David Gilbert Benson
1931-2021
Mr. David Gilbert Benson, 89, of
Deep Cove, Grand Manan, NB went peacefully to heaven on Tuesday, April
6, 2021, surrounded by family at the Grand Manan
Hospital.
David was known as a tenacious
individual who learned early to overcome life’s
challenges. It became evident at a very young age that Dave was born
to be a fisherman, getting his first taste of life on the sea
at age 5 while fishing with his father, sailing alone at age 7, and
beginning a successful commercial fishing career in his
mid-teens.
David was a leader in the AA
community for many years, celebrating 42 years of sobriety. He was
honored to speak at a number of events and offered support to those in
need. He approached retirement with the same determination he had when
fishing, enjoying his ever-expanding garden and hours on the golf
course. Eventually, he learned to enjoy a more relaxed pace at their
cottage on the Canaan River and winters in Florida. Dave and
Esther knew each other in grade school and were married for
over 70 years.
David is survived by his wife,
Esther (Bagley) Benson, of Deep Cove, by his seven children; Allen
(Bonnie) Benson, of Saint John, NB, Pam (Stan) Churchill, of Sanford,
NS, Sue (Roger) Hunter of Mispec, NB, Tony (Debbie) Benson, of Sus,
NB, Jeff (Marcia) Benson, of Grand Harbour, Zane (Janet)
Benson, of Seal Cove, and Roger (Faye) Guptill, of
Castalia.
David enjoyed his grandchildren
immensely and will always be remembered for his joy in welcoming the
new babies. He will be greatly missed by his 17 grandchildren; Teena
Brown, Bucky Zwicker, April Brown, Kurt Zwicker, Bernadette Benson,
Scott Benson, Nathan Benson, Andrew Benson, Joy Benson, David Benson,
Charity Wark, Katy King, Jessi Churchill, Jordan Benson, Josh Benson,
Adam Guptill, and Courtney Guptill. He will also be missed by 30 great
grandchildren; 16 great-great grandchildren; sisters Sylvia Yorke,
Melba (Philip) Anderson, Brenda (Kim) Smith, Marion (David) Tomlinson,
and many nieces, nephews, extended family and
friends.
David is predeceased by
his parents, Reid Benson and Mary Isabelle
(Laffoley) Greene; grandson Ben Benson (1971-1988) and one
brother Meldon Greene.
Public visitation will take place
on Friday, April 9, 2021, at Immanuel Family Church from 6:00 to 8:00
PM. A private family Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April
10, 2021, 1:00 PM at Immanuel Family Church. Mask are mandatory,
distancing is respected. Interment will be at Hillside
Cemetery.
Donations in
David’s memory can be
made to the charity of the
donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are in the
care of Ells Funeral Home Inc., 1199 Route 776, Grand Manan, NB E5G
1G2. Condolences, messages of sympathy may also be sent to www.ells.ca
or (506)662-3116.
19312021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de David Gilbert Benson 19312021..
Décès pour la Ville: Grand Manan, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick