It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we, the family announce the peaceful passing of our husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and friend Clarence “Buddy" Bennett on Saturday March 26, 2022 at home surrounded by his loving family.
Born December 4, 1928, he was the son of the late John Arthur and Lillian (Joseph) Bennett. He is survived by his loving wife and soulmate of 65 years, Josephine (Johnston), sons; Robert (Dianna) and Stephen, daughters; Denise Jensen (Ottawa) and Lynne (Karen) Houston Texas, Grandchildren;, Kirsten, Dana (Emily), Ashley (Thomas) and Sara as well as great grandchildren, Sydney, Jamielynn, Charlie Josephine, Landon and Everett. Also surviving are sisters; Marion Benoit, Joan (Bevan) MacIntosh, Patricia (Joe) Kendall, Helene (Art) MacKinnon, brothers; George and Tony (Georgina,) sister-in-law Anna Bennett, brother-in-law Jerry Fraser, as well as a number of nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was predeceased by brothers; Frank, Rudy, Art and sister Mary Fraser.
Dad was a self-taught man and an extremely hard worker who never really slowed down until the very last year of his life. He was a man who would lend a helping hand to anyone in need and there are many stories of kind deeds that he did to help the needs of someone that may have been down on their luck or just needed a helping hand. He was employed by the Sydney Whitney Pier Bus company and later with co-op petroleum fuels. He also worked alongside his brother Frank for a while in Franks Transmission Shop. He loved to tinker around in his garage and there was nothing that he couldn’t fix when he set his mind to it. From an early age, Dad was a true cowboy at heart. He often told us stories about when he was a young boy how his mother would give him a dime on Saturdays to travel down town to see his favorite westerns at the old theatres on Charlotte Street. Dad had a great love of Horses and having owned numerous ones in his younger years was a talented rider. He would never be seen around town, in church, or his weekly trip to the casino without one of his signature Bolo ties on for which he became noticeably recognized for.
Dad was born and raised in Whitney Pier, until recently he spent most of his adult life living on Dixon Avenue where he raised his family and created many wonderful memories that will last us a lifetime. Our home was always filled with love and joy, which was so important to him. He was affectionately known to all the neighborhood children as “Buddy Bennett”. He was also a well known figure on the Mira River in Marion Bridge where his summer cottage was located and where many lasting and lifelong friendships were created. He loved boating on the river and entertaining the carloads of visitors that always showed up on a hot Sunday afternoon. All on the river knew that they could rely on dad to fix any boat related issues they were experiencing and have them back up and running in no time at all.
Dad's love of music was second only to his love for his family. He was talented on both the guitar and the Harmonica and could often be spotted sitting outside on the deck at home singing and playing a tune for his best friend, our mom whom he loved dearly. He belonged to a number of musical groups that included the Memory Lane Singers, C.B. Ukulele Strummers, The Silver Tones, “3+1”, as well as the Club 55 Band. He was a well know figure across Cape Breton where he entertained at various events. He loved playing at the numerous Seniors’ home throughout the island and watching how he could light up the faces of the residents as they sang along. Once again, his wife was always there by his side.
He was a man of strong faith and was a member of St. Theresa's parish where he served on the parish council and was a 3rd degree Knight of Columbus. He was a member of Club 55 and Sydney Steelworkers and Pensioners Club.
The Family would like to extent a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Greg Myatt and Janice for their care and compassion for Dad over the years and especially in these last weeks where they were instrumental in ensuring that his last days were as comfortable as possible. Also, to the VON nurses that visited daily as well as the palliative care doctors and nurses, you were his Angels. To Dad’s Family, friends, and neighbours who were there in his last days to offer support, comfort and words of encouragement, we are forever grateful.
Cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel, on March 31, 2022, from 4-7 pm, with a Funeral Mass celebrated at 11am on April 1, 2022 at St. Theresa’s Parish, with Fr. Dennis Lamey officiating. A reception to follow at St Theresa's parish hall. Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Palliative Care or charity of your choice.
As Dad said, “Point me to the Moon, & Let me go!”
