BENNETT, Wilfred Joseph “Biff” – 90, of Halifax, passed away peacefully in Camp Hill Veterans’ Memorial Hospital on March 9, 2013. Born in Halifax, N.S., he was a son of the late Manuel Joseph and Jean (Vallance) Bennett. During the Second World War he served with the Royal Canadian Air Force, based in England, where he flew with the Royal Air Force #49 Bomber Squadron. During his tour overseas, between 1942 and 1945, he completed 30 missions as an aircrew member on Lancaster bombers. While stationed in England he married Brenda Margaret Stanton on June 16, 1945. He and Brenda returned to Halifax in 1948 where he obtained employment with Maritime Telegraph & Telephone Co. Ltd. (M.T & T.), until his retirement in 1983, after 35 years. He also continued his service in the R.C.A.F. in Halifax, from 1953 to 1961, as Chief Instructor and Fighter Controller for the # 2405 A.C. &W Reserve Squadron. Although much of his career with M.T & T. was spent in Halifax, promotions saw him transferred to Bridgewater as Local Manager (1961 to 1963) and to New Glasgow as District Commercial Supervisor (1967 to 1974). He was very active within these communities and served as a Director of the Bridgewater Golf Club, Chairman of the Board of Stewarts of the Bridgewater United Church, President of the Home and School Association and a member of the Kinsman Club. He pursued his love for sports such as golf and curling while in Bridgewater and also found time to coach Little League Baseball and was involved in Junior Golf Development. Some of Wilfred’s fondest memories of Bridgewater stem from the lasting friendship he and Brenda formed with their dear friends David and Brenda Hopkins. In New Glasgow he continued in his community involvement through the Rotary Club and was a member and director of both the Bluenose Curling Club and the Abercrombie Golf and Country Club. While in New Glasgow he continued his involvement in youth sport as coach of the New Glasgow High School Men’s Curling Team and as a member of the Nova Scotia Junior Golf Development Program. Upon his return to Halifax in 1974 he remained active in his favorite leisure activities as a member of the Ashburn Golf Club and Mayflower Curling Club. During much of his retirement years he was a proud member, Director and Past President of the Royal United Services Institute, Nova Scotia (RUSI). Wilfred is survived by his son Alan, daughter-in-law Linda (Harris) of Dartmouth, granddaughter Amanda Bennett of Victoria, BC a brother Albert (Joan) of Halifax and a sister Gertrude (Russell) of Florida as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving Wife of 67 years Brenda (Stanton), brothers George, Harold and sisters Jean, Barbara (Spafford) and Dorothy (Pellow). For all the happy memories, selfless gestures and humorous anecdotes, those whose lives you have touched will never forget you. A Celebration of Wilfred’s life will take place at J.A. Snow Funeral Home Chapel, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax B3S0E1 (455-0531) on Thursday March 14, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception following the service. Burial will take place in Fairview Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Society of Canada.
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