Petit De Grat
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our father, Clement Joseph Benoit, age 87, which occurred on August 9, 2023. He died peacefully at the Victoria General Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Dad was born on July 5, 1936, to the late Eugene and Loretta Fortune.
He is survived by his four daughters, Joyce Benoit of Sydney, NS, Lisa Benoit-Bowen (Darin) of Bedford, NS, Dawn Benoit-Samson (Lloyd) of Middle Sackville, NS and Angie Williams (Lyndon) of Stillwater Lake, NS along with his three precious grandchildren Kaleb, Renée and Madeline. He is also survived by his brothers Alfred (Diane) Benoit, Phil (Pauline) Benoit, Stanley (Joan) Benoit, his sister Jeanine (Art) Leblanc, his sisters-in-law Nola Meunier, Sylvia Power, Lorraine Landry and brother-in-law Gerald Boudreau. He is pre-deceased by his beloved wife of 63 years Marjorie Ann Benoit (née Landry) his parents Eugene & Loretta Benoit, sister Anne Corcoran, brothers in law James Corcoran, Conrad Landry, Delphis Landry, Roddie LeJeune, Clifford Meunier, Lloyd Power, Velma Babin, Bernard LeJeune and sisters in law Evelyn Landry, Mildred LeJeune, Gloria Babin, Lucille Landry and Margaret Boudreau.
Dad started his career with Booth Fisheries then moved on to the Department of Fisheries & Oceans as an Inspector. This position afforded him the opportunity to travel the world as far as China, Thailand, Costa Rica and Columbia. He was known in the department as “the nose” as no one could detect the quality of a fish like our father. He always said, “His nose knows.” Once he retired from the Department of Fisheries & Oceans, he worked as a consultant with the Premium Seafoods Group until Marjorie said “that’s enough” lol. Besides his family, Dad’s passions were politics, community, and music. He was a passionate supporter of the Liberal party and was involved in several campaigns for several candidates over the years. He loved every minute of his time on the campaign trail.
Dad also served his community in various ways and was a proud Acadian. He was heavily involved with many community organizations over the years, some of them being St. Joseph’s Parish, the Acadian festival, la Picasse, and la FANE. Dad was also involved with the parish choir and enjoyed singing and listening to music whenever he could. He spent his last few days singing songs that gave him comfort. Lastly, and above all else, Dad’s greatest passion was his family, especially his grandkids. Anything he could do for his four girls, he did. And when his grandkids, Kaleb, Renée and Maddie, were younger, he was always ready with a book or deck of cards and always wanted to make sure they were doing well. He loved them beyond words can express.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses from the 3rd and 8th Floor of the Halifax Infirmary and especially the staff from floor 9A and B of the Centennial Building (VG Hospital) who took such great care of him his last few months. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donations in his memory to one of the following: Strait Richmond Hospital Foundation or St Anne’s Centre.
Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation upon request. A service will be held at St. Joseph’s Parish Church, Petit De Grat on Friday, August 18, 2023 at 2:00pm with Rev. John DeCoste officiating.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Pier Community Funeral Home, Sydney, NS. Tributes, words of comfort and memories of Dad may be shared with the family at www.pierfuneralhome.com.
Online Condolences
Condolence Message So sorry for your loss, please accept my condolences at Clem’s passing. I did know Clem through work I did at the plant, he was a wonderful man and a straight shooter,
From: Roger Davison
Our sincere condolences to all of the family…thinking of you … love from all ” the girls” from Niagara Falls..❤️💔
So sorry for your loss Angie to you and the family , I see from reading you Dad’s OB he was a very well know and loved man, know that Doug and I thinking of you❤️
Sincere condolences to the family. Was such a kind man. He will be missed..
Our sincere condolences to the Benoit Family. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
So many fond memories of our visits to the east coast, filled with family and laughter. Uncle Clem will be truly missed.
Our sincerer condolences to Clem’s families and friends, I enjoyed Clem’s stories
of his travels, experiences and his sense of humor we had a few laughs. RIP Clem.
Vivian and Clyde Hynes.
Our deepest condolences to all his family as Clem was always a great friend to us through our life and especially in politics where he managed Michel’s elections as his campaign manager and everything else as we will never forget him ,Rest In Peace as you served your fellow human beings well
I offer my deepest sympathy to the Benoit family. As a workmate of Clem for his entire career with DFO, I can attest to his integrity and dedication as one of the finest Inspectors the Department had ever witnessed. He treasured his family which was his true priority. To the family, you should be proud of your father, a truly fine man in all regards.
Love you Uncle Clem, Lucia and I will both miss your laugh and the great talks we had on the phone.
This is such sad news. Uncle Clem was such a great man, loved by everyone! He was always there for my Dad and visited him as often as he could. He was there for the happy times, as well as the sad ones. I will never forget his kindness. Love Jo-Ann & Dino
Condolences to the entire Benoit Family. It has been a tough year for you all. May you find peace in the love of each other and the love your dad had for you.
Dave & Mary Beth Finlay
So sorry for your loss Dawn and family. It’s always so hard to say goodbye to a parent, but take comfort in knowing he lived a long, full life and he is with your Mom again.
Dawn and family-Sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Cherish the memories. Hugs
Beth
Our sincere condolences to all of you. Worked with your Dad for many years and even after the fish plant days, he always had a welcoming smile for his community. May he RIP!
My sincere condolences to all of Clem’s family. I have many good memories of working with Clem in the office at Richmond Fisheries. May your beautiful memories with your Dad, Pépé, brother, father in law, Brother in law, Uncle and friend help you through this di, fficult time.
R.I.P. Clem
My sincere condolences to the family of a dear friend, Clem. I have nothing but good memories of my time with Clem. He was a man of values-honesty, did what he said he would do, kindness, and man who not only loved his family but gave so much of himself to others. I will miss him. May he now rest in piece.
Sincere condolences to the family of Clem, especially to his brother, my Uncle Phil and Tante Pauline. May you hold your memories of him close to your heart. RIP Clem.
Very sorry to hear of Clem’s passing. Clem was always a friendly gracious humorous person who was very faithful to Saint Joseph’s Parish. My prayers and sympathy to al his family and friends. May Clem rest in Peace. Father Angus MacDougall