Dutch Brook
It is with heavy hearts that we, the family announce the passing of Thomas Joseph Bennett.
Tom was born in Sydney on January 3, 1933, and grew up in the Pier. The proud son of Thomas and Elizabeth Bennett, Tom experienced an idyllic childhood where he made many friends and discovered a passion for hockey. He maintained his love of hockey throughout his life and played goalie well into adulthood.
Tom’s childhood ended at the age of twelve when his father was tragically killed. His mother struggled to keep the family afloat but nothing was ever the same for Tom who idolized his father.
A second blow was dealt when Tom’s older brother Gordon left the family to join the army during WWII. Gordon, another of Tom’s idols, died during the war. Despite these devastating events Tom carried on.
Tom married and had three children. Tom excelled at his work as a plumber and eventually became a leader in the maintenance of the newly constructed UCCB (CBU). He took great pride in his work and even more pride in his friendships. Tom was a generous and loyal friend.
After his children were grown, Tom and his wife divorced. Never one to dwell on the past, Tom went on to meet the love of his life, Mary Burns. They shared a love of nature, fishing and hunting.
Tom was devastated when Mary passed away in 2019 but carried on with his trademark enthusiasm for life. An enthusiasm that was not diminished by a cancer diagnosis in 2023. Tom fought for his life and made sure to enjoy the days he had left.
Sadly, Tom passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. He lived his final days under the care of Hospice Cape Breton. The hospice staff provided expert medical care and also comfort, kindness and compassion. The hospice nurses, doctors and support staff are all exceptional professionals and exceptional people.
Throughout his illness Tom was cared for by his daughter, Denise and son, Tommy. When Tom was in hospice, his friends, Robert and Lawrence (Allie) MacPherson visited him daily. The support of his family and friends meant the world to Tom.
Near the end, Tom found comfort in the fact that he would soon be reunited with the loved ones who passed before him, his father and mother; brothers, Gordon, William (Bill), Allan and Lloyd (Lee); sisters, Mary, Mildred (Moon), Lillian (Doods), Catherine (Kay) and partner, Mary.
Tom is survived by his children, Denise, Tommy (Janie) and Jolene, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His descendants live all over the world and have become tradesmen, nurses, lawyers, fashion designers and entrepreneurs.
Tom did not want a funeral or a memorial service, but he did hope that his friends and family would take a lesson from his life: keep going after every setback because the next fish to catch, the next goal to deflect, the next friend to make, the next great meal to eat and the next passion to discover may lie ahead.
Donations in memory of Thomas may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
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Online Condolences
Sorry for your loss, Tom worked with my Dad J J Campbell at C B U for years and remained friends for years after retirement.
From: Pat Muggah
So sorry to hear of the loss of your dad , I am grateful to have had the opportunity to spend some time with him and to see was A fine individual he was . Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
From: Alex MacLean
so sorry to hear off your loss Tommy came to my Father’s place a lot many year ago I bought my first car from your Dad it was a big black plymouth fury 1961 but my dad passed about50 years ago but Ialwat thought about your Dad never easy at any age.
From: Raymond W Lahey
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Thinking of you all. Judy and Rene
From: Judy Dixon
We are devastated to hear of Tommy’s passing. He was such a gentle, kind, compassionate, loving soul. We had many visits with Tommy throughout earlier years with our families. Our truest, deepest condolences go out to all his beautiful family and friends. Rest in well deserved peace, Tommy, and I pray you are with all your loved ones who have passed before you. from TĤE BENNETT FAMILY, ART AND LIL’S CHILDREN.
From: Joan C Macintosh
So sorry to hear of Tommy’s passing ,he was a good neighbor, and friend to our family (The Delaney’s) my condolences to all his family
From: Karen Hawco
Sending my deepest condolences to family and friends, you have many beautiful memories and I do hope they bring you much comfort during the days ahead. I got to know Tom from my few trips to Cape Breton when visiting with Mary. He was welcoming to me and always had a few stories to share. May he rest in peace.
From: Susan White (Susie Burns)
I wish to express my sincere condolences during this time of deep sorrow. I would to share the comforting hope the Bible gives that your loved one will live again on a beautiful earth when there will be no more death in John 5:28, 29 and Revelation 21:4.
Our condolences to his family,may you rest in piece my friend.Until we meet again on one of your hunting ventures.
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a wonderful neighbor for 30 years. I always enjoyed our chats and fish he would bring over. He always had special treat bags for my girls at Halloween and never missed their birthday. He will be missed by many. Our sincere condolences.
Bruce &Sheila Burke
To Tommy,Denise,Jolene & families our sincere sympathy on the death of your dad May all your wonderful memories provide you comfort at this difficult time. Tom was a great friend and will always be remembered fondly..
Condolences to Tommy’s family ,sorry for the loss of your father & grandfather .
Tommy, Denise, and Joleneand families,
We send our
sincere sympathy to you all at this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with .
Mike and Colleen
MacPherson p
I would like to send my most sincere condolences to the entire Bennett family on the loss of such an important person in your lives.
We always had a great chat whenever we ran in to him. So sorry for your loss. He will definitely be missed.
So sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Tommy Denise and Jolene at this time. Remember the good times you shared together It will help you through the difficult ones. Rest in peace Tom. Love Daniel & Princess
To the family
Your dad was an amazing kind gentleman who I had the pleasure of calling my friend. My deepest sympathy to you all.
My condolences to Tom’s family, he was a friend to my law husband
My sympathies to Tommy’s family. Tommy was a friend of my Dad’s and in time, a friend of my brothers. That says a whole lot about Tommy. May he rest in peace.
My condolences go out to Tommy, Denise and Jolene on the loss of their father. Also to all his grandchildren. May he R.I.P and watch over you all.
Tommy and family…. how sad I was to see that your Dad has died.. I have many happy memories of him when we shared times in CBU and also fly fishing around Cape Breton, once or twice with you, too. Good times and precious memories.
You’re in my thoughts today…
Be comforted by your memories of a good man.
Sorry to hear of Tommys passing he was a good man. My condolences to the family.
I would like to offer my condolenses to the family. Our family relied on Tommy many times when we ran the cafeteria and always held him in the highest regard.
So sorry to hear this news. Our condolences to Tom’s family.
DearTommy , Janie and family, we are so sorry to hear of your father’s death. He was a good man. Our condolences go out to you and all his family.
Sincerely, Bob,Vina and family.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. It was an honor knowing him,
My condolences to Denis and Tommy on the loss of your Dad. He was always so kind to my late wife Louise whenever she needed a helping hand with a plumbing issue. He will be missed by all that knew him.
So sorry to hear of Tommy’s passing, condolences to all family. R.I.P. Tommy ,you will be missed.
Tommy and family,
We are very sorry for your loss.
Bert and Maurina Lewis
Tommy and family, my sincere condolences going to you on the passing of your Dad. May his memory be a blessing to you.
Johnna Johnson (Anderson)
I’m am truely sorry to hear of your dad’s passing . I’m glad I had the opportunity to meet and care for your dad he was a gem please except my deepest condolences,Tim going to the chapel and going to get married Denise and Tom I’m so sorry favourite girl loretta
Thinking of you all at this very hard time. Lots of memories and cherish those times in your minds. Love you all and maybe will have another get together some day to catch back up.
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I’ve known Tom many years and I’ve always enjoyed his fishing stories. My condolences to the family
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing especially when I saw him only recently.Allways enjoyed the fish he dropped off and his stories.He surely was loved and will be missed.Our condolences to all the family.
Our sincere condolences to Tom’s family and friends.
Denise, I was so sorry to hear of your fathers passing. I remember him well, especially the drives back to school at lunchtime in the (I think it was a red van) and just hanging out at your house. My condolences to all your family.
We are both devastated to learn of your dad’s passing. I worked at UCCB where I met Tommy and also Mary, who was a Commissionaire at the time. Years later, Mary cared for my mom at Celtic Court & we renewed our friendship like no time had gone by. I was happy to learn she had settled down with that lovely, funny plumber from UCCB! They were devoted to each other, had a lot of fun together, & supported each other through tough times. Hal & I stayed in touch with Tommy after Mary’s passing, most recently a couple of months ago, when he told Hal all was well with him. We had no idea he was ill. Tommy was a true gentleman with a heart of gold. We will miss him & it will be sad to no longer beep the horn as we pass by his house, which we have done for years. Give Mary a hug for us, Tommy! God bless you all as you mourn this good man.- Wilma & Hal
Denise, Tommy& Janie, Jolene
I am so deeply sorry to hear about your loss, uncle Tommy was a great man and very handy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this sad time xoxo
To Tommy and family,we are so sorry to hear of your father’s passing.Our thoughts are with you guys at this difficult time.Love the great old time hockey picture!!Sounds like he was quite a guy:)He will be missed for sure.
Dear Denise and Family: Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your dear Father. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis once said that a parent will be judged by the character of his children. Obviously, you Father was a fine man.
So sad to hear of Tommy’s passing. He was a dear friend of my Dad Dan McDougall and our family. Deepest condolences
My condolences to the family. Uncle Tommy was a wonderful, loving man with a great sense of humor. He held a special place in my dad’s heart. 🙏❤️
Tommy and family, our condolences with the recent loss of your father, our prayers are with you.
Ricky and Debbie Brennick
Tommy and Family,
So very sorry to hear of your Dads passing. He was a gentleman.
May he rest in peace.