David Michael Benyo, 63, died Oct. 19, 2016.

He was born March 24, 1953, in St. Charles, Mo.

The world lost a good man. Among so many other things, Dave was a husband, father, educator and friend.

Raised in Waterloo one of seven children, Dave spent much of his time as a youth participating in athletics. He excelled in a number of sports at Gibault Catholic High School, graduating 1971, and then went on to receive his undergraduate degree in elementary education at Rockhurst College in 1975, and then his masters degree at University of Missouri Kansas City.

In 1976 he married the love of his life, Victoria “Vicki” Benyo. From courting her playing mini-golf, to impressing her with his fantastic sideburns, it was the perfect match. In 1979 their daughter Lisa joined the family, followed by sons in 1982 (Scott) and 1986 (Drew).

Outside of his family, Dave will forever be known as Mr. Benyo, a wonderful educator. He spent an impressive 32-year career mostly at the same school, Dobbs Elementary in Hickman Mills, Mo. Beginning as a 6th grade teacher, then moving on to becoming the school principal, he always loved what he did.

The students were important to him, and he had a real and positive impact in their lives. He will be remembered for going the extra mile for the students, families and staff throughout his career: from planting flowers around the school on weekends to kissing a pig.

Life wasn’t always easy for Dave, and he too often drew the short end of the stick, but he was strong and always made the most of it. He survived cancer in 1986 and he held out as long as he could after his frontotemporal dementia diagnosis in 2012, and then subsequent decline. With dementia, nobody wins; thankfully, his last years were spent in Lee’s Summit, Mo., with the family that he loved and his grandkids that he found so very entertaining. Dave passed away at home, surrounded by family.

Dave is survived by his wife of 40 years, Vicki (nee Allen) Benyo; daughter Lisa (Sean) Noyes; sons Scott Benyo and Drew (Mercedes) Benyo; and grandchildren Izabel, Benjamin and Delaney Noyes; along with four brothers, a sister and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

The family is hosting a celebration of life Oct. 30, from 2-6 p.m., at the Raintree Lake Clubhouse, 825 SW Raintree Drive, Lee’s Summit, Mo.

At 4 p.m., family and friends are invited to share stories and memories of a man who faced life and its challenges with a quiet strength and cheerfulness.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a few of Dave’s favorite charities: The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (www.theaftd.org), Operation Breakthrough (www.operationbreakthrough.org) or Medical Aid for Palestine (www.mapcan.org).