DONALD LESLIE BENNETT

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DONALD LESLIE BENNETT April 6, 1922 - October 20, 2012 Donald (Don) Bennett passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 20, 2012, at Vancouver General Hospital at 90 years of age. Don was born in Eugene, Oregon, the first of four children of Olive Mae (Langtry) and Leslie James Bennett. He grew up in Carman, MB. Don's first job out of high school was as a bankteller in Carman. He also helped his father publish the Dufferin Leader, Carman's weekly newspaper. In 1941, he joined the R.C.A.F., became a pilot and served as Captain in the R.C.A.F., flying a Catalina flying boat over the North Sea and Indian Ocean from April 1943 to May 1945. Upon returning home after the War he attended United College in Winnipeg and University of Toronto where he graduated in 1954, with an MA in Political Studies. He enjoyed a 30 year career with CBC, moving his family to Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, London UK and Winnipeg, retiring in 1984, as CBC's prairie Regional Director. In 1986, he and Louise (Jonasson, D. March 3, 2006), his Winnipeg sweetheart whom he married in 1949, moved to Vancouver where they enjoyed life by the sea, walking daily to nearby Granville Island, and the False Creek seawall. He is survived by his three children, Alan (Nanette) of West Vancouver, B.C., Christine (Peter Long) of Mississauga, ON, and Peter of Coquitlam, B.C.; five grandchildren, Tamara and Corinne Bennett, Adam Long, and Kyle and Sydney Bennett; a sister Ellen Derksen (Walter) of Edmonton. He was predeceased by his loving wife Louise, his brother Howard (Marge - also deceased) of Carman, MB, and his sister Joanne Jones (Dennis - also deceased) of Calgary, AB. Don was an avid reader, a keen veteran and follower of political discussion. Don loved flying, swimming in the ocean, classical music, opera and could sing with a beautiful mellow voice even into his 90th year. He skied the Himalayas and the hills of Gatineau. He and Louise travelled frequently before and during retirement, their favorite resort destination being Hawaii. Don will be remembered by many for his readiness with a suitable yarn to fit any occasion and an unfailing commitment to stay in touch with friends and family and at every possible opportunity get everyone together for a meal . A special thanks from the family to Marivic, Emie, Mae and Benita for their tender and thoughtful care of Don in his home. A celebration of life has yet to be arranged. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Society, the Arthritis Society, the MS Society, or a charity of your choice, would be appreciated.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 27, 2012