Gordon Wellington BENNETT

BENNETT - Gordon Wellington, DFC 29 March 1919 - 31 March 2008 - Yes, he has slipped the surly bonds of earth and is dancing the skies on laughter-silvered wings. On Monday morning Gordon left us after a short stay in hospital. He will be remembered for a legacy of mentorship to his pupils as a schoolteacher in northern mining camps before the war, a record of two tours of service to Canada during the Second World War as a Halifax and Lancaster bomber pilot, a career in the RCAF as a test pilot and flight safety expert, a second career running the Marmora Insurance Agency, and finally a life-long career as husband to Stella, recently deceased, father, grandfather and great grandfather. When Gordon saw that things needed to be done, he was usually found in the leadership roles that he enjoyed. He was a charter member of the Marmora and District Lions Club and also of the Crowe Valley Lion's Club, and a lifelong member of the Marmora Branch 237 of the Royal Canadian Legion. He served as a counselor on both Marmora Village and Township of Marmora and Lake Councils, and was a proud and active member of the Progressive Conservative Party. He never watched the soaps on TV, but he certainly watched Question Period and Don Newman's daily reports from Ottawa. Gordon also enjoyed sailing, particularly with his grand daughters, Jennifer and Andrea. He was not really happy unless he was taking water in over the side of the Sirius in the fickle winds of Crowe Lake. Lately, you would have found him out on his scooter in Marmora going up street for a few things. Dad's life will be celebrated by sons John (Betty) of Norwood, Bruce (Linda Gaborko) of Conception Bay South, Newfoundland, Lionel (Donna) of Marmora and Mark of Calgary. He was predeceased by Mark's wife, Gillian Ewing. Grandpa was very proud of his grandchildren, Chris (Carol) and Gord (Natasha) of Toronto, Trevor and Seth in Newfoundland, Darryl (Trish) of Ottawa, Jennifer of Toronto, Andrea of Chicago and Alexis and Eliza of Calgary. His five great granddaughters, Erika, Meleah, Ella, Miyah and Amanda, and great grandson Jake always held a special place in Gordon's heart. A visitation and service are planned for Gordon at the MCCONNELL FUNERAL HOME in Marmora from 1:00 pm on Saturday 5 April where a memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm. Prior to that a Lions service will be held at 2:30 and a Legion service at 2:45. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, or the Centre Hastings Community Care, or the RCAF Memorial Museum Foundation/Halifax Bomber Association in Gordon's Memory. (www.mcconnellfuneralhome.ca) 11035910