February 13, 1940 - May 24, 2020
We are sad to announce the passing of Keith Bennett, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Veteran, and Volunteer. He passed peacefully with family at his side at home on Sunday, May 24 at the age of 80, after a resolute battle with cancer. He will forever live in the hearts of those that knew him, most profoundly his wife of 61 years, Lillian, children Alice and Keith (Lisa), grandchildren Feydra, Clarke, Sarah and Charlie, and his Nova Scotia siblings; sister Kaye and brothers Paul and Lee as well as numerous and beloved nieces and nephews across Canada. Keith (Poppa to us all) will also be missed by his constant 4-legged canine companions Abby and Ollie.
Keith was born in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia, eldest son to Stewart and Florence Bennett. As soon as he was eligible, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and he attended flight training in Centralia ON followed by CFB Moose Jaw SK where he met the love of his life, Lillian. After a whirlwind courtship, they married in 1958, welcoming daughter Alice in 1961, and son Keith in 1964.
His Air Force postings took him all over Canada. In 1964, Keith transitioned to the Artillery Division of the Army and served in Canada and West Germany until 1968. The family then relocated to Abbotsford, BC where he received his helicopter training, and enjoyed a rewarding career as a helicopter pilot primarily for Okanagan Helicopters and Canadian Helicopters. He rose within the industry as one of the most respected, experienced (over 20,000 flight hours) and knowledgeable members of his field, teaching and mentoring countless young pilots over the years. After years of flying in Canada (most often in the Arctic), his career evolved internationally, and he (often accompanied by Lillian) spent many happy months working in India, Thailand, Morocco, Brunei, The Philippines, Argentina, and Ecuador to name a few.
Keith characteristically liked to keep his hands and mind busy. Over the past 50 years, he dedicated himself to perfecting his skills in a variety of increasingly challenging hobbies; flytying, petit point needlework, classical guitar, woodworking and wood-turning. He was a perfectionist in everything he did, and we are all lucky to be able to cherish the lovingly hand-made treasures he left behind.
Keith retired from flying in 1999, and after a little time off, taking on a role as a ground-school instructor. In 2000, he found a new passion as a volunteer for the Provincial Emergency Program in the Fraser Valley in various roles with CASARA (Civil Air Search and Rescue Association). After relocating to Salmon Arm in 2005, Keith and Lillian continued their involvement with the Central Zone division of CASARA, Keith eventually being appointed as Central Zone Commander and later as Secretary. He found his roles within the organization fulfilling and rewarding, and retired officially from his 20-year volunteer role last year.
Lillian would like to thank Dr. Kirkman, Dr. Main, and the dedicated staff of the Shuswap Lake General Hospital for their caring and compassion. There will be no formal service at this time, but a "Fly-In" from the Provincial Emergency Program (PEP Air) and a tribute "Missing Man Formation Fly-By" by the Snowflake Flying Club during the weekend of June 6/7 will hopefully take place (weather dependent) at the Salmon Arm Airport and above the city. Donations can be made in his memory to the Canadian Cancer Society or to PEP Air CASARA (Search and Rescue).
We will miss his toothy grin and his rambling jokes and puns that went over our heads. We will miss his wise advice and enthusiasm. We have learned from his perfectionism and sense of order. We are better now because of his sensible approach to his life and his death. We have peace in the remembrance of a lovely and gentle man in blue jeans and a plaid shirt.
Online condolences may be sent to Keith's family through his obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com
Bowers Funeral Home and Crematorium