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SHIRLEY BENTALL Obituary
DR. SHIRLEY FRANKLYN BENTALL (NÉE MAY) Passed away on March 4, 2005 at home surrounded by her loving family and the strong presence of God, into whose embrace she has been enfolded. Much beloved and precious wife of Dr. Charles Howard Bentall; loving mother of Louise, Kathi, Joan (Rick) and Barney (Kath); and devoted 'Grammy' to Carly, Erin, Jeff, Tim, Brad, Amy, Becky, Tara, Lucas, Tasha, Cody, Jess, Dustin and Sacha and their significant others. Shirley was born in Regina on July 28, 1926, She received a B.A. from McMaster University, which also awarded her an honorary Doctorate of Divinity in 1989. When she married Howard in 1946 at the age of 20, she became a pastor's wife for the congregation of Walmer Road Baptist Church in Toronto. Over the years, first in Toronto and then in Calgary at First Baptist Church, she took a prominent role in leading and advancing the role of women in the church. She became the first woman president of the Baptist Union of Western Canada (1976-77) and then of the Canadian Baptist Federation (198588). She travelled extensively as a member of the Council of the Baptist World Alliance from 1985-95, for which she chaired the Christian Ethics Commission and also served on the Human Rights Commission. She also wrote a regular column for The Canadian Baptist magazine and several books, including Discovering the Deep Places and a biography of her father-in-law, The Charles Bentall Story. She had a lifelong commitment to serving others. She and Howard moved to the West Coast in 1992 where, rather than retiring to a life of ease, she worked tirelessly to bring her vision of spiritual renewal and community to fruition through the creation of the Rivendell Retreat Centre on Bowen Island and the Salsbury Community Society. The latter oversees five houses in East Vancouver with the purpose of building communities that are characterized by diversity and provide support for resident refugee claimants. She was deeply devoted and connected to Grandview Calvary Baptist (1803 East 1st Avenue), where her memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 12th at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Salsbury Community Society, 1824 Venables Street, Vancouver, V5L 2H7.
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Memories and Condolences
for SHIRLEY BENTALL
8 Entries
Janice (McGregor) Clark
April 5, 2005
Shirley was, of course, a wonderful warm, brilliant, kind and loving woman, I have always admired her! As I look back she has influenced me far more than I even realized growing up at Bowness Baptist attending her Sunday School class. She instilled in me (by example) a love for diversity and cultures, confidence that as a woman I could do anything that God me called me to, because, well, Shirley just did it! I learned from Howard and Shirley that marriage can be wonderful, a safe place where you can honor, believe in, and bring out the best in each other. The thing about Shirley is that she did it all in such an unassuming way that I don't think she really was aware of the kind of impact her life had. I am glad that now that she is with Jesus she will see clearly, not in part, but the whole what she accomplished, in the things that really matter. That she can rejoice with those who are in heaven (some she didn't even know about) because of the way she lived her life. I know she will experience the FULLNESS of joy in hearing her beloved Saviour's "well done good and faithful servant". I feel truly blessed to have known her as a young girl/woman. I know she will be missed and am praying that the God of all comfort be with Howard and her family.
Elsie May (Halvorson) Quick
March 15, 2005
Shirley and I were part of a group of 5 from Gr 5 in Davin through to Gr 12 in Central Collegiate, Regina. Vivian Evans has kept me in touch with Shirley's doings... even when Shirley was awarded a doctorate so that she and you could now be a "paradox". Her life with you, Howard, has been inspiring to many of us. Your children and grandchildren will be a comfort, I'm sure.
Georgie Campbell
March 13, 2005
We were so saddened to hear of Shirley's passing and our deepest and most sincere sympathy is sent to Howard, Joan and all the family. Shirley, her sister Wilda, my sister Doreen and myself were driven by our Dads taking turns, to Sunday School at 2:30 at First Baptist, Regina, for many years. Shirley had phoned me to give us the new address and tell me about her lovely new home. She was so happy to not have to get meals!! Over the years we have kept in contact and when Shirley and Howard lived in Calgary, Murray and I were there also where we often visited Mrs. May. Shirley was a wonderful friend, and accomplished so very much in her lifetime. She will be sadly missed - fondly remembered always.
Chris Graham
March 12, 2005
Remembered with much admiration and respect by Chris and Janice (Merritt) Graham from our days at First Baptist Church while attending the Baptist Leadership Training School in Calgary.
Lorraine & Doug Trendiak
March 11, 2005
We have many great memories of Shirley. I remenber, our Sunday School class when we were teens. Shirley was always so interested in us and our walk with Jesus. Her indepth Biblical knowledge combined with extensive travel - made all the Biblical history come to life. Those were great times! We have kept in touch through the years, and both Shirley and Howard have a special special place in my heart. I pray that God will hold you close during this hard time, and give you wonderful memories to sustain you.
Vivian Evans
March 10, 2005
I was very saddened & shocked to hear of Shirley's passing. She phoned me in Jan.to give us their new address, but no mention of being sick. We went to Sunday School together at First Baptist Church in Regina from the time we were toddlers, went to school together at Davin School in Regina from Gr. 5, to Central Collegiate together, figure skating at the Wascana Winter Club, Baptist camp at B-Say-Tah lake. While our journey in life took different directions & locations, we still kept in touch. She accomplished so much in her life. My sincere sympathies to Howard & the rest of the family. Vivian
Doreen Frank
March 10, 2005
I remember Mrs. Shirley Bentall sitting in a little dark room in the Bentall Tower Three office sifting through the archives gathering material for the book she was going to write "The Charles Bentall Story". As a long time but still current employee of Bentall Capital I have appreciated the time and effort that Mrs. Bentall devoted back then to getting this book into print. We always have a copy of it in the reception waiting area. Our guests find the history very interesting and enlightening.
My deepest condolences to Dr. Howard Bentall and the family.
Frank Dabbs
March 9, 2005
Remembered with love and respect by Lorna, Frank, Ron and Amy (Dempsey) Dabbs.
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