Benedict LYNCH

1948 - 2022

"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23

Ben Lynch, AKA "Benny the Blade" (for his thin frame and speed…60 years ago), "Dutch" (for his strange infatuation with 'Dutch oven' cooking), "Duke" (to make him sound cool), "Papa" (12 grandchildren), "Old Man Lyncher" (age/last name), and "Dad" was born to Benedict & Ethel Lynch in Spokane in 1948 and passed away at his home on December 19, 2022.

Ben and his wife Julie (Gruber) had recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary just two months ago. Ben and Julie were married September 2, 1972, in St. Paul, Minnesota, after meeting at Whitworth College (Spokane) where Ben had followed an All-Conference baseball career at Spokane Falls Community College with an All-Conference career at Whitworth. He was a great ballplayer and played what he implied to be the only position on the diamond: center field. He was invited to try out for the Spokane Indians after college but was cut on the last day by Tommy Lasorda. …Tommy's career never recovered.

Duke was drafted during the Vietnam War but made himself invaluable as a base clerk and wasn't shipped overseas. He spent the majority of his professional career (30 years) working at Fairchild Air Force Base as a CPO. Many of his closest friendships were made at Fairchild, and he was in touch with 'Jer,' 'Big George,' and Russell to the end. I'm sure he'd also want to mention one of his all-time buddies and life-long friend Curt Larson, as well as his 'fourth son' Mike Schueller.

Ben and Julie raised three sons – Casey, Kelly, and Nate. Papa, as best known, was the grandfather of Daisy, Jack, Lucy, and Hank (Casey & Maggie), Ian, Esther, Mattie, Paul, Josh, and Sarah (Kelly and Lori), and Everett and Oliver (Nate and Kelly). He was proud of all of them and greatly enjoyed time with the family on nearly a daily basis. Through his entire life as a father and grandfather, Duke was always there to support us-he coached our Little League teams, made it to each and every kind of Junior High, High School, and college event, and rooted us on in all endeavors. Additionally, Ben and Julie spent almost 20 years providing foster care for newborn infants and toddlers. A tough job, but a great blessing for those kids. "Lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21.

The best of times were spent at his 'home away from home,' a log cabin he and 'the original' Benny Lynch built together during the 1980's in Priest River, Idaho. If the entire family wasn't there, he would often make the trip himself to enjoy the forest and wildlife … in peace. Dutch was an avid reader and couldn't resist any written word concerning the Civil War or the Old West. Thousands, and thousands, and thousands of books. He was also a 'tip-top' furniture maker, mediocre fly fisherman, better-than-average tennis player, meandering hiker, a typically 'came up empty' hunter, adequate gardener, unbeatable free-throw shooter, and an indiscriminate Hostess products connoisseur. In his prime, he could drink a 12-oz soda in 3 seconds. Old Man Lyncher loved golfing and could really hold his own depending on which drive he decided to play.

Ben is survived by his three sisters: Darlene Brown, Billie Ruonavaara, and Betty Keller, and was preceded in death by his parents and sister Marlene. Dad's three sons would like to thank him and our mom, Julie, for putting a foundation in place that has provided all of us and our children with a firm footing and trust in Christ, our Savior. We miss you but are excited for you at the same time. Thanks Dad-you've finished the race and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). It must be great having your speed back.

We love you, Dad.

Ben's family will not be holding a public service.