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Alison BENNETT Obituary
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Alison Claire Bennett (nee Fuller) at age 50 on May 20, 2013 after a long brave battle with ALS. She leaves behind her devoted husband of 26 years, Dave; sons Scott and Ian; parents David and Margaret Fuller of Courtenay; brother Mark Fuller (Rhonda) of Vancouver; parents-in-law Tony and Elaine Bennett of Victoria; brother-in-law Bruce Bennett (Randi) of Whitehorse; brother-in-law Michael Bennett (Jacqui) of Victoria; sister-in-law Jennifer Gill (Chris) of Victoria; nieces and nephews Nicola, Kevin, Seth, Kalie, Jason and James, and many other loving relatives and friends. Alison was born and raised in Victoria, received her teaching degree from UVIC in 1985, and went on to work in Calgary, Vancouver, Victoria, and most recently at Laronde Elementary in Surrey. She was passionate about her job as the music teacher at Laronde, and took great delight in her students and directing their musical productions. Generous and fun-loving, Alison also had a strong sense of community. Among other projects, she was instrumental in the construction of a playground in Vancouver's Clinton Park, and in many fundraising efforts for the ALS society. Over the years she spent many happy holidays with family on Hornby Island and Wise Island. She enjoyed traveling and loved taking family photos while visiting friends and relatives in the UK, the Bahamas and every corner of North America. Naturally athletic, she loved to "run the ravine" in White Rock with her good friends. She was also an avid gardener with a green thumb who loved flowers outside and inside her home. She liked to see musical theatre, tennis matches, and was a constant presence at her sons' activities, including their musical performances and hockey games. The main focus of Alison's life was her family, and no mother was ever more proud of her children than Alison was of her sons Scott and Ian. Her family would like to thank Amanda Myring (Nick), Alison's circle of friends who gave their unwavering support, and her many dedicated caregivers. They gave her the independence she craved and the highest quality of life that was possible in her final years. A service celebrating Alison's life will be held at Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre, 14831 28th Ave, Surrey on Saturday, June 8 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the ALS Society of BC. www.alsbc.ca. Condolences may be offered at www.victoryfuneralcentre.ca
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50 Entries
Jacquie Sali
June 21, 2013
What a wonderful woman, so vibrant and happy. I will miss her. Thoughts and prayers to her family.
June 20, 2013
I read of Alison's passing in the Calgary Herald and recognized her name as being one of the trust scholarships that are given out annually at our Calgary Kiwanis Music Festival. The scholarship was set up a number of years ago by the father of one of Alison's students when she taught at Christopher Robin School. She encouraged his son to take private singing lessons with Lloyd Erickson here in Calgary. In speaking with the donor he wondered if her family was even aware that there was a scholarship in her name being awarded. I would be very pleased to send you more details about this if you would care to contact me at [email protected].
On behalf of the Board of the Calgary Kiwanis Music Festival we would like to express our sympathies for your loss.
Sincerely,
Sharon Cook
Calgary Kiwanis Music Festival
Eva Maas
June 17, 2013
So sad to hear of Mrs Bennett's passing. I have many fond memories of her as my elementary school music teacher at Strawberry Vale in Victoria. My heart goes out to the family. May she rest peacefully
Connie Wadge
June 10, 2013
As Russ mentioned, my grade 4 class also couldn't wait to get to Music. Alison was always a patient, enthusiastic, and understanding teacher. I remember one time that I suggested she only do a musical with the whole school every other year, since they were so much work, especially for her. Alison had to sit me down and explain that for her it wasn't work. For her it was a joy, and oh my, the fun everyone would have - most of all, Alison.
She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. My condolences to Dave, Ian, and Scott.
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John Turner
June 10, 2013
A touching ceremony on Saturday. Very inspirational and positive. Alison would have been proud. JT
Irene Bissell
June 9, 2013
I have such fond memories of working with Alison at Laronde Elementary. Her wonderful smile, quick humour and energy always made my day better. I looked so forward to our chats in the office when she came into school in the morning. She was such an inspiration both as a wonderful mother to her boys and as an amazing teacher who was loved by all her students. She will be missed by so many.
June 8, 2013
Rest in Peace Alison. Your legacy of beautiful music will sing in the hearts of many forever.
Dave, Scott & Ian, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
In sympathy,
Christopher, Linda & Sydney Brooks
June 8, 2013
Dave, Ian and Scott
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Thinking of you
Chris and Lynn Golf
June 7, 2013
Alison was beautiful, kind, fun and energetic. The years she was at Strawberry Vale school as our music teacher were special. Those of us who had the privilege of knowing her will never forget her.
Ben & Rose Jacques
June 7, 2013
Alison was an inspiration to everyone that crossed her path. Beautiful, intelligent, talented, athletic and full of life! She instilled great values in her wonderful family and friends and we will cherish those memories of her forever.
May Dave, who stood by her side every step of the way, her cherished sons- Scott and Ian, along with the Bennett and Fuller Families' forever hold in your hearts those loving memories.
With Heartfelt Condolences,
Ben and Rose Jacques
Brian Moghadam
June 7, 2013
Dave, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Julia Sabbe & Caroline Doerksen
June 7, 2013
Alison taught Music for just 1 year at Riverdale Elementary, but she made such an impact on my daughter Caroline in grade 3. Caroline adored Mrs. Bennett and she was so sad to see her leave to teach at Laronde. It was a coincidence to later learn that Mrs. Bennett was married to Dave, my colleague at FortisBC. This is how we learned about Alison's courageous battle with ALS. We are so terribly sorry for your loss Dave, Ian and Scott. Alison was a wonderful teacher, and she left a lasting impression on her students. We hope that knowing how important she was to her students, will bring you some comfort in your time of sadness. Our heartfelt condolences go out to your family. Alison left us much too soon.
Joyce Buchanan
June 7, 2013
Alison quickly found a way into my heart when I first started at Laronde, she was so energetic and her exuberant personality was a joy to be around and very contagious. You had to smile and laugh with her. I have many fond memories and I will continue to cherish these. Always in my heart.
To Dave, Ian and Scott you have been blessed to have such a wonderful, dedicated wife and mother and I deeply am sorry she was taken from you so soon.
Beverlee, Matthew
June 7, 2013
To Dave Scott and Ian , I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Alison was Matthew music teacher at laronde , we both have fond memories of Alison , I will always remember her smile .
Ross McGowan
June 6, 2013
We all choose how best to remember a loved one or a friend that has passed way too soon. I choose to remember Alison as the girl that taught boys to be tenacious, as the friend that always seemed so perfectly matched with Dave, as a peson that made things happen.
Some recollections that stand out was the momemt at about age 9 when from my vantage point looking up from the hockey ice that I realized some girls could body-check...hard. Throughout school, from Campus View to UVic there were my friends Alison and Dave, the couple that seemed so perfectly matched and made school day romance look simple at a time when the rest of us were still trynig to figure out how to go out on a date. Much later in life our paths crossed again, by this time Alison was a devoted mom to then young Scott and Ian, but she had not really changed at all. She was happy, cheerful, funny and active looking after her 3 boys. This is how I choose to remember a long lost friend taken way too soon.
I my heart goes out to you all.
From Kalie with Love
Bruce Bennett
June 6, 2013
Alison has been part of our family for so long it is so hard to see that she has gone. She was always so jovial and didn't take things too seriously. She was a favourite Aunt to Seth and Kalie who loved to visit her. They continue to share her love of music, inspiring Kalie to take up piano. We will always remember the vibrant person that she was, her smile, and will miss her greatly.
June 4, 2013
During the last three years, our students and the two of us were able to work with Alison to build devices to help her and others afflicted with ALS. Alison was great to work with and she certainly inspired the students. We are truly saddened by Alison's passing and we will miss her. Our deepest condolences.
Jochen Boehm and Bruno Jaggi, Faculty at BCIT
June 4, 2013
I was greatly saddened to learn of Alison's passing. As a former board chair of ALSBC, I especially admired her involvement with the ALS design competition. By her personal efforts, she inspired me and others searching for ways to improve the quality of life with ALS. She did this all while the quality of her own life was deteriorating. Her selfless generosity, her personal courage and grace, and the support of her family and friends, serves as a shining example of what is best in the human spirit. Jim McEwen
June 4, 2013
I taught at Laronde Elementary for a few years, and had the pleasure of having Ian as a student in Grade 5. I remember watching him in Grade 7, in the title role of Alison's last (and of course, amazing) musical production Aladin, and I recall thinking then, as now, that some people just seem to have that magic carpet that can transport others to a place where they can see the beauty beyond the mundane, that "whole new world". Alison was one of those gifted individuals. And oh yes, she was an amazing partner in our staff badminton challenge! My sincere condolences to the Bennett and Fuller families; may time ease the pain of happy memories. Elizabeth Simard
Peter & Wendy Smedley
June 3, 2013
To Dave, Scott and Ian,
We were so sad to hear of Alison's passing, our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Alison was such a powerhouse we all must remember her spirit.
Mary Nunan
June 3, 2013
To the Bemnett and Fuller Families,
I am saddened to hear of the loss of our childhood friend Alison. My brothers and I along with the Stephenson family spent many happy hours playing together. Deepest condolences, Mary Nunan, Yrjo, Ella and Gillian-Sydney Australia
Brad Ricketts
June 3, 2013
Dave and family, please allow me to express my sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved wife and mother. I too, recently lost a dear friend to ALS, know that she is now without pain and in a far better place. Hours turn to days, and days to months and months to many happy memories, remember her fondly as I know you all will. God Bless!
Hanna & Anat Kratu
June 2, 2013
It is rare in life to find a person with an inner light so bright that it enfolds you with it's warmth. Alison was gentle yet strong, powerful with finesse. Not knowing me for very long, Alison helped me through a very difficult time in my life, she was always there wholeheartedly. I am honoured to call her my friend and will forever remember the beautiful person she was.
"God, full of mercy, who dwells in the heights, provide a sure rest upon the Divine Presence's wings, within the range of the holy, pure and glorious, whose shining resemble the sky's"
June 1, 2013
Alison was my fun, generous, talented teaching partner! She invited me over for a fabulous lunch...and our closer friendship began! Never have I met a more inspiring and loving person! My sincerest sympathy goes out to you Dave and your beautiful sons. Your amazing wife and Mom forever touched so many lives! Betty Duyndam
Team Angry Bird: David Tan, Russ Flanagan, and Feng Xue
June 1, 2013
It was a privilege and a pleasure working with Alison. Her willingness to volunteer for BCIT student projects was sincerely appreciated and a testament to her generous spirit. Even as we fumbled about - last minute - trying to cobble together our ALS project, she continued to donate her time and her bright personality. She inspired our team and BCIT Biomedical Engineering; she won`t soon be forgotten.
May 31, 2013
Alison was kind, thoughtful, beautiful and talented. She and her indomitable spirit will be deeply missed but not forgotten by all those she touched. She was quite simply one of the most impressive people we have ever met. All our love to the family at this sad time.
Robin and Jennifer
May 30, 2013
Maggie and David, I got the message about Alison through Uncle John and Aunt Lydia. I am sorry for your grievous loss. Irma Haynes, Pincher Creek, Alberta
Bob & Donna Hillier
May 30, 2013
All our condolences Maggie and David; such a loss to a very special person.
May 29, 2013
Dave, We are so sorry to hear of Alison's passing. We always enjoyed seeing you at the rink and she will be missed. You touched us so much with the loving care you gave her at the rink. You,Ian and Scott are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Curtis, Shelley and Spencer Meyer
May 29, 2013
Our memories are of her first day as part of the Fuller family. What a wonderful time to be neighbours. A gracious woman who brought joy to all who knew her. Marianne and Roy Wood, Ottawa
Kristen Mucha
May 28, 2013
Dave, I was so sorry to hear about your loss. Your stories about Alison's spirit during her illness were inspiring and I know how deeply you will miss her. My sympathies to you and your family.
Dave Jackson
May 28, 2013
Alison will surely be missed. I am truly honored to have worked with her at Talmud Torah. She was amazing to work with and I extend my deepest condolences to her family.
May 28, 2013
Our prayers and condolences to the family. You will always have her with you in your hearts. She fought a good fight, she kept the faith. We count it a privilege to have been even a little part of your lives. Love and prayers , The MacGillivray's Gerry Rosemary, Brian Tammy, Bill Barbie.
May 28, 2013
Dave, Scott and Ian,
Alison was one of the rare people who exude love, talent, intelligence, integrity, professionalism and humor. She brought music, theater, sport and the love of learning into the lives of so many young people.
I was lucky to have worked with her, the best year being the one where our classrooms were side-by-side. We'd start off the day with a good laugh, remembering to put things into perspective.
Alison could always be counted on to get the job done. She worked very hard but was ready to relax and enjoy a glass of wine at the end of the week with colleagues. She was a dynamo!
My sincere condolences go to you Dave, your two beautiful sons and Alison's parents. She talked about you all with such love and affection.
She certainly made the world a better place!
Mary MacDonald
Lisa Baumeler
May 28, 2013
To Dave, Scott, Ian and all of Alison's extended family members,
I am so very sorry to hear of Alison's passing. I wish that there were words I could offer that would help to ease your pain.
All I can say right now is hold on tight to your memories of Alison and let them guide you to a place, where in time, your tears are replaced by smiles.
Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Baumeler (Russell-Gauthier....Bruce's high school girl friend)
Maggi Bailey Carson
May 27, 2013
Alison was my best friend for about six years. From approx the time she was four until she was ten we were inseparable. I am so sorry to hear her family and the world has lost such a beautiful soul. I wish now we'd kept in closer touch after I moved away from Victoria. So happy she had such joy throughout her life and touched so many people!
Trish & Jac Kreut
May 27, 2013
Dave & Boys,
Trish & I were so sorry to read of Alison's passing last week. We have fond memories of Alison & you at the Centra Gas planning sessions and from our visits at our homes
Our best regards, Trish & Jac.
Jed and Bunty Houlihan
May 27, 2013
We have such lovely memories of Alison, as a colleague at Christopher Robin School, as a friend who had a great sense of humor and a kind spirit. Our thoughts are with you, we know how much she will be missed.
Winifred Houlihan
May 27, 2013
Such fond memories of Alison while working at Christopher Robin School.
Cindy Friesen
May 27, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Russ
May 27, 2013
It wasn't often that a class of my would harass me that I was going on too long and it was music time! That was the way it was with Alison as our music teacher. I soon found out why when I went with my students and saw the rich blend of music, drama, discussion and understanding that awaited them. What a wonderful legacy.
Colette Leisen
May 27, 2013
To Dave, Scott and Ian,
I had the privilege of having Alison teach music across from my art room at Talmud Torah. She was fiercely talented, bright and hilarious. I wanted to share two particularly poignant memories of her. One was her posing for a photo, (while pregnant) like a centrefold on one of the art room tables; secondly was the first day she left her son after maternity leave, she came into my room and wept. She talked of her 'boys' often and while we experienced a huge loss when you all left for Victoria, it is pales compared to the loss the community and your family must be experiencing now.
I hope that you know how much she was loved, but more so, how much she loved you. The Talmud Torah community sends our love and light to your entire family. And as I've learned from the Jewish community, "May her memory be for a blessing."
Love, Colette Leisen
Margot Carter
May 26, 2013
I shall always remember Alison, my colleague at Vancouver Talmud Torah School, with great fondness. She was an inspiring, enthusiastic, hardworking teacher and I was always so impressed by the huge number of students, of all ages, who were happy to give up their lunch hours to join her choirs and who participated with such joy!
With deepest sympathy, Margot Carter.
Sandy Baker
May 26, 2013
I most remember Alison's wonderful smile as she welcomed my Kindergarten class into her music room. She delighted in teaching and it showed in the happiness of the kids when it was time to visit with Mrs. Bennett.
My thoughts go out to her loved ones at this sad time.
Sincerely, Sandy Baker
May 25, 2013
Alison a hero in my eyes. Her strength, love and spirit touched so many people. We have so many wonderful memories.
Jenn, Chris and Jason Gill
May 25, 2013
To the family of dear Alison:
I have beautiful memories of Alison when she taught Music at the Talmud Torah School: the Musicals we did together; the long and tireless rehearsals; the energy and devotion to her work; the love of her students. and most of alll her talent and creativity in all that she did.
These memories I shall cherish deep in my heart.
My Deepest Sympathy to Dave, Scott, Ian, and all her family members.
May her soul rest in peace in the arms of the Lord, and may Perpetual Light always shine upon her.
Larry Bauer, Vancouver
Fred Cohen
May 25, 2013
Alison was an incredible music teacher, friend and colleague. She was taken much too early. She will be missed by her many past students, including my daughter. May she rest in peace and never be forgotten. Fred Cohen, Talmud Torah School, colleague and friend.
sherry sheffman
May 25, 2013
Alison had incredible spirit and strength and touched so many. Our thoughts are with Dave, Scott and Ian at this difficult time.
Jacqui Bennett
May 24, 2013
Alison was a beautiful person inside and out. I so admire how Alison lived her life to the fullest while battling ALS and to her family who gave such amazing love and support. Our deepest condolences Dave, Scott and Ian...may your memories help you through this extrememly difficult time.
Gwyn Davie (Brandon)
May 23, 2013
To David and sons, Mark and family, and Mr and Mrs Fuller, I send my deepest condolences.
I have many fond memories of Alison from our years together as children. From playing in the back yard under the big oak trees at Emery Place, to riding our bikes all over Gordon Head, to camping at your property on Hornby, when it really was camping, we had many good years of friendship.
I remember Sanka the guinea pig, Metoo the dog, and Tiki and Mocha the cats, it was always lively in the Fuller house. I remember many birthday parties sitting around the Teak dining room table, waiting for the birthday girl to blow out the candles on the cake, and many many sleep over parties. I remember bringing in New Years day by banging on pots and pans at midnight about 1970 or so. I remember all of Marks hockey sticks in the basement, and I remember every time Alison beat me at tetherball, which was in fact EVERY time!
I remember playing piano with Alison in the basement. I let it go, but Alison continued on with her playing, becoming a teacher, I was always proud she did that.
I remember Alison's first car, a blue Honda Civic. I also remember the hours and hours of listening to the new Partridge Family Record, while playing hairdresser in her bedroom, creating wild and wacky hair styles. But one of my fondest memories was Alison's Easy Bake Oven. I loved that, and was in awe how it could pop out perfect little cakes. To me it was magic.
The years have flown by, people get on with their lives and sometimes lose touch. I will always remember Alison for being my 'first' and certainly 'best' friend when we were children. Sometimes 1968 and our grade one class doesn't seem so long ago. I feel blessed to have had her in my life as she gave me many years filled with fun, kindness, and at times, a shoulder to lean on. I always knew that when I was at Al's house, her wonderful parents made me feel like I was at home.
My thoughts are with you all.
Gwyn Davie (Brandon)
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