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Archibald Bennitz Obituary

Published by Ottawa Citizen from Jan. 20 to Jan. 21, 2005.

BENNITZ, Archibald (Archie) Wednesday, January 19, 2005, at the age of 84. Predeceased by his wife Vicky, Archie was the beloved father of son David and daughter-in-law Wendy and a wonderful grandfather to Joshua, Michael and Adam. He leaves behind his brother Doug in B.C. and many nephews and nieces. Archie was born in Amherst, Nova Scotia and served overseas with the 422nd Squadron RCAF, in WWII. A long-time resident of Niagara Falls, Archie was an avid fan of watching hockey. He asked that Mr. Bettman and Goodenow know that they are "skunks" for denying him the pleasure of watching the NHL on TV this year. He also asked that Mr. Bettman steps aside and gives Wayne Gretzky the job that rightfully belongs to him. Special thanks to Dr. Yahyavi, Ellen, and the nurses on the 4th floor of the Queensway Carleton Hospital for their caring and compassion. At Archie's request he is being cremated and a private family gathering will be held. In memoriam donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.

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Recent Activity

January 29, 2005

Andrew H posted to the memorial.

January 28, 2005

D Spell posted to the memorial.

January 27, 2005

Harry Toews posted to the memorial.

101 Entries

Andrew H

January 29, 2005

My deepest sympathies to your family, Archie sounds like someone I would very much have liked to have met. I am sure the NHL legends have a special chair for Archie at their table in heaven.

D Spell

January 28, 2005

I could not have said it better. God bless you!

Harry Toews

January 27, 2005

thanks Archibald you took the words right out of my mouth .

we pay their bills so they should listen to us the fans

Nate Gnau

January 27, 2005

A True Hockey Fan!

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Joshua Akonom

January 26, 2005

I am very sad at the passing of your beloved. I realize that Hockey is secondary to you in this time of mourning, but thank you to your loved one for showing that it is not a sport, but a lifestyle. The Maple Leafs win the cup every year in Heaven!

Jim Lowe

January 25, 2005

A true Canadian!

dale moore

January 25, 2005

G,G,U.Archi

It was nice to meet you this summer may you R.I.P

you'r G,G.N

Dale

Heather S.

January 25, 2005

I read Mr. Bennitz's obituary online; I think we all agree with his sentiments. The family must have felt honoured to have known such a character; my deepest sympathies to those who are grieving Mr. Bennitz's passing. Hopefully it helps to know that he will always be remembered with a smile, even by those who didn't have the privilege of knowing him personally! Maybe right now he's watching Rocket play from a boxseat...

January 25, 2005

We are one of many who feel compelled to share a salute and toast to a boisterous, free-thinking gentleman who wasn't afraid to tell it like it is! What a breath of fresh air in these stifling times! Blessings to all who mourn today the loss of a beloved family member and also the loss of the sport of Hockey. Both are treasures beyond belief! Blessings to those of you left behind...no doubt Archibald's spirit lives on in you and will sustain you during these times! Salute!! and God Bless...Northern Minnesota stands beside you today!

jacqueline terzian

January 25, 2005

david&family sorry about the loss of your dad,he sounds like he was a wonderfull man a friend of your cousin linda jacqueline

Carol Bennitz-Douglas

January 25, 2005

David, Wendy, Josh, Michael and Adam, thinking of you, Cousin Carol

Theo

January 24, 2005

Archie:

You scored the ultimate penalty shot!

God bless from New York City...

Seth McDonald

January 24, 2005

Bennitz family please receive the condolences from one hockey fan to another. Archie's story is one for the ages. All the support to you in your time of grievance.

EZ Rider

January 24, 2005

We hear you Archie, while your up there, see if you can't pull acouple of strings to get this thing rolling again, I mean hell God must be a hockey fan, how else do you explain Gretzky.

Bob Salwasser

January 24, 2005

Thank you for your wonderful story. On behalf of Minnesota hockey fans, please accept my sympathies. Here's hoping Mr. Bennitz has a great luxury suite in the hereafter.

Erik Janssen

January 24, 2005

Deepest sympathies to the Bennitz family. Archie's legacy has put a smile on the faces of Hockey fans worldwide.

Mary Sullivan

January 23, 2005

My deepest Sympathy goes out to the Bennitz family. Your father must have been a great hockey fan, he has spoken for all of us. I think he should be the 1st. star of the game.

Heather

January 23, 2005

You will always be missed xxx Love Heather

David Wiseman

January 23, 2005

There is a little bit of Archie Bennitz in every hockey fan. We all feel your loss. What an amazing story. Have a good game.

Peace to you all.

Flippy Odegard

January 23, 2005

Hopefully, Archie will now be able to watch the NHL stars of yore, playing at the height of their game.

larissa K

January 23, 2005

You've been "called up" and no will be watching the games of those who have lomg ag departed. You have a wonderful familiy that cares for you ~ and they still play hockey on the other side! ;)

r.m. s.

January 22, 2005

My most sincere condolences to your entire family. The loss of a loved one is never easy.

I too only know of Archie's passing because of the stories circulating the internet. He may not be in the Hockey Hall of Fame (yet) but both he and David will remain in my personal Hockey Hall of Fame forever - alongside the sweaters of the Rocket, the Golden Jet, and 99.

Jonathan Stilley

January 22, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss. It's great to see his passion for hockey live on in his kids and grandkids.

Connie Turton

January 22, 2005

No one could have imagined the special moments our family reunion brought to us all.We will miss you uncle Archie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you David, Wendy, and family. All Our Love Connie, Paul, Jeremy, Jean, Timmy, Ricky, Sabrina, Scott, and Nicholas.

dean truchan

January 22, 2005

My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Bennitz family on their loss from a former military war vet and dedicated hockey fan. Rest in peace fallen comrade.

Bruce and Debbie Knight

January 22, 2005

Mr. Bennitz

Obviously we never had the pleasure of meeting you but want your family to know how wonderful we think it is that you stated your opinions until the day you died and after! Bravo you must have been a man of great spirit and our prayers are with yourself and your family. Rest in peace.

Linda Sangster

January 22, 2005

Our deepest sympathy to all the Bennitz family from all the hockey fans in London.God Bless

Erin Nash

January 22, 2005

Bennitz Family,

You obviously lost a great man, and I send my condolences. From reading his obituary, I think he would like his fellow hockey fans knowing his legacy will live on through his words. I intend on writing about him for my weekly sports column, he has inspired me.

Kyle Scott

January 22, 2005

God Bless you Archibald Bennitz, for raising a good family and for speaking the truth.

I will pray for you and your family.

kyle

Lois Bennitz

January 22, 2005

David and Family,

My thoughts are with you.

Uncle Archie, you were feisty to the end and I will always love and remember you that way. You will be missed by all and it was a great pleasure to have you as an uncle.

Tyler Vaykovich

January 22, 2005

You are a good man Archie. Thank you for saying what we ALL felt. Rest in Peace.

Stephanie Goldberg

January 22, 2005

Hockey fans in Kansas City send there deepest sympathies.

Kansas City Outlaws and Booster Club

Randi O'Malley

January 22, 2005

God bless Mr. Bennitz for being a man who fights for what he believes in, both during WWII and during the NHL lockout. While one can't compare to the other, I admire him for making sure his voice was heard even at the end. It's not true that we south of the border don't care! My condolences to the Bennitz family, and may the warmth of your memories come to outweigh the pain of your loss.

Kristin Greeley, Andrew Thompson

January 22, 2005

Our sincere condolences on the loss of your father. We saw his story on CNN and appreciate his request to voice the opinion of millions of hockey fans the world over.

Connie Mundell

January 22, 2005

While I might not have known Mr Bennitz personally, his statement makes him family to all us hockey fans. I'm saddened by your loss, but take comfort in knowing you come from good stock. Godspeed, Archie.

Melissa Wehrle

January 22, 2005

My sincere condolences to the entire family.

Even though I've never met you Archie, you've touched me none the less. I send my best to a great solidier, father, and dedicated hockey fan. May the rest of your days be filled with peace and hockey. Game On!

Rando Rowser

January 22, 2005

From a city of Olde Time Hockey, your conviction and dedication to the sport of hockey is admirable and so sorely needed in these times. You are honored by those who embrace the same ideals.

Karen Crow

January 22, 2005

I am sorry to learn of your passing and I am so sorry that the sport you loved so passionately let you down so badly, Mr Bennitz. May you rest in peace, sir, and thank you for saying what many a hockey fan would like to say. Farewell and GODSPEED.

Jeff Brittain

January 22, 2005

My sympathy for your loss. So happy you all abided by your fathers wishes to voice the sentiments of ALL hockey fans. God Speed!

Kevin Jordan

January 22, 2005

My you rest in peace Archie. I'm sure you were a good man and a good father and husband to your family. You spoke the truth about hockey, and hopefully those skunks will hear you loud and clear.

God bless.

Craig Bommer

January 22, 2005

Sorry to hear about the passing of your father. The Wheeling Nailers send our deepest sympathies.

Kathie Murphy

January 22, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with you today. If my dad was still with us, he'd be the one sending this e-mail, because your father's sentiments would have matched his exactly. Here's hoping they have the best seats in the house for heaven's All-Star game.

Deborah Moore-Blouin

January 22, 2005

I got to know my Uncle Archie a lot better these past few years and I`m going to miss his little jokes and how he made us laugh I know he`s up there looking down on all of us and very proud of you David to give him his last words I`m sure he knew what he was doing and he wasn`t going guietly Love to all xxx (princess) Deb, Carrie and Kyle

Dan Adelstein

January 22, 2005

He sounds like he was my type of guy (feisty)Maybe deep down he felt like he should have been commissioner if not mayor of NYC...Lucky family to have had such a character...be well

Angelo Pupo

January 22, 2005

I too, heard this story on tv.

I just hope that society in general can learn from these strong statements. My deepest sympathies go out to the family.

Liz Melega

January 22, 2005

My condolences on your loss. He has brought a smile to many hockey fans with his final statement. Godspeed Archie.

George Kerr

January 22, 2005

Goodby to a great hockey fan.

Hank Bischoff

January 22, 2005

So sorry for your loss. I know Archie's watching a game in heaven ....

Matthew Gehly

January 22, 2005

God bless your family as you deal with the loss of a father and grandfather. Thank you for writing his words that speak for a nation of deprived fans.

Tracy

January 22, 2005

Hello, my condolences to your family, the story I read about your dad made me smile as he reminded me of my dad who was also a great hockey fan and passed away a year ago from cancer.What an honor to read about your dad and his life!

Jim T.

January 22, 2005

God Bless you Archibald Bennitz, for raising a good family and for speaking the truth.

I will pray for you and your family.

David Smock

January 22, 2005

My condolences to the family of Mr. Bennitz. He was a true hero along with the other men and women of his generation in World War II.

And yes, Wayne Gretzky should be the next commissioner of hockey. When NHL games resume, Mr. Bennitz will have the best seat in the house. May he rest in peace for all eternity!

Daniel Cline

January 22, 2005

Good on you Archie! I never met you but Im sure hockey was as much part of your life as breathing. Gosh I can relate! Heck with the NHL! Have fun playing with Horton and Hap Day!

Tim King

January 22, 2005

My deepest sympathies to the entire Bennitz family at this sorrowful hour. In death he has given voice to the frustrations of many across North America as we too feel the void left by our great game this winter. May Archibald find himself welcomed with open arms to that big rink in the sky and may the ultimate coach pencil his name forever in the starting lineup.

Melissa K

January 22, 2005

My deepest sympathies on your loss. Hockey fans across North America share his frustration over this unending lock out.

Becky Wolford

January 22, 2005

My sympathies to the Bennitz familly. Your father/grandfather sounds like a great guy. His story gave me a good laugh. Maybe this will give the players and owners a push. Best wishes. Becky

Brian Ghattas

January 21, 2005

My deepest sympathies to the family of Archibald Bennitz. Mr. Bennitz was no doubt a good man who lived a happy and full life. His final slapshot to Gary Bettman and Bob Goodenow spoke for millions of people who felt the same way. May the legends of Hockey in Heaven treat you to endless games of the sport in the way it was meant to be played.

Moe Fraser

January 21, 2005

My Deepest Sympathy to The Bennitz Family For Their Loss.

I must say your Dad certainly left his mark in the Hockey World.

I bet he is sitting around talking about the lock-out with some Big Hockey Names.like The Rocket for one as he's my favorite.

maybe send down some signs as to how they would end this Lock-out.

God Bless

Larry Sollanek

January 21, 2005

My deepest sympathies to you from Blue Jackets land and all of our fans. For this night, he is our First Star of the Game!

S.R. Pacholuk

January 21, 2005

Sorry to hear of the loss of such a fiesty fan of hockey, and courageous veteran of WW II. I'm sure Archie will be missed by all who knew him. It is sad that this country has so few willing to speak up, even at the end, as he did. May his "guts and gumption" inspire others, and may he rest in peace.

Dave Noppe

January 21, 2005

My deepest condolences on your loss. Your father spoke eloquently for all hockey fans across our country. Very well said Archie !

Joshua Dean

January 21, 2005

My sympathy goes out to the family of Archibald Bennitz's. You have lost a very special man. To be that passionate about hockey, that takes a huge heart. Rest In Peace, Mr. Bennitz.

Dionysius S. Badarian

January 21, 2005

My condolences on the loss of your father and grandfather. May he, the Rocket, Foster Hewitt, and the other real fans of the game now have a chance to relive all the great games of the past.

John Lemay

January 21, 2005

Sorry to hear of the passing of a man who served his country overseas and was denied his only television enjoyment in his final year. Archibald must have been a great fellow! May God rest his soul and bless his family.

Thomas Saari

January 21, 2005

Never met ya Archie, but I love you already, just reading your obit. Your a true character indeed. A toast to you that there be no skunks in the HHHL [Hereafter Heavenly Hockey League]. "Game On" for you.

Roy Stephens

January 21, 2005

My deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of this obviously great and witty man. He has spoken, in voice too loud to ignore, the frustration all hockey fans feel right now. The loss of a season of hockey is meaningless next to the loss of a beloved father and grandfather, but, his words have brought a smile to my face and a warm feeling to my heart. Godspeed, Archie. May the angels give you a seat on the blue line.

nathalie burnside

January 21, 2005

my condolences to your family and thankyou to a man who fought for his country and his favorite sport.It touched me to learn about his story,i only hope the NHL is listening. god bless

Rod Stetzer

January 21, 2005

It is a honor to be able to be able to pay tribute to a plain-spoken man who spoke for the rest of us.

God bless his memory.

James McKillop

January 21, 2005

My condolences on your loss.

Like many others, your father's story brought a smile to my face. What a wonderful legacy to leave!

Peter

January 21, 2005

I am sorry to hear about the loss. Although I didn't personally know the man, I still wish that he rest in peace.

clare chesney

January 21, 2005

sorry for your trouble as these are sad times in life. you have great memories and he was" right on the money" just remembering the good days playing in barton street igloo and dundas arena god bless!! clare

Mrs Ahmed

January 21, 2005

May his soul rest in peace. I agree with his sentiments.

Luc

January 21, 2005

A shame to see such a passionate hockey fan leave us.

Thank you Mr. Bennitz for sacrificing yourself for my freedom. I will never forget what you and the veterans of the two Great Wars did for our country. Thank you.

Sean Depkin

January 21, 2005

My condolences to your family in the passing of a true good human being, your father, husband, and friend. I read of his wishes for his obiturary and wanted to pay my respects to a man of honor who served his country and who loves his sport until the end. May the he be blessed in heaven.

Cindy

January 21, 2005

I read about your Dad on MSN home page. It brought a smile to my face to learn what he had said. God Bless you and your family. I hope that if hockey does come back on this year, they dedicate the first game to the memory of your father.

Bryan Kautz

January 21, 2005

Archie,

First off I would like to say 'thank you' for serving Canada during WWII. Secondly, I just wanted to say that your statement rings loud and true among all hockey fans. My Grandfather was also from Nova Scotia and was a very big hockey fan like yourself, although he is no longer with us, I know he would agree with your assertion. I hope the two of you can catch a game together, I'm sure there is a great allstar game going on up there.

Debbie

January 21, 2005

I am sorry for the loss of your father, he must have been a heck of a nice guy. Another loss to "Hockey Night in Canada".

Proud Canadian

January 21, 2005

I extend my sincere condolences to Mr. Bennetz's family, and I want them to know they can be proud of this great hockey fan!!!

What a guy he was!!!

May he Rest In Peace!!!

Joy Martin

January 21, 2005

It is amazing how far your father's obiturary has travelled. He must have been a wonderful man and great hockey fan! God bless you during this time. Thanks for sharing his story down here in "Canes" country!

Thomas Mooney

January 21, 2005

He shoots, he scores(Fans-1, NHL-0). He went out in a blaze of glory. Scored a goal for all of us disenfranchised fans. My sincere condolences to you and your family and I'll save a special prayer for your dad. Peace.

Susan Leckey

January 21, 2005

To The Bennitz Family

I'm sorry to all on the passing of your Dad. He sounds like he was a Man of honesty and integrity. I Trust he is now at center ice, enjoying a brew with all the dedicated fans that passed before him. I know in Hockey heaven, he has been reunited with all the Real hockey players that put the love of our game first.

Timo Rathjen

January 21, 2005

My sincerest condolences on your loss. I read about Archie on the internet and wanted to pay tribute to a great man. For his war time service and for being a true hockey fan. His sentiments are mine. I hope the whole NHL hears them LOUD AND CLEAR.

Art Whitton

January 21, 2005

I was saddened to hear of the passing of a great hockey fan. I'm sure he was a great and upstanding character.

Connie Farnham

January 21, 2005

Dear Dave,

I can picture your Dad & my Dad sitting on the blue line cheering their teams on, at a game in heaven. Going to Ranger games with my Dad in the 60's helped develop my love of the game and of the Islanders in the 70's. We lost my father in 1987 but know that he would have felt as your Dad did about this stalemate. Hopefully they will speak with the powers that be and it will end soon, but it sounds like your Dad has had the last word. My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.

Bryan Adams

January 21, 2005

I read of your father's passing today in the news, and I would like to say that I agree with him 100% in regards to the hockey lockout. My prayers are with your family.

bj HOLDER

January 21, 2005

I just saw a blurb about this on the front page of AOL. I feel for you and hope that his amazing spirit and smarts comforts you at some level. What a wonderful guy, it must have been something else to grow up with him! Know that the entire continent of North America feels the same way he did! God bless.

Sharon Goldwater

January 21, 2005

I read your Dad's story online. My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. He must have been a man of real character. It is sad that he missed out on his greatest enjoyment the final year of his life. My Dad was a huge hockey fan, too, and passed away hours after watching a Buffalo Sabres game. I admire his spunk giving it to Bettman.

Steve Hamlyn

January 21, 2005

Archie,

When you get to the other side may all the beer be cold, and all the games be play-offs.

PS: May your seat be centre ice, first row.

Linda Holdbrook

January 21, 2005

I also read the article about your Father in the Montreal Gazette today. I lost my Father 3 years ago and he too was an avid hockey fan and I am sure, would have shared your Father's opinion. I send you my condolences.

Paul E. Hamlyn

January 21, 2005

Dear Mr. Bennitz

Although I have never met You, I heard about your OBIT on the City TV News, and looked you up. It seems at your passing away at 84 years, that You had a long full life, but I am sorry that You were robbed of your pleasure of watching professional hockey during the last season of your life. I APPLAUD your comments on the SKUNKS, and agree with you 100%. I wish You SEASON TICKETS for Eternity to your FAVORITE GAME! You sound like a COOL guy and your family was lucky to have you. Rest in PEACE!

Jay Petrick

January 21, 2005

May God Bless you and your family. And may the hockey immortals be playing an All-Star game for you right now!!!

anne schretlen

January 21, 2005

I read about your Dad and loving Grandfather on CBC's enews. When so many obits focus on 'what a great guy' your Dad demonstrated beyond himself what a great guy he was. Thank you Archie, and thank you Bennitz family for carrying through on your Dad's last wishes.

Paul St. Pierre

January 21, 2005

Dave & Family

Very sorry to learn of your father's passing. The story of Archie sounds pretty much as I remember him (30+ years ago), except no mention of the Humpty Dumpty days. Take care.

Coeur Birmingham

January 21, 2005

My condolences to your family at this time. Your story is getting nationwide attention and I am reminded of my Gramma who passed away years ago this week - she too loved watching hockey (Detroit) and would be outraged at today's goings on. You've obviously been blessed to have such a fabulous and outspoken family member.

Bart Herman

January 21, 2005

God bless you.

Pearse Dolan

January 21, 2005

My condolences to you and your family. I agree with your father and hopefully this will be delivered to both parties.

Mark Wilson

January 21, 2005

I also would like to pass on my condolences. Archie seems to have had a great attitude, and I wish I could have met him.

Gail Chartier

January 21, 2005

I read your Dad's story in the Montreal Gazette this morning and just wanted to send my deepest sympathies and to tell you that I admire a man with spunk. I love the way he thought about the upper management in the NHL. May you cherish all your wonderful memories that you had with your Dad.

Helen Renaud

January 21, 2005

Sorry to hear of Archie's passing.

I agree with him regarding the NHL.

Miss seeing the Ottawa Senators - Go Sens Go