Parcourez la nécrologie de Benjamin Matthew Brake 2025 résidant dans la province T-N pour le détail des funérailles
Obituary
It is with profound sadness, shock, and heartbreak that the family of Benjamin Matthew Brake announce his unexpected passing in the Intensive Care Unit of Corner Brook Hospital on January 14th, 2025 at the age of 81.
Benjamin is predeceased by his beloved daughter Deirdre, parents William and Elsie Brake, siblings Imelda, Bernadette, Wallace, Irene, and Joyce. Brothers-in-law John Pear, Bill (Marie) Kent, Frank Gale, and Norman Jackman.
He will be forever remembered, cherished, and completely adored by his loving wife and best friend, Helen of 60 years, and his children Marielle (Wayde), Tina (Bryan), Jodie (Ken), and Benjamin (Marie).
His cherished grandchildren Philip (CJ), Sarah (Shawn), Courtney (Skyler), Juliette, William, Nick, Liam, Jayne, Ben and great granddaughter Maddy.
Brother and sisters Ella, Zita (Norman), Vince (Bev), Stella (Randy), Marian, and Deanna (Derin), Step-Mother Louise “Sissy”, brothers and sisters-in-law Wayne (Carol), Irene, Ron (Joan), and a very large number of nieces and nephews.
How can you capture his amazing, full life in just a few paragraphs? Benny wore several hats during his life – son, brother, husband, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, teacher, musician, woodworker, photographer, writer, carpenter, but his proudest role, and the one he was best at, was father. Benny was known everywhere as a family man, not only to his own children, but to their friends and cousins who piled into the back of his truck to head out on so many adventures.
He was born in South Branch in 1943 where he grew up, then went to St. John’s to attend St. Bon’s College. He then returned home to teach school for a short period, then moved back to St. John’s where he started a career as a machinist with CN Railway.
It was then he met the girl of his dreams, Helen, who he proclaimed would be his wife the first day he saw her. They married in 1965 and started a family shortly after. From the first day they were best friends who did everything together and always had fun along the way.
He was a very talented musician who mastered any instrument he put his hands on to accompany his beautiful singing voice. He played in many bands around the Avalon and the west coast. “The Montereys” being his main gig in the 60/70s, as well as appearing regularly with the “All Around the Circle” band on CBC. You would never find him without his guitar in his hands when there was a social on the go.
In the late 70s he moved his family back to his home town of South Branch and continued his career as a machinist at Marine Atlantic in Port aux Basques.
He went on to retire after 35 years of service. However, he didn’t retire completely and continued to help many people in the community by fixing vehicles, pumps, heavy equipment… anything anyone needed help with, he was there to the rescue.
Benny also captured his family’s life through his photography thus leaving so many beautiful mementos for them to cherish. He also shared his love of nature with his Facebook friends by posting countless photos and stories to everyone’s delight.
One could also find Benny in his workshop creating exquisite pieces of wood art from the trees on his property, gifting them to family and friends who are sure to treasure them forever.
Being of Mi’kmiq descent, he loved salmon fishing, hunting, and hiking the river and the hills around South Branch.
In his later years he could be found walking his wood trails where he continued to cut his own fire wood and he took great pleasure in feeding his birds and his pet squirrel “Sam”. He was really at one with nature and loved to see his grandchildren come to visit and play in his nature playground, including a fabulous tree house and home made zip line. Playing guitar by the fire next to his brook in the backyard was his happy place.
His family would like to express our gratitude to all the family and friends who supported us through our heart breaking loss. Especially the ICU nurses at Western Memorial Hospital who showed the highest care and compassion to Benny and his wife and children as they held his hand at the end. They were our angels on earth during our 24 hour ordeal.
Special thanks to Laura Foss, Dr. David Thomas, and many other health care providers who were there for him in his later years.
Benny’s wishes were to be cremated and his wife Helen will plan a service and a celebration of his life in the near future.
His legacy will live on through his music, photos, stories he’s written, his wood crafts and his humour, which he passed down to his children and grandchildren.
As he always said, “don’t wait for the good times, live now” and that is just how he lived his life.
In lieu of flowers or donations, please share with us your favourite memories of Benny. We know there are many.
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2025
Décès pour la Ville Port-aux-Basques, Province T-N
avis deces Benjamin Matthew Brake 2025
nécrologie Benjamin Matthew Brake 2025
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