Richard “Dick” Lyle Benscoter, of Lewiston, passed away Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, at home. He was 99 years old.Dick was born Jan. 21, 1927, in the family home on American Ridge in Kendrick, to Harry Scott “Pete” Benscoter and Mary Ella Lyle. Dick and his identical twin brother, Robert “Bob” grew up and worked on the family farm until they were 17. Both joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and departed for boot camp in July of 1945. They were first stationed in Biloxi, Miss., and honorably discharged from service in 1946 after World War II ended.Dick returned home and enrolled at the University of Idaho to study agriculture and business (and he began a lifelong passion for continued education). After graduating from college, Dick moved to Spokane. He married Joanne “Jo” Paulson and began working for her father Karl Paulson on Orchard Prairie. Dick and Jo had three children, Heather, Holly and Robert “Robbie.” Dick and Jo later divorced.Dick married Vicky Gold in 1962 in Spokane and they moved to Kendrick in 1963 where they farmed on American Ridge. Vicky had two children from a previous marriage, Karen and Lesley Gold (Kopp) who moved down to the farm with them. Dick was a pioneer in farming grass for seed and was instrumental in promoting no-till farming practices. Dick and Vicky moved to Lewiston in 1998, but spent winters in Lake Havasu, Ariz., for over 35 years where they had many great friends and Dick could pursue his love of golf year around.

Dick and Vicky believed in the power of education and in 2014 endowed the Benscoter Lyle (now Benscoter Lyle Galloway) Scholarship after helping establish the KJ7 Education Foundation in 2013. The funds, through ongoing additional generous gifts to the foundation, are awarded every year to support the post-secondary educational goals of students graduating from Kendrick High School. The Benscoters believed that quality of life and ability to achieve life goals are rooted in education. Four generations of the Benscoter family were born and raised and worked their farms on American Ridge. The scholarship fund also honors the memory of family members William and Dorothy Lyle, who likewise believed in and supported the Kendrick Juliaetta and 7 Ridges community.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Vicky, his twin brother Bob, his daughters Heather Osborne and Holly Martin and son Robbie and stepdaughter Lesley Gold (Kopp). He is survived by his stepdaughter Karen Gold, of Seattle, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as his nieces and nephews. Dick will be remembered by his family and many friends as hardworking, fun-loving and generous.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 15, at the American Ridge Cemetery in Kendrick.Malcom’s Brower-Wann Funeral Home of Lewiston is in charge of arrangements.

Donations in Dicks’s honor may be made to the KJ7 Education Foundation, P.O. Box 503, Juliaetta, ID 83535.