Brian Charles BENTZ

BENTZ, Brian Charles
April 28, 1943 - April 24, 2015
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Brian Charles Bentz on April 24, 2015, after a lengthy illness. Those who knew Brian will not be surprised to know he fought this illness with remarkable courage, dignity, and determination. And, as per his character, Brian showed a deep concern throughout the last 10 months for the family and friends who were beside him throughout this difficult time.
Brian is survived by his loving wife Dianne, and sons Brad (Mari), Eric (Jenn) and Leith (Anna); grandchildren Liam and Samantha. Brian will be greatly missed by his brother Barry (Ulla) as well as the Nybo/Goldie families: Norma (Ian), David, Lexy, Don (Fei) and Jason, Jim (Laurie), Rob (Bonnie), Clayton and Jessica, as well as dear friends Allan and Joan Stewart. We could not have been blessed with a better father, brother, uncle, or friend. For now, we will treasure his memory and try to carry on his legacy by making every effort to follow the high bar that he set for us all in our time together.
Brian completed a Bachelor of Science Degree at U.B.C. in 1965 and became a Chartered Accountant in 1969. In 2013, Brian was elected as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in recognition of his distinguished leadership in the field. He enjoyed a long and successful career with H.A. Simons Engineering, where he was appointed President in 1996 and C.E.O in 1998. After the merger of Simons with AMEC in 2000, Brian held the position of President, Oilsands and Mining until his retirement in 2008. Following retirement, Brian continued his interest in business serving on the Board of Directors of several distinguished companies. He loved his work, was highly respected by peers, and valued the many friendships he developed during his esteemed career.
Brian met Dianne at a social function at U.B.C. He had the good sense to ask her to dance and she had the good sense to say yes. The result was a wonderful 50-year marriage, three excellent boys, two incredible grandchildren, and enough memories to last a lifetime.
Brian loved life, the rewards of hard work, and truly appreciated his good fortune. Be it ski trips to Whistler, golfing at St. Andrews, relaxing in Palm Springs, or family holidays at Fintry, his focus was always on family and fun. He was honest, loving, and accepting of all who had the good fortune to know him. Brian was truly an example of how to work hard, enjoy life, love deeply, and laugh often.
The family would like to give special and heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the B. C. Cancer Agency. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the B.C. Cancer Agency or Covenant House. Funeral Services will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help at 2465 Crown Street, Vancouver at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2015.