This notice has been published and flags have been lowered at Okanagan Colleges campuses in memory of Garry Benson, an Honorary Fellow of the College (bestowed in 2014) who passed away on Oct. 8, 2022.
Benson was the founding partner of Benson Law LLP. He was appointed as Queen’s Counsel in 2009 – an honour given to lawyers who demonstrate exemplary service to the Canadian justice system. Benson’s legal practice focused on Business, Real Estate, and First Nations Law.
A member of Beaver Lake First Nation, he was committed to advocating for environmental interests within industry. He was involved in many high-profile cases involving the protection of the environment and Indigenous rights in Alberta. Prior to his career as a lawyer, he also served as an RCMP officer.
As a long-time resident of Kelowna, he lent his time and expertise to many community, volunteer and fundraising activities, including The Nature Trust of British Columbia, Rutland Business Association, and the Canadian Cancer Society.
“While I didn’t have the honour of meeting Garry, it is clear from his dedication to the community, and the positive impact he made, that he embodied what it means to be an Honorary Fellow of the College and the intent behind that honour. On behalf of our learning community, I extend our condolences to his family and our admiration for the legacy of giving back he leaves behind in the region,” said Okanagan College President Neil Fassina.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, Oct. 14 at 10:15 a.m. at Sunset Ranch in Kelowna. For more information and to leave condolences for his family, visit his online obituary page.