Bruce Eric Bennett

Bruce Eric Bennett, just shy of 80, passed away peacefully on Oct 12/23. His loving family and friends at his side; his many friends in the halls of his comfortable home he had made for the last few years at Wexford Creek in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.

Bruce is survived by his children; Julie (Walker) Addison and Cameron Bennett; grandchildren Walker (Abbie), Shania (Brevan), Caden, and Sadie. Bruce’s sister, his Irish twin Diane Bennett, and nieces Dana and Sheri. He is predeceased by his parents, and mother of his children Frances Perks.

Born Oct 23, 1943 at Harrison Hot Springs, BC. Bruce lived with his parents Edith and Edward Bennett. In 1952 Bruce and his family lived in Ladner, BC and Westham Island. Bruce attended school at Ladner Elementary until the family moved to Vancouver. Bruce went to John Oliver Secondary School and continued on to become a carpenter’s apprentice. Years later he began his career in logging that had him travel all over the coast of BC. Bruce was multi-talented and worked the Dew Line in the northern arctic region of Canada.

Eventually settling to raise his family Bruce had a career at the Powell River Pulp and Paper mill. In 1978 Bruce’s career shifted when family bought a ranch in Theodosia Inlet. Bruce moved to help his Mom and Step dad Nick Melenko homestead. Taking up homesteading and using his logging skill so began the chapter of living off the land. This was bringing everything Bruce had learned his entire life all together. Bruce’s desired life was simple. Including hard work and reaping the benefits of farming and gardening on a massive scale to put food on table for everyone. Dedicated and determined Bruce was in his element for many years.

Mother Nature made the next big decision for Bruce and his family’s life. The course changed when the mountain slid and he was forced to abandon everything at the inlet.

Time passed; Bruce’s kids grew up and in 2002 he was invited to help his daughter Julie with her wedding. The next chapter had begun and before long Bruce was experiencing the gift of grandchildren. While living with his daughter and son-in-law Bruce’s love of the land was reignited. Bruce applied his strong work ethic, knowledge of farming and crafty carpenter skills to create the familiar setting of a miniature Theodosia Inlet. Farming, fishing, hunting and processing the wares of the seasons gave Bruce the opportunity to pass on his “Salt of The Earth” talents. Bruce was home and home with family was a good place.

Bruce was happy in his final chapter. His time was spent enjoying visits and socializing his way into the hearts of many staff and residents at his last lovely place he called home. Bruce’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff, residents, and care team at Wexford Creek.

Bruce’s ashes will be spread at Theodosia Inlet by family in the late spring of 2024. Service to be decided at a later date. In the meantime, friends and family of Bruce Eric Bennett; keep telling “Bruce” stories … like Peek-a-boo in the barn with the black bear and cheers to the man who grew the biggest Mother Sunflowers you ever did see lining the garden so the birds would have something to eat. Bruce was a down to earth and will be remembered as a kind gentleman.

In lieu of flowers to celebrate Bruce’s memory please grow something to eat... for you, your loved ones, or the wildlife.