Garth Taylor Bennett

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of a much-loved husband, father, grandfather and mentor, Garth Taylor Bennett, at a young 77 years, on Dec 10, 2022, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Diagnosed only seven weeks ago with an aggressive cancer, Garth died peacefully surrounded by his loving family. He was born in St John’s, Nfld on June 15,1945, the youngest of three children, to Dr. Raymond and Peg (Knowling) Bennett. He is survived by the loves of his life, wife Margaret-Anne (Clouter), from Corner Brook, Nfld and two strong, beautiful daughters and their families: Stephanie and son-in-law Chas Wells, and their sons Derik and Martin, Cranbrook, BC, and Raechel Bennett and her sons Morrgan, Christian, and Izaac, and their father Jason Payne, Dartmouth, NS. Garth is also survived by sister, Diana (late Jack) Curry, Red Deer, Alberta; in-laws, Pam and Gerry Whelan, Halifax and Brian and Elizabeth Clouter, Victoria, BC. plus a large circle of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; brother John, St. John’s; mother and father in-law Marie and Charles Clouter; brothers-in-law, Fred, Larry, and Bruce Clouter.

Garth started his professional career in 1967 as a radio announcer, moving from CFCB in Corner Brook, Nfld, to CHOO in Ajax, Ontario, and back to Nfld at CJCN Grand Falls. As his young family grew, Garth left the radio business and moved into the financial services industry, initially in St. John’s before moving to Halifax in 1976. Garth was an advocate for lifelong learning and achieved his Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Planner (CFP) designations. He was well-known and respected in the industry, holding many leadership positions along with owning his own firm, Balanced Planning Financial Services. Over the years, he was proud to have provided many young colleagues with guidance, support, and mentorship, and always encouraged a values-based approach to business and to life.

Garth had many interests and creative outlets, but the most abiding was his love of the guitar. From performing with the Mu Upsilon Singers during his Memorial University days, playing at open mic night at the Shelter Theatre in San Miquel de Allende, to the present day, playing in a seniors’ jazz band in Halifax. Garth’s interests ranged from folk music to jazz, from singing oldies but goodies to writing his own songs. He particularly enjoyed being in Lunenburg every August for the Folk Harbour Festival and attending performances at Neptune Theatre. Friends were an important part of Garth’s life and there were many over the years. The friends of his youth in St John’s, the Agincourt families of the Croucher’s and Russell’s, the French’s at Church Lake, his business colleagues, new friends in San Miguel de Allende, and so many others. Garth was fortunate to have loved and be loved.

In more recent years, Garth got back in the water (influenced by several grandsons who were competitive swimmers) and swam with the Halifax Chronos Masters Swim Club, setting himself a goal of completing the national One Million Meter Challenge. When the pandemic hit and pools closed, he discovered lake swimming and in the summer of 2021, at 76, achieved his goal and became an inspiration to us all.

As a founding member of The Friends of Schmidtville (2008), Garth was particularly pleased when Halifax City Council voted to designate the neighbourhood a Heritage Conservation District in 2018.

Over the past five years Garth and Margaret-Anne spent winters in the beautiful, historic Mexican town of San Miquel de Allende, enjoying the warm climate and more importantly, the friendships and the cultural life of a vibrant community.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and palliative care teams for their care and compassion during this very difficult time. Donations may be made in Garth’s memory to the QEII Foundation (https://qe2foundation.ca ) or a charity of your choice.

Cremation has taken place under the guidance of Snow’s Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life and inurnment in the family plot in Fairview Lawn Cemetery will take place in the spring. Online condolences may be left by visiting: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com

On the wind, we have heard the whispers of love and prayers sent from family and friends, near and far.