CYRIL BENDER

CYRIL BENDER 1943 – 2025
Cyril Bender, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. He was born in Medicine Hat on August 22, 1943, and lived a life filled with devotion to family, friendship, and love. He is survived by his beloved wife, Maureen Bender, his partner in life and love for 58 years of marriage. Together they built a home filled with warmth, strength, and treasured memories. Cyril was a proud and loving father to his sons, Staven and his wife Stephanie, and Craig and his wife Judy. He was also a cherished grandfather to Brennan, Megan and Andrew Cohan, Sky, Cameron, and Stone. His wisdom, humor, and unconditional love will live on in each of them. One of his greatest joys in recent months was the anticipation of becoming a great-grandfather, as Megan and Andrew prepare to welcome his first great-granddaughter this December. Cyril is also survived by his brother, Barry and his wife Gloria, and his nephews Jason and Colin. He will also be dearly missed by his extended family and many close friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Chris and Freda Bender; his in-laws, Rose and Harry Becker; and other in-laws, Pete and Eilleen Becker, Betty and Earl McKenna, and George and Kay Becker. Cyril was raised on a farm in Hilda, Alberta, where he learned the values of hard work and perseverance at a young age.
His family later moved to Medicine Hat, where he began his very first job at Reidy Ford. He then became Service Manager for Big M Motors and Rodeo Ford, building a reputation for dedication, skill, and leadership. Cyril later became a local business owner of Altwin Distributors, a true family business he operated alongside his wife and son. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family, always putting them first. He loved antiques, museums, war memorials, history books, and had a lifelong passion for cars and travel. A hot rod and antique car enthusiast, he was a founder of the Medicine Hat Vintage Vehicle Club, and especially proud of his prized 1932 Ford, “Midas Touch,” as well as the blue boat he built, “Apollo Starfire.” He also enjoyed camping, boating, snowmobiling, skiing, and exploring, but his favorite place was the cabin he built at Mara Lake, BC, where days were filled with laughter, stories around the table, and time on the water with those he loved most. A man of meaningful habits, Cyril enjoyed mornings watching the river and working through his wonderword puzzles. He loved engineering and building, always creating with precision. Cyril was also a soccer coach, mentor, and scholar of history. His love of teaching and guiding others left a lasting impact on young athletes, friends, and family alike. He will be remembered for his steadfast spirit, calm demeanor, sense of humor, and endless curiosity.
His legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to family will continue through his children, grandchildren, and the many lives he touched.
The celebration of Cyril’s life with take place in the Victory Lutheran Church (2793 Southview Drive SE) on Thursday, August 21, 2025, 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Grant Crichton officiating. The service will be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually, please visit Cyril’s obituary page on our website, for the link. A private interment will take place in the Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the ALS Society in his honour. To leave a message of condolence you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
PATTISON FUNERAL HOME
AND CREMATORIUM
540 South Railway St. SE,
Medicine Hat T1A 4C2