JOHN RAY BENNETT

JOHN RAY BENNETT Born January 4, 1940 and adopted as an infant by Helen and Ray Bennett. Along with his sister Elaine, John grew up happily on the banks of Sixteen Mile Creek in Oakville, ON. As a youngster he was an enthusiastic and accomplished athlete who excelled at football and hockey, while enjoying many other sports. John had very fond memories of his years enrolled at Lakefield College School in Lakefield, ON and remained an active member of its Old Boys Association. He met, courted and on December 14, 1963 married, Margaret (Peggy) Keeber. Together they raised a daughter (Marielle Elizabeth) and son (Matthew Ray). John went to work for the National Cash Register Company (NCR) in an entry level position and retired some 38 years later as the Vice President of Systems Engineering. While living in Toronto the Bennetts became civilian sponsors for senior allied military students and their families visiting Canada to take training courses at the Canadian Forces Staff and Command College in Toronto. John was also involved with the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibit and after retiring to Port Hope, ON, became a member of its Art and Culture committee. In addition he served on the Board of the Port Hope Archives for 8 years and the Rate Payers Association. He was an integral member of the Port Hope Estival committee as well as a generous friend and supporter of both the Port Hope branch of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario and the Canadian Fire Fighters Museum. John was an avid golfer, accomplished wood worker and master lawn care technician. He enjoyed many of the finer things in life such as fine food, good wine, single malt scotch, tailored suits, art and antiques (especially silver smalls). Yet he retained his appreciation for simpler things like hot dogs, strong black coffee, devilled eggs, potato salad and his personal favorite (peanut butter and mayonnaise on white bread). The latter a throwback to some happy memories of his Father's employment and shared times at the Woolworth's lunch counter. John Ray Bennett was simply "a good guy" who made friends very easily and kept them for a lifetime. After collapsing at his home in Port Hope, he died on January 29, 2014 at the Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg. He will be missed. A celebration of John's life will take place on Sunday, February 23rd from 2 - 4 p.m. at St. Mark's Anglican Church Parish Hall, Port Hope. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to The Port Hope Archives or to Lakefield College School would be appreciated and may be received at www.rossfuneralchapel.com