HARRY RAYMOND (RAY)
BENNETT
1932 – 2006
Ray was born March 12, 1932 in Victoria, BC and passed away peacefully at home on August 13, 2006. He is survived by his wife, Lila, of 53 years, daughters; Teresa (Bill) Logan, Joanne (Keith) Bomback, and Deanna (Bruce) Johnson, 7 grandchildren; Terry (Shawna), Darren (Amy), Tanya, Sarah (Casey), Lindsay, Taylor and Cyndal, 2 great-granddaughter; Olivia and Hanna and pal Jackie-boy
Ray started his sheet metal apprenticeship at age 16. He worked at Yarrow Shipyards in Victoria for a year, and then moved to Pacific Sheet Metal where he was superintendent of 65 men. He traveled to Courtenay on a camping trip with Joe Christie and decided to relocate here in 1961 and started Bennett Sheet Metal and Htg. Ltd. In the early 1970’s he opened a second shop in Campbell River and ran a very successful Sheet Metal and Roofing business for many years. Other businesses he was partners in were Darben Campers with Bob Dargie and Glacier Holdings with Vern Wrest, John Davies and Ken Franklin (The 4 Musketeers). He formed Longben Holdings with Harold Long in latter years (Rockland Ridge).
Ray was a member of the BPO Elks of Courtenay since 1962 and had many devoted friends. He moved his parents from Victoria in the early 1970’s and built them a 5-plex where they lived for many years and helped build several homes for his family. He was very proud of his daughter Teresa, 2 sons-in-law, Bill and Keith, who currently manage both shops as well as his 2 grandsons Terry and Darren, who are also Sheet Metal Journeymen and will carry on his craft.
We would like to thank Dr. Reggler and Susan for their patience and caring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Joseph’s Hospital in Comox. There will be no service on Ray’s request. There will be an evening viewing for Ray on Wednesday, April 16, 2006 at Piercy’s Funeral Home, 440 England Ave., and an open house gathering to be held on Saturday from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the family home, 4602 Sunwood Place, Courtenay. Arrangements have been entrusted to Piercy’s Funeral Home and Crematorium.