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BORN
May 14, 1962
DIED
February 11, 2021
Michael BENNY Obituary
Mike was born and raised in Thompson, Manitoba. After graduation, Mike began his broadcasting career in Thompson at CKTK Radio Station. He soon moved on to Kitimat, Regina, and landed in Prince George in March of 1986, where he started with CKPG Radio on the afternoon drive, later moving on to be morning man on 101.3 The River. He was well-loved by all of his co-hosts and friends at the station.
Mike was diagnosed with lung cancer in the summer of 2019. He fought a very tough battle, and succumbed to the disease in the early morning of February 11, 2021, at the Rotary Hospice House with Laurel by his side. We would like to thank all of the amazing staff at Hospice House. They treated us so well... many pots of tea and warm blankets for all.
Mike was predeceased by his father, Barry, and leaves behind his mum, Maureen, in Thompson, his brother Bryan and family in Cochrane, Alberta, and his sister Jo-Anne, and family in Thompson, as well as Laurel's family, Cathy, Leslie, and Stuart and their extended families, who all loved him so much. He was a fun uncle who cared very much for all of the nieces and nephews. Mike is also survived by his loving wife, Laurel, and his four wonderful children, Katherine, Claire, Alex, and Colin, whom he loved with all his heart. He was so proud of all of their accomplishments and was so happy to have been here for so many of their milestones.
We would like to thank the BC Cancer Agency, UHNBC, and the many fantastic doctors who helped to treat Mike. We are so lucky to have such wonderful treaters here in the north, who all go above and beyond in their treatment and care.
Mike loved fishing, astronomy, old war movies & tanks, the Food Network, Van Morrison, Zoe & Murphy, bacon, craft beer, long walks, computers & technology, and cheesy garlic toast, but most of all, he loved his family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either BC Cancer or PG Rotary Hospice House.
Mike was a bright, funny, generous, loving man, and we loved him very much. We will miss him forever. xo
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael BENNY
29 Entries
isabella martinez
February 20, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
isabella
February 20, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mark Wilson
January 26, 2022
So sorry to hear of Mike´s passing. In reading his obituary I absolutely recognize the Mike I knew in high school. My condolences to family, I know his energetic and warm presence will be missed.
Craig Liske
June 14, 2021
Laurel and Family.
So sorry for your loss and my condolences. I grew up with mike in Thompson. We were born one day apart, lived a street over and grew up as Juniper kids together. One of the nicest people I have ever know. I remember one year we voted him team captain of our hockey team, that’s just the type of guy he was.
Theresa young
March 15, 2021
Sorry to hear that your loss to your family he was a great person
Ben & Silvana Babchishin
March 7, 2021
It’s with a heavy heart that we pass on to Laurel and her family are condolences to an amazing man. Mike will be missed.
Adele
March 1, 2021
I loved Mike Benny on the radio . He is an icon in PG media . I grew up with him always on the radio. So sorry for your loss . Adele Welch
Ian Shanley
February 24, 2021
I went onto his BC obit site, and added the following...
Mike and I were in radio together in Thompson ( a small correction if I may, the station was CHTM) We came up with an obscure bit we did on air every day called Rafferty In Space, about Gerry Rafferty of Steelers Wheel. We had so much fun together and I will remember the times we spent giggling like idiots in the studio, crafting our masterpieces. I have ten thought of our on air bits over the years, and will always remember the times we spent together fondly. Saddened to hear of your battle and your loss my friend. You will be remembered by everyone who ever had the pleasure to meet you. I will be playing Gerry Rafferty albums at home today in your honour Mike. Rest well. Your time here was too brief.
Your friend, and co-pilot!
Ian Shanley
Dave, guitar and kazoo “The Average Mike Band”
February 22, 2021
“When they attack the car, save the radio”
Growing up in a pre-internet household, Prince George circa ‘97, getting to be on the radio was a very big dream. But the songs that are played sometimes sit back seat to the real voices of the men and women that get us through our day. Whether you’re tuning in from a cold job site , riding shot gun in your friend’s mom’s Le Baron, or sitting quietly at your desk, Radio Hosts are the friends in the background. Guiding you through the thin and the thick. Feeding that good wolf. Making the fact you’ve unjammed the copy machine for the third time that morning seem not so terrible.
I hope that all towns get to have a Mike Benny on-air. More than in wave form though, I remember Mike being out and about. Connecting. Being a true voice of a community. When my friend Dave and I started making silly songs together, Mike invited us into the studio so we could forever capture these moments for the greater good of all human-kind. He was even kind enough to name our duo.
Mike was always one of my favourite people to get a chance to catch up with, not just because he was my hometown DJ, but because he made me feel like that kid dreaming about being on the radio.
My thoughts to all of Mikes family and friends.
Ian Shanley
February 22, 2021
I an Ian Shanley. I worked closely with my friend Mike in Thompson all those years ago. have shared a memory here already, but recalled another fun thing Mike and I did. Our newscaster (Ron-a very professional one I might add) was on the air doing his thing, when Mike and I decided to walk into the studio and stare at him. We watched as unease fell over him, and he turned off the mic after reading the news and threw to a commercial. "OK, what the hell do you guys want?' he said. Mike simply said "Can we have some money?" Not to be outdone, Ron took out his wallet, and GAVE US MONEY. Then off we went giggling as usual. Sounds like a simple prank, but to us, we made the pro pay us to go away. We won. Thanks Mike, I will hold this memory dear for the rest of my days.
Ian Shanley
Jane Bartell
February 21, 2021
Laurel, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Deanna Murrell
February 20, 2021
Laurel and family,
I am so saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. Thinking of you all.
Mabel Lloyd
February 20, 2021
Dear Laurel and Family;
We send our condolences. We will always have fond memories of Mike from his Quiz Me Host days. Our son was on Quiz Me and would comment on how funny Mike was and it was obvious Mike had a natural way with young minds that put them at ease....even when they didn't get the answer right. Mike will be remembered as strong pillar in the Prince George community.
Words never seem to be enough but we are thinking of you Laurel and your family sending virtual hugs.
Mabel, Alan, Stuart, Seb and Kenna Lloyd
Lory
February 20, 2021
Loved your morning show. You will be missed.
Aline Strasdin
February 20, 2021
My condolences to Laurel and your family. Mike was an outstanding community supporter and we will miss him and his corny jokes dearly.
Ed and Lynne McEwen
February 19, 2021
Mike was such a ray of sunshine in Prince George and well loved in the community. Sending our sincere condolences and hugs to you, Laurel and family and keeping you in our thoughts at this sad time.
Kelly Penner
February 19, 2021
So sorry for your loss Laurel. My warmest thoughts and deepest condolences for you and your family.
cindykomoski
February 18, 2021
I saw him at bcne also he was part of bc special Olympics 2005 games
Frank Peebles
February 18, 2021
We were in PG media together for many years before I actually met him, and didn't know him hardly at all through those channels, although I certainly listened a lot to Mike's morning shows (with his many quality co-hosts over the years - talent seemed drawn to him). The reason it took so long to connect was, Mike was not like a lot of us who made a social life out of work. Mike was more interested in getting home to spend quality time with his quality family. I really got to know him through minor hockey, when our sons were on the same team and we ended up on the ice together coaching. I quickly discovered that the man I assumed him to be from the radio was even more funny, insightful, intuitive and focused on what was good and right than even his bright on-air personality conveyed. I was a friend and admirer from that point on. He was truly one of the good people out there. And not just nice, but he was always thinking and analyzing and considering what was going on. He was SMART nice. The tears are rolling as I write this. I miss him. The world is better because he was in it.
Kai Tuusa
February 18, 2021
Laurel very sorry to hear of your huge loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Kai Tuusa
Chris Leischner
February 18, 2021
My heart felt compassion for your loss of this great man. He was always friendly to me and very helpful. what a loss for everyone who spent so much time listening to his lovely voice. Be at peace
Karen
February 18, 2021
I feel like Prince George has lost their voice. He was the voice of this city for so long. He came here when I was 16 years old, I have listened to him ever since. His jokes du jour, the average Mike band, his announcement that it was going to be a blue blazer... all of these things will forever be a part of my memories. My deepest condolences to his wife and children, you have been so lucky to have someone like him as a husband and father albeit too short a time. May he rest in peace.
Tammy
February 18, 2021
My deepest condolences to all of you. I met Mike through being a listener of 101.3. I would call in for contests or respond to what they were talking about. I gave him a hard time going through all the cohosts and o was fortunate enough to be able to be a morning cohost one morning for a contest. I was ecstatic to be there. I loved his jokes as some were corny and those were the best. He knew my voice whenever I’d call in I didn’t even have to say who I was. He was very dear to me and I valued our type of friendship we didn’t hang out but we were friends nonetheless. Thank you Mike for being you.
Ross & Cheryl (Maltby) Annand
February 18, 2021
I remember a little boy in my grade one class at Juniper School in Thompson, Manitoba. He had a full head of dark curly hair and a great smile! This picture looks like he kept the smile!! The Benny's lived around the corner from my family home and at an Inco reunion we shared a spot on their lawn to watch a parade. My sympathy to Michael's wife and children, his Mom Maureen and his siblings. RIP Michael.....I will always remember you.
Anita , Ivon Ross and family
February 18, 2021
So very sorry to hear of Mike's passing,
Thoughts and prayers to all
February 17, 2021
Prince George has lost an icon. Condolences to his family. Rest in peace Mike.
Ken Kilcullen
February 17, 2021
Mike was a great colleague, and a good friend to our family. I have fond memories of Mike as a key member of our team at CKPG Radio and TV. He was in life as he was on the air; witty, reliable, clever, a quiet leader and above all a family man. Mike had a natural curiosity that allowed him to see beyond what is now but how it could be in the future. He was key in our company’s move into digital, leading the way early on in the development of our stations’ web sites. He was a geek for that stuff. I remember competing to see who had the fastest computer; he won with the 480DX. Mike was a great man in all ways and we will miss Mike very much.
Our deepest sympathies to Laurel, Katherine, Claire, Alex, and Colin.
Ken and Madeleine Kilcullen
Leasa
February 17, 2021
Mike will be missed in many peoples lives here in PG.
I've had the pleasure of having several conversations with Mike, always funny, enlightening, and now with fond memories.
Susan Jensen
February 17, 2021
Mike will be missed by thousands of us. His wit , his love of Community and most important of all, his love for his family was inspiring for us all.
Henry and Susan Jensen
Prince George BC
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