Richard “Dick” Bedford Bennett of London passed away in hospital on Thursday, May 26, 2022 in his 81st year. Originally from Kincardine, ON. Beloved husband of Janet (Bell) Bennett. Dear father of Angela (Ray) Simpson of Halifax, NS, Jana (Brian) Bennett of London, ON and Andrew (Katie) Bennett of Calgary, AB. Missed by his grandchildren Samantha (Paul) Curtis, Matthew Simpson, Nathan Strachan, Kathryn Strachan, Olivia (Taylor) Masse, Nick Bennett and great-grandchildren Bennett Curtis, Lincoln Masse and Karson Masse. Fondly remembered by his sister Melba Bennett of Kitchener, ON and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his parents Melvin and Marie (Petter) Bennett, sisters June (George) Abbey, Shirley (Bill) Gottschalk, brother Bill Bennett and 2 brothers in infancy.
Dick worked for 42 years at London Life until his retirement in 2004 where he then continued his passion for sports becoming President of the OMHA, an organization he held many different positions over several years and continued to up to his passing. Dick participated in sports his entire life; long time London Knights season ticket holder, avid fan of the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings, he still always found time to be at many of his son’s and grandson’s hockey games as the hockey rink was a second home to him. He was a pitcher in fastball for 22 years and belonging to the Scouts was also a proud part of his childhood.
Dick enjoyed taking various vacations with his beloved wife Janet, especially around our great lakes. Dick will always be remembered for his kind heart, a smile on his face and generous personality. He was loved by all and will truly be missed by many.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held at Kelsey’s Roadhouse, 805 Wonderland Road, South, London on Saturday, July 16, 2022 from 1-4PM.
Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Many thanks to the wonderful care provided by the doctors and nurses in the CCTC ward at Victoria Hospital in London, ON.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Brian and Wendy Pollock says
Dear Janet and Family. Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Dick. I have fond remembrances of him when I used to work in your Dad’s store. Always such a friendly, smiling and handsome man. Cherish your many special memories. Brian and Wendy Pollock and Margaret Small.
Sharon Ashton says
Jan and family: So sad to learn of Dick’s passing. Thinking of you in this sorrowful time. He was such a good friend throughout our days at London Life and thereafter. He was my first trainer when I started LL in 1966. One of the first things he taught me was to calculate with my left hand on my calculator and pen in right hand. I guess to work faster.. To this day it seems awkward to calculate otherwise. Will miss knowing he is around and at the annual LL retiree events. We will certainly continue to remember Dick whenever we Ll people get together.
D LeaEllen Pugh says
Janet and family,
One of the world’s genuinely good person, Dick is and will be fondly remembered.
Best to you
LeaEllen
Kevin Boston says
Our condolences to the Bennett family. Dick was always so kind and thoughtful to our family. We had many great conversations over the years. Cheryl and always have fond memories if Dick including his famous handshake and smile.
Kevin and Cheryl Boston
Jim & Verla Russell says
To: Jan and Family
Our sincere sympathy on reading of Dick’s passing.
We remember the ball games and bowling when you lived in Exeter.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Dorothy Gillies says
To Dick’s family – I am so sorry to learn of his passing. I had the honour of working with Dick at London Life. He was always so jolly and I always looked forward to seeing him at the retiree events.
Lyn Faulds says
Jan and famiy,
I was so saddened to read about Dicks passing. He was such an amazing friend and colleauge through my years with the OMHA and minor hockey. He always had time to chat and help with our grass roots organization. As a friend, Dick help me throught the loss of my mom who he fondly called Scoop. Please accept my deepest condolences in the loss of an amazing man. He will be missed by so many. xo
Paul Augustine says
To the family: Dick was a great man and, meant a lot to my Hall of Fame career. We’ve shared a lot of memories from Meetings with Lambton League and, OMHA AGMs. Most certainly, Dick was always there for the league and, me when needed. Thanks for all the memories Dick, Rest In Peace my friend!!!
Paul Augustine,
Former Lambton League Statistician/Treasurer and, 2012 Sarnia-Lambton Sports Hall of Fame, Inductee.
Bill and Dorothy Leask says
Jan and Family:
Dorothy and I want to express our deepest sympathies on Dick’s passing.
Dick was a great friend and mentor to me. He always showed interest in what I was doing away from the OMHA and was very interested that I had graduated from Acadia just as his grandson had done.
“Memories keep the one you loved close to you in spirit and thought and always in your heart, today and forever”.
Don & Dorothy Mathewson says
Jan and family
Our sincere condolences to all of you from the Mathewson family. We shared many great memories during our playing days and will treasure them forever. Keep well.
Sandra Daniels says
Aunt Jan So sorry to hear of Uncle Dick’s passing. Sending prayers and condolences to to you all. Sandra(Abbey) Daniels.
Rob Simpson says
Helen Simpson
Rob & Brenda
Brad & Wendy
Amy, Kobe & Ryan
Our sincerest condolences for you and your family at this time. You have our deepest sympathy and unwavering support. Wishing you and your family peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. Our heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time.
Dick was a very good person !
Losing someone you love is never easy.
Christine Dickson says
Jan and family, my heartfelt condolences. Dick was one of a kind. He was my supervisor when I started at London Life, and he became a good friend over the years. He always had a smile and a kind word and I enjoyed seeing him at Knights games. He will be missed by many! ❤️
Lucinda Hedger says
Jan I’m so sad to hear of Dicks passing. So many things come to mind of the fun years at LL . The ball games and watching everyone’s kids grow up. Dick was kind of a leader of the group and we did some great things together. You could always see his passion for sports and he gave many hrs to this end. There is going to be a big hole in everyone’s lives. I’ve been there and still am. I call it the “Shits”.
A hug from me to you.
Tricia and Rick Barfoot (Cooper) says
Dear Jan, Angie, Jana, and Andy,
We are sad and sorry for your loss and for all the many people who Dick affected with his warm and loving ways. Your friendship with Mom and Dad was fun and inspiring to all of us. Little moments, big memories. You are in our thoughts during this hard time.
Lorene Lightfoot says
Wayne & Lorene Lightfoot
Jan and Family we are so sorry for your loss. Dick was an amazing guy who had time for everyone. We have spent many times together with lots of memories we will treasure. Dick fought so hard but sometimes we have to let go. He is no longer in pain.
Karen & Glenn Webster says
Jan, Angie, Jana & Andy – you are in our thoughts & prayers.
Dick & Jan have been very special friends to our whole family for many, many years. Always there with kind words & big hugs, he made everyone feel special.
We have so many wonderful memories. We will miss you Dick dearly.
Hugs to you all!
Karen & Glenn
Elizabeth Ross says
I was saddened to hear of Bills passing. Sincerest condolences to Janet and the Bennett family. 🤗💐
Glenna Ross-Cooper says
Jan .. we (Tammi, Jamie, Brandon and myself) are so saddened to hear of Dick’s passing. When Jim Fletcher passed on just over a year ago Dick sent a most heartfelt personal message of condolence to us through Tammi and reminded us of that special time in our lives when our kids were small .. the London Life ball games and all the great times we shared. Some wonderful memories. Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.. he was a very special man indeed. Much love from a very old friend. Glenna
Lou & Vicki de Almeida says
Janet, Jana, Angela and Andy – our deepest condolences to you and the rest of the family.
Hoping that all the happy memories that you have of Dick will give you peace and comfort during these challenging times.
Erin Kelly says
Janet and Family…I was so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing…he was a special guy and I was fortunate enough to know him…he had a great sense of humour…a twinkle in his eye and a passion for hockey….may he rest in peace….lots of memories to hold on to….thinking of you Janet💙
Karen Page says
Janet and Family
You have my deepest sympathy for the loss of Dick.
I will be thinking of you
Jamie Abbey says
Aunt Jan and cousins. You all have our deepest condolences and are in our prayers. Uncle Dick was always there for us, with a kind words, sage advice or a joke with a twinkle in his eye.
Jamie, Joanne and family.
Cheryl Barnes says
Aunt Janet, so sorry for your loss.
It was wonderful to meet Dick.
Sending love ❤️ your way.
Cheryl
Anne and John Kiser says
So very sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. He was a wonderful man. Our hearts go out to Jan and the rest of the family. Take care.
Diane Bennett says
So Sorry for your loss. He is at peace now. What a wonderful man Dick was. He will leave many great memories for family and friends. Thankful to be part of his life
McMahon family says
So sorry to hear about your dad’s passing Jana. It is so hard :( Cherish all the beautiful and happy memories. Hugs to you and your family ❤️