Howard Emerson Bennett

It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Howie on November 2, 2022 surrounded by love. Born March 31, 1949 to Edgar and Jessie (Wolstenholme) Bennett, Sydney Mines. Howie was a proud graduate of the “close knit” NSTC Phys. Ed. Class of '69 and Dalhousie University. First teaching at Pine Grove, Spryfield, and then Rockingstone Heights, where he was blessed to teach with amazing staff until May 10, 1989, when he suffered a severe Traumatic Brain Injury as the result of a car-pedestrian accident. Howie enjoyed fishing, skating, swimming, softball, bowling, hockey and all things Cape Breton. Howie suffered from severe short term memory loss after his accident but never forgot his love for his wife, children, grandchildren and extended families. Howie was blessed to have so many caring and kind people in his life. Glenda is so grateful for walking this journey with Jean and Phillip Cochrane, partners in advocacy throughout these many long years. Also to Glenda's family and Christine Collins, who guided, supported, lifted-up, and often carried Glenda and the children through many dark waters over the past 33 years. Special thanks to New Leaf Enterprises staff, Dr. Brenda Joyce, Dr. Terry Higgins, Dr. Hugh Matheson, Dr. Alakal, Dr. Lamothe, nursing staff 5A VG Site, and numerous others who treated Howie throughout countless hospital stays. Also to all those at Support Services Group who, over the past 22 years, provided personal and cognitive care with encouragement, respect and love. We wish we could name you all here. To Kelly Geddes, Laura Scrimshaw, Terri Hann, Nicole Picklyk and Melissa Jimmo who not only cared for and loved Howie, but also embraced Glenda with friendship and support. Howie is survived by his wife of 51 years, Glenda (Mason), children Craig (Tonya), Matthew, Robyn Kehoe (David) and Chris (Dani). Proud Poppa to grandchildren Daniel, Jewel (Jacob), Malik, Myla, Aspen, and to great-grandchildren Malia and Juniper. His Cape Breton family: Brothers Ed (Mary), Allie (Cindy), Sisters Viola Bennett, Deanie Gardner, Lorna Ings (Junior). Many nieces, nephews, cousins. His sisters and brothers-in-law: Kathy and Brad Gillie, Sharon and Norm Wiens, Steve Mason, nieces, nephew, recent roommate Larry Vincent and good friend Don Willett. Howie was predeceased by his parents Edgar and Jessie Bennett, parents-in-law Murray and Thelma Mason, sister-in-law Kathleen Bennett, brother-in-law Wilson Gardner; and roommate of 26 years Laurie Cochrane. We grieve the loss of Howie, but rejoice that he has been freed from the shackles of a body and mind that were never truly his. When you go through the fire and come into the light know that it is the Lord who carried you. Cremation has taken place. Visitation November 9, 2-4pm, J.A. Snow's Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr. Celebration of Life November 10, 1:30pm, Birch Cove Baptist Church, 50 Donaldson Ave. Private family burial following the service. Covid masking and no scents strongly requested by family. Family flowers only. Donations can be made to Support Services Group or Nova Scotia Brain Injury Association.

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