1995, he and John bought a recreation cabin at Horsefly Lake. In 2000, he took up flying and soloed; getting his license later along with his brother-in-law Brad. He and Diane retired and did some travelling, then moved to Little Horsefly Lake to work at their chosen retirement plan to finish a large unusual home on the lake.
Rick's recreation was always powerful dirt bikes (started by a Suzuki 125 from Dad at 13), skidoos and riverboats; he raced dirt bikes briefly in his teens. He had great mechanical and carpentry skills and was a great BBQ cook at the lake. He was our Rock; the caregiver and heart of our family.
Rick was predeceased by his Dad, Phil Benastick Jr., his father-in-law Frank Kotzer, Grandparents, Phil & Mary Benastick and Fred & Rose Rankin; Uncles, Keith Benastick, Gary Rankin, Wayne Rankin & Ron Ablitt and Aunt Geraldine Ablitt; also by niece Amber Kotzer.
He leaves to mourn, his beloved wife Diane Kotzer; step-son Cole Petersen (Amber) and Grandchildren, Annika & Noah; mother Dale Benastick, step-mother Eileen Benastick and mother in law Donna Kotzer; beloved siblings, John (Ninette), Alan (Shannon), and Alison Benastick and brother-in-law Brad (Barb) Kotzer. Also mourned by nephews; Kai & Cole Schneider, Joe & Sam Benastick and nieces, Hannah Schneider, Kate Benastick and Jade Kotzer and family; Aunts Linda Benastick and Pearl (Don) Moore; Uncles Jim (Joan) Rankin and Gordie Rankin; also by eight first cousins; Tracie & Kevin Benastick; Monty (Lori) & Bob (Rhonda) Rankin; Dolly (Binder) & Ronnie (Mike) Ablitt; Gordie (Corinne) & Dene Moore; also many relatives and friends in the Cariboo and throughout BC.
A Celebration of life will be held at a later time.