Benson Leonard Hewitt
July 2, 1934 – December 6, 2019
Husband of Wilhelmina (Hart) for 55 years. Father of Craig, Krista and Pamela. Foster Father of Johannas. Adored Doggie Dad of Pixie and Jack. Father-in-Law to Jon, Daffyd (and Mark). Grandfather to Max and Wil. Pet Grandfather to Monkey, Cricket, Hola, Titch, Napoleon, Timmy, Tabby, Fernando, Manchester and Flappy. Adored Teacher to multiple generations of Fogo students and various communities in the North. Avid Traveller, Writer and Gardener.
Pre-deceased by his parents, Minnie and Heber and brothers Harry, Ayris and Owen and sisters Mabel and Madeline.Left to mourn Brothers Gerald (Marjorie), Canon David (Shirley), sisters Golda (Rex), Marlene (Reverend Dr Rolands), Masie (Robert) & Christine (Harvey).brother in-law Walter Vaters& sister in-law Jane Earle. Multiple nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Dad lived for 85 adventurous and interesting years. He would possibly say that his life was ordinary but that is debatable.
Born to a very poor fisher family when life in Barr’d Islands, Newfoundland, was harsh, dad grew up in “rags, shared one bowl amongst a family of 14, and had carrot red hair.” His words. He was mischievous, tying balloons on roosters tails, pretending to be a ghost in the cellar but also curious about the world around him. He was fascinated with wild birds.
In a time when education was very basic, his father expected all his kids to excel at school. He went on to become a teacher known for his spelling bees, crafts and sense of fun. Many of his students still called him “sir” even after 40+ years.
He met mom where he was, in typical dad fashion, in a jacket with the elbows out. Nevertheless he charmed her, and she him. As newlyweds, they moved to Labrador for a few years and stories of being completely snowed in and dressing up in women’s costumes for Hallowe’en became part of dad’s lore.
He and mom returned permanently to Fogo to raise their three rambunctious kids in the wild freedom of the island and settled into the next 20 years. While in Fogo, dad became a Scout Leader, bring his troop to Calgary for a Jamboree, the first time many of the boys had left the province. It was the first year for the new Newfoundland Flag and he was so proud to fly it above their tents. And then it was stolen, and their dreams of walking in the parade, showcasing their province’s new flag were dashed.
Dad was obsessed with his garden. He would mark papers in the summer, designating his extra earnings as “another load of soil.” He took a barren, rocky, stinging nettle infested acre of land and transformed it into trees, flowers, and a memorial to Fogo’s past with salvaged pieces of engines and anchors. Some of his best times were spent discussing his garden with whoever happened by. This past summer he was still weeding, and digging many holes “just like a squirrel” (mom’s words.) Sadly, he never won against the nettles.
Dad was fundamentally spiritual and was both a Sunday School Teacher and a Lay Reader but grew disillusioned with formal religion. He would read any theological book and would ponder and puzzle out its meaning with anyone who would listen, including his now former son-in-law Mark, who was Jewish and also loved to debate religious theory. They would argue endlessly until everyone in the room left in exasperation. They rarely noticed.
After formally retiring, dad started travelling the world so he could see as much as possible before his health became an issue. Once, he took a transatlantic cruise that was scheduled to stop at the Falkland Islands. Poor weather put docking and disembarking in jeopardy, but, as he put it, he would walk on the islands if he had to jump off the boat and swim. Which would be a tremendous feat as he could not swim. Fortunately, the weather cooperated.
He and his youngest daughter went to Turkey where he was able to visit many biblical and historical sites that he had read of in his books. He walked where Mary lived after the death of Jesus, he saw the city of Troy and he climbed the Acropolis in Athens to tread amongst the temple of the Greek Gods.
He loved classical music. He was thrilled that his elder daughter was marrying the son of a former classical singer and he was even more thrilled that she performed during their wedding at St Andrews, where dad’s funeral will be held. His sense of humour was tweaked and his eyes sparkled when people commented “that the singing was beautiful but I couldn’t understand a thing.” She performed in German, a fact that dad failed to relay.
Dad also became a columnist in retirement retired. He wrote of all things Fogo, from historical happenings, to whimsical conversations with dogs, to reminiscing about the olden days. He did this as he loved writing, but also to share his passion and preserve as much of Fogo Island’s historical life for future generations. This, to us, is one of his greatest legacies.
Dad died peacefully without a lot of fuss, as was his preference. An hour or so before he died, he ate his favorite meal (aside from all things sweet), pea soup. Made by his son, particularly for dad, it was a perfect last meal.
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Friday December 6th 2019
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Benson Hewitt Friday December 6th 2019..
Décès pour la Ville: Joe-Batts-Arm, Province: T-N