WILLIAM REGIS BENNETT

Condolences & Memories (4 entries)

• Ah, dear Rege! "Uncle Rege" we in the copywright department at WNET-13 would often call him. It was the mid-70s and we knew him as an ambitious and sometime sly man who came on with a lot of energy and bustle about business. Only gradually did I get to know him personally in a different light, usually over a mid-day restaurant lunch. When we got into spirituality, his Jesuitical training came through, which I greatly enjoyed. As a sideline poet, I was a devoted fan of Gerard Manley Hopkins. Regis knew this, and after I moved to California, he sent me a new publication on GMH. His gift was more than a book; it was a lesson in loving generosity I recall often. Years later, I saw him outside a performance of the Patrick Wilson revival of "Oklahoma," and he was vivacious and open and loving. I can think only that Uncle Rege knows now what it is to be in the bliss of the next level of existence. clink! Here's to ya, baby! - Posted by: James Robiscoe (Onetime friend and co-worker) on: Sep 18, 2016

• It was my honor and privilege to have known Regis for almost thirty years at WNET. He was an incredibly gifted and talented writer and producer, and a personal inspiration for me. His warmth and humor permeated the department. I always knew that when I went to his office or cubicle for whatever reason, I would leave there laughing and feeling all the better for the visit. Sometimes, when job responsibilities became overly stressful for me, I would talk to Regis and he would always, always lift my spirits. Over the years, I learned many things from him and I became a better producer thanks to his guidance. I miss him dearly and feel proud to have known him. - Posted by: Larry Scheflin (Former Co-worker and friend) on: Sep 15, 2016

• I was part of a gaggle of Regis's Toronto friends while he was working at The CBC. Regis was an intelligent, engaging and possessed a great sense of humour. He really was a swell and handsome man. I am sure that all those whom Regis touched he will not be forgotten. My sincere condolences to The Bennett Family. William (Bill) Schultz - Posted by: William Schultz (Friend) on: Sep 08, 2016

• I knew Regis Bennett for only ten months – the school year 1959-60. He was my grade 9 history teacher at St. Paul’s High School in Winnipeg. I never saw or heard of him again, until I read his obituary this past weekend and learned that he had gone on to have a very interesting life – which didn’t surprise me. I have always thought of him as one of my favourite teachers. He was a good teacher – I went into grade 9 thinking I wanted to study medicine; I ended up studying history. I think it safe to assume he played some role in that. He was also pretty “cool” – which for 13/14 year old boys in a religious school with dour priests in black cassocks was a good thing. While it was sad to read of his passing, it did bring back good memories of long-ago school years. My sincere condolences to his family. - Posted by: Terence Sargeant (Former student) on: Aug 09, 2016