It is with deep respect and gratitude that we honour the life and legacy of Lucille (Lucy) Élaine Bender, who passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026. Lucy leaves behind a profound impact on the Canadian Kennel Club community and the many people and animals whose lives she touched.
Lucy was widely known in the CKC community for her unwavering dedication and support of purebred dogs. She served an extraordinary five consecutive terms on the Canadian Kennel Club’s Discipline Committee—2010–2013, 2013–2016, 2016–2019, 2019–2022, and 2022–2025—demonstrating 15 years of commitment to fairness, integrity, and the responsible stewardship of the CKC’s disciplinary processes. During this remarkable period of service, Lucy was admired for championing justice, transparency, and accountability in all matters brought before the committee.
Her leadership reached new heights when she was appointed Chair of the Discipline Committee in May 2019, a role she fulfilled with distinction until the end of her final term in 2025. As Chair, Lucy’s principled nature, deep compassion for animals, and unwavering moral clarity shaped the committee’s work and earned the respect of colleagues across the organization. Her steady guidance and dedication left a lasting imprint on CKC governance and the broader purebred dog community.
Beyond her extensive contributions to the CKC, Lucy was admired for her distinguished career as the Regional Assessment Officer of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, where she was known for fairness, determination, and a profound sense of care in serving the public. Her intelligence, sharp wit, and principled approach earned her the deep respect of colleagues and community members alike.
Lucy’s compassion extended far beyond her professional accomplishments. She was a devoted companion to her beloved Chow Chows, Cole and Fafi, and a cherished friend to many who treasured her humour, candour, and kindness. Her legacy is one of service—to people, to dogs, and to the values she carried throughout her life.
The Canadian Kennel Club, along with all who knew her, will long remember Lucy for her leadership, dedication, and heartfelt commitment to the health and well-being of dogs across Canada. Her work and spirit continue to resonate in the communities she served.