Richard Benwell

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Benwell at the age of 79 years which occurred at his home in Shigawake on September 11, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born in Shigawake on December 18, 1943 to parents Peter Benwell and Iva Dow, and spent most of his life living in Shigawake, except for a short time when he left seeking employment to New Brunswick and Ontario.

In time he returned home to help his father on the farm and then went to work in the well-drilling business with Hebert Bisson, Douglas Journeau, and then with the Walker brothers from New Carlisle. Later when they decided to sell, Richard bought it and went in to business digging wells for himself with the help of his son Chris.
When his father's health began to decline, he sold the business to be near home to help with his care. His last employment was for the municipality of Shigawake where he worked until his retirement. That was the record of his work life, what he did to earn a living.

What he did to live a happy fullfilled life began on November 9, 1973 when he married the love of his life, Beulah Hottot. Two years later in
1975 his son Christopher was born making him a father, and a very proud father he was. After the death of Christopher's daughter,
Richard was always there to help, encourage, advise and comfort his son. Their morning phone calls were a blessing to them both.

In 1978 his daughter Rachel was born quickly capturing her father's heart, and even more so as she liked to work with him on the farm.
He bragged to everyone how she could handle a tractor, how she could blow snow, do bush-hogging, plowing and harrowing the garden.

In 2001 his darling Rebekah was born making him a grandfather (Poppy), a title he was so happy with, if only for a short seven years. He
enjoyed every moment he spent with her.

Richard is survived by his wife of 49 years Beulah,his son Chris (Wanita), daughter Rachel (Cally), one sister Erlene, sister-in-law Edith Tarrant and her children Dean and Julie, one aunt Inez Wylie, and many cousins near and far.

Richard was predeceased by father Peter Benwell (2002), mother Iva Dow (2018), a young sister Marilyn, sister Marina (2022), and his
granddaughter Rebekah (2008).

The family wishes to extend a special thank-you to Dr. Jean Louis Lévesque without whose care, support and medical expertise, Richard would
not have been able to die at home as he wished. Also thanks go out to nurses Louise and Anne from the C.L.S.C. whose help
and concern made a very difficult time bareable.

The family will receive condolences at the Municipality in Shigawake on Thursday, September 14, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 11 a,m,

Funeral service will be held at the Hope Baptist Church in Hope Town at 11.30 a.m. on the same day.
Burial to follow.

The management and staff of HG Division offer their deepest sympathies to the family and thank them for their trust.