Ernst Joseph Guenther "David" BENDA

1925 - 2016

BENDA, "David" Ernst Joseph Guenther: Dave Benda, 90, of Kelowna passed away peacefully on October 6, 2016. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Kelowna Yacht Club, 1370 Water St., Kelowna, BC on January 7, 2017 at 1:00 pm. Dave was born to Otto and Katherine Benda in Koenigswinter, Germany on November 21, 1925. Dave became a professional musician in 1946 working in several orchestras throughout Germany until he emigrated to the Toronto area in 1957. He continued his musical career with the Etobicoke Symphony, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the Kelowna Symphony Orchestra as well as numerous musical ensembles. In 1959, to supplement his income, he began his involvement with the Brunswick Corporation as an automatic pinsetter installation mechanic. He formed Custom Pinsetter in the early 1960s eventually expanding to service most bowling centers in Ontario and the West. He moved his operation, now Western Pinsetter, to Calgary in 1967 and to Kelowna in 1976. Dave's support of the 5-pin bowling industry was unprecedented and continued until his retirement in 2013. He enjoyed sailing and with his partner, Jean Dell, traveling throughout Canada. Dave was predeceased by his parents; sister Hannelore (1940); wife Florence (1987); and partner Jean (2012). He is survived by his son George (Elizabeth); and two grandchildren Will and Katherine. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson Society of Canada. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Laurier Manor for their support in his final days.