Michael Joseph Bennett:
Embraced by the love of his best friend Ruth, Mike passed from her loving arms, to the arms of his trusted heavenly Saviour, on Sunday October 29th. Deeply missed and cherished by his wife Ruth (McAvoy). Dearly loved by his mother Rose Bennett; his brother John (Ann) Bennett (nephews Thomas and David, niece Cassie (Troy)); his sister Mary (Cary) Williams (nieces Kaitlin and Abigail); and James Bennett, all of the United States of America. Treasured by his father-in-law Gordon Beaton, his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and his many nephews and nieces. Predeceased by his father Howard Bennett, and his mother-in-law Elizabeth Beaton. Mike was born (in 1960) and raised in Wasco, California where he enjoyed family celebrations, developed his faith in God at the local Catholic parish, played sports, developed his love of reading and movies, wrote poetry, directed and acted in home movie productions, and attended University of California, Bakersfield. Always enjoying adventures, Mike worked at various resorts in the USA including the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park. Mike moved to Spokane, Washington in the 90’s and it was there that he met Ruth through an online chat room. He moved to Richmond Hill in 1998 and they were married in 1999 and fully welcomed and embraced by his Canadian family and friends. He enjoyed working as a cashier, and volunteering at Boarding Homes Ministry, Evangel Hall Mission and as a tutor at the Literacy Council.
Knowledgeable and interested in all things Californian; baseball and statistics of all sports; films and movies and novels – we will miss his stories and jokes and interesting information. A peaceful and gentle soul, with a wonderful sense of humour and a capacity for great love and loyalty. He shared a rare and precious love, life and adventure with his dear Ruth, and all who knew him were blessed by him. Visitation will be Wednesday November 1st from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Roadhouse and Rose Funeral Home, and a memorial service will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Newmarket, on Thursday November 2nd at 11:30 am, luncheon to follow. In memory of Mike please consider a gift to: St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Newmarket; Evangel Hall Mission; or the Literacy Council York-Simcoe.