For Posterity's Sake         

A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project

 

In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

 

George Douglas Benwell

 

Able Seaman, Electrician's Mate, 9707-E, RCN

 

Died: 12 Oct 2019, Halifax, Nova Scotia

 

BENWELL, George Douglas - passed away peacefully in his room in Camp Hill Veterans' Memorial Building, QEII just after noon on October 12, 2019 after battling Alzheimer's disease for almost a decade. George was the son of the late George Higgott and Florence Maude Benwell (both of Victoria, B.C.). Surviving are his sons, Richard (Julia) and Robert (Brenda); and grandchildren, MarcAndrew, Christopher, Meagan and Anna. Also surviving are brother, Owen Benwell of Chemainus, B.C.; and Beverly (Doug) Skillings of Victoria, B.C. George (or Dennis to some) began his career in the Royal Canadian Navy, serving in Korea aboard HMCS Cayuga. Following his service, he relocated to Halifax, where he met Mom and worked as the first Technical Director for CBC Halifax. He was then involved in the creation of CJCH television, serving as the initial Vice President and General Manager. After a stint as a business owner in Annapolis Valley, George returned to Halifax to work with Canada Post, where he retired as Regional Marketing Vice President. He loved music, travel, telling jokes, woodcarving, golf, puttering in his workshop, boats, and people. He and Amy spent 10 winters in Florida after retirement and made many new friends there. It was there that he also rekindled his faith, which was very dear to him. But mostly he loved spending time with his family and his grandchildren. Cremation is taking place, but there will be a time of visitation with the family from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16th in Rock Church Family Life Centre, 222 Sackville Dr., Lower Sackville. A Celebration of Life will then take place in Rock Church on Thursday, October 17th at 2 p.m. Donations in his memory can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia or to Rock Church Go Teams. Special thanks to the staff of the Veteran's Memorial Hospital, Floor 4 Eastwood, and particularly Anthony Bailey, who has been one of Dad's consistent caregivers throughout his four and a half year stay there.

 

Ships served in:

HMCS CAYUGA - George is listed on Cayuga's nominal roll for 30 Jun 1951 as an OSEMS, RCN

 


 

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