November 29, 1939 – May 16, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Dad, RAYMOND HARRY BENNETT (Ray) at the age of 80 years, loving husband of Jeannette (Duhamel) Bennett for nearly 60 years, and devoted father of four children: Linda Boulard (Luc) of Garson Ontario, Pauline Bennett-Gosselin (Robin) of Garson Ontario, Daniel Bennett (partner Leeann Barnard) of Sudbury Ontario and Timothy Bennett (Kimberly) of Merritt BC. A proud grandfather of nine Grandchildren: Carolle, Michel, Julien, Colton, Kaegan, Brennen, Isabelle, Jamie and Sydney and six Great Grandchildren: Chloe, Sophie, Kyleigh, Tobin, Dexter and Linus.
Ray was born on November 29, 1939 in the small town of Westport Ontario to Alice (Ralley) Bennett and Cornell Ambrose Bennett. He will be greatly missed by his brothers George, William (Bill) and Robert (Bob) and sisters Margaret (Marg) and Patricia (Pat). Meeting him at the gates to heaven will be Douglas (Doug), Donald (Don), Michael (Mike) and Irene (predeceased siblings).
Ray moved to Sudbury in 1959 and started working at INCO as a miner and later became a member of Mine Rescue, retiring after 30 years of service. In July of 1960, Ray and Jeannette married and started their family. In 1969 they moved to Whitefish, Ontario and with the help of his family, Bill, Rolly and his father-in-law Leon Duhamel built the family’s home in which Ray and Jeannette continued to live for the past 50 years.
Ray spent much of his life giving back & being involved in his community: He was a volunteer fire fighter for over 30 years, holding various positions including Acting Chief and finished his commitment as Deputy Chief with the Whitefish Fire Department. Ray was part of the founding consortium of the Sudbury and District Mutual Fire Aid Association for which he now holds a lifetime membership. Ray received a “30 years-Ontario Volunteer Service Award” with St. Christopher’s Parish, for which he will be fondly remembered. Ray was also an active member with the Panage Lake and Beaver Lake Community Centres.
Working together for the last five years with his good friends Tom Price and Councillor Michael Vagnini, along with numerous volunteers, the inception of No One Eats Alone was formed. This is an annual event that ensures that no one in the community will eat Christmas dinner alone.
Because of his persistence and commitment to his community, Dad has made many cherished friends along the way, and will be missed by many.
As expressions of sympathy, donations made in to trust to Lougheeds for Sudbury and District Mutual Fire Aid Association would be greatly appreciated.
Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, a Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at a later date yet to be determined.