Ernest Walter Bennett

Passed away Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at home surrounded by family and friends after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Ernie was born in Halifax September 29, 1947, the son of Ernie and Marjorie Bennett (Weaver). He grew up in the Halifax and Dartmouth area, and lived a quintessential down east childhood in the presence of the Atlantic, while playing lots of sports. He graduated from Queen Elizabeth High School and attended St Mary’s University. After a brief flirtation with the Canadian Forces(pilot), Ernie started a summer job at the Halifax Dockyard and worked his entire career there, until his retirement in 1998. Well known throughout the dockyard with an outgoing and unique personality, he completed a 30 year career in the maintenance of the most complicated platforms and warships in the Royal Canadian Navy. Ernie was fortunate enough to meet his wife Angela Beazley, who provided a loving environment that strengthened and enhanced every aspect of his life. He had a larger than life presence in many of his interests. A devoted member of the Waegwoltic Club, he was an accomplished tennis player and often could be seen coaching a full generation of younger players with a great sense of humour. Just as busy with squash and hockey at St Mary’s University in the winter, Ernie supported the Huskies hockey program for many years and continued to play competitive hockey throughout his life.

Survived by his wife Angela, sister Jackie (Bob) Hampshire, his “adopted" grandchildren of the Hiltz family, Carter, Madie, Griffin and Broden . He is survived by several other special nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his mother and father, two baby brothers, one baby sister, and twin brothers (John and James). While outwardly gruff on occasion, he had a big heart and touched the lives of so many family and friends. For many of us, Ernie will always hold a special place in our hearts.

A celebration of Ernie’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at the Wardroom, CFB Stadacona - 2648 Lorne Terrace. The family will greet guests at 4:00pm, followed by reminiscing and eulogy at 5:30pm. For details, please call JA Snow Funeral Home(902-455-0531) or visit www.jasnowfuneralhome.com

Donations in his memory may be made to APSEA Auxilary Fund, c/o APSEA 5940 South St. Hfx. NS B3H IS6

"APSEA is an organization that provides all manner of support to assist the visually challenged with technology, adaptations, mobility training, and vision assistants. Within the main service, there is a special auxiliary fund (APSEA Auxiliary) which is fueled solely by donors and this is used to give low income children with visual impairments access to sport, sport equipment, clothes, glasses, fees for sports or hobbies etc. It is the source that APSEA workers turn to when the low vision/low income kids need help of any kind with the things that parents can't afford." www.apsea.ca

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DIRECTIONS TO THE WARDROOM: The main entrance for the Wardroom is off North Street and the only way to approach this is to come up from Barrington Street. SEE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW:

• The address is The Wardroom CFB Halifax (Stadacona), 2648 Lorne Terrace. Lorne Terrace runs off North Street between Barrington and Brunswick Streets

• Enter Lorne Terrace by going up North Street from Barrington street and keep to the right and enter through the gate into Stadacona (or you can park elsewhere and walk to the gate)

• ID such as a driver’s licence is required for access through the gate. You will be asked for ID

• Parking is past the building and swing up to the left and there are a few parking areas scattered amongst the other buildings and down as far as Barrington in front of the base hospital

• The wardroom is in the building immediately to the left as you enter Stadacona

• Pedestrian entry into the Wardroom area of the building is off of Lorne Terrace, it is the main entry that you see when entering the base

• Enter the main door and up the stairs. The Ballroom is at the front of the building to your left as you come off the stairs

• For handicap access, there is an elevator from the main floor. The elevator is located down the hall to the right of the stairs through a set of doors