Patricia “Lynn” Benedictson January 13, 1949 – August 10, 2026
The volunteers who work British Columbia Golf events become a family of sorts and that was especially true when Lynn Benedictson was helping out at a tournament.
Lynn did a lot more than just work as a rules official at BC Golf championship tournaments. She helped make sure everyone enjoyed their week on the road.
Lynn always showed up with something sweet — usually freshly-baked cookies — and would help organize and prepare dinners for her fellow volunteers and British Columbia Golf staffers after a long day on the course. Everyone who had the privilege of working alongside Lynn, who passed peacefully Aug. 10 at the age of 77, will miss her ever-present smile and welcoming attitude.
“Lynn was an excellent referee and she mentored many of us throughout the province as rules chair at many BC Golf and Golf Canada championships,” said BC Golf board member Michael Cook. “Lynn was one of a kind, a great mentor and leader who always provided sage advice when dealing with any issue at tournaments. And of course, she would always bring treats from home for the tournament office, in particular those home-baked cookies that everyone enjoyed.”
Lynn’s contribution to golf began long before her work as a rules official. When her sons, Brian and Bobby, began playing junior golf at Comox Golf Club in the late 1980s, Lynn helped organize a junior golf tour that still exists today. “Affectionately known as ‘Mrs. B,’ she became the mother hen of the junior golf tour, looking after young players both on and off the course,” Lynn’s family wrote in her obituary. “Whether helping a nervous youngster manage their emotions, straighten an outfit or remove a ketchup stain, Lynn was always there.”
Born and raised in the Comox Valley, Lynn remained there for most of her life. She spent the majority of her working career at Coast Country Insurance in the Comox Mall. Kris Jonasson, the recently retired chief executive officer of British Columbia Golf, worked closely with Lynn for many years and appreciated her contributions to the game and her friendship.
“She was what I would consider a good golf mom,” Jonasson said. “Her son Brian was a very good player for a long time and that is what got her into the game. She was a tremendous volunteer. She was a solid rules person and worked hard at developing a good junior tour that really has supported the development of Zone 6 right up to today.”
Like so many others, Jonasson always appreciated the way Lynn welcomed others. “She would always open her house whenever an event was being held anywhere close,” Jonasson said. “People could just drop by. Her kitchen was always open. She would do a lot of entertaining.”
Jonasson also noted that Lynn was a trailblazer of sorts in that she was the Zone 6 men’s representative on the Zone Council. “She represented the men in Zone 6, not the women,” he said. “I think that was a huge benefit to the association when she did that. She was the first woman to show that it was possible.”
In 2019, Lynn was awarded British Columbia Golf’s Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her contributions to the game.
Lynn is survived by sons Brian (Lorraine) and Bobby (Alyssa), grandchildren Lola and Everett, siblings Brian (Jan), Ann (Ian) and Beth, as well as countless other family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 at Crown Isle Golf Course in Courtenay.