Armido Nicholas Benvin

Armido was born in the village of Stanic, Croatia to Angela Benvin (Kucic) and Domenico Benvin at the start of World War II. Life was hard for the family with Domenico in the merchant navy, but Armido was surrounded by family and love. When the island of Cres became part of the new country of Yugoslavia, Angela and Armido escaped to Italy to find a better life. The next few years were spent in refugee camps in Italy before leaving from Bremerhaven, Germany to a new life in Canada. The new life was hard, living in Senneterre and Malartic, Quebec but Armido was an excellent student. He learned French and won academic awards and learned a new culture.

After a few years in Quebec the family moved to Port Alberni, BC and Domenico found work in the Plywood Mill. Armido learned English at thirteen and managed to graduate High School a year early. He attended the University of British Columbia where he earned a teaching degree and specialized in Organic Chemistry and French. He returned to Port Alberni and began a long career as a teacher. It was at a teacher's social function that he met his wife, Helen McLachlan. They married in 1964 and built the house they raised their family in.

He was a man of love and strength who put his family first in all things. He was an incredibly hard worker who maintained and renovated rental properties, taught full-time and still made time for his children. Losing Helen in 1993 was a terrible blow but he persevered and moved forward with his life. His great joy was seeing his grandchildren thrive and grow in skills and knowledge. The peace and happiness of his children and grandchildren gave him comfort and a sense that his early struggles were vindicated.

He was a good father and grandfather. He made an impression on everyone he met. He taught many of our peers and even today, we meet people who were taught by our father and remember him fondly. His life was not an easy one, but he made good and took care of his family until his death.

Armido is survived by his sons: Michael (the late Triona Benvin) and his son Lachlan; Allan (Heather Hastie) and his daughters Sophie and Claire. Armido is predeceased by his parents Angela and Domenico Benvin.

A service will be planned for August on Vancouver Island where Armido spent most of his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that people make a donation to the charity of their choice.