Michael “Mike” Bennett February 6, 2024

Date of Funeral

February 17, 2024

With great sadness we announce that Michael “Mike” Arnold Bennett, of Red Bay, passed away in the house he built surrounded by his beloved guppies and family on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at the age of 72 years. Dear husband and best friend of “Debbie” Court (predeceased) for over 47 years. Devoted father of Dawn (Nick Stuart), of Spring, Texas, Jason Bennett (Ixchel), of Richmond Hill, Rachel (Joe Spencer), of Red Bay, Darcy Bennett, of Oliphant, and Rebecca Bennett (Jordon Sutter), of South Bruce Peninsula. Cherished grandfather of 16. Forever missed brother of Rebecca (Peter Gavidia), of Red Bay, Virginia Bennett, of Wiarton, and Connie Storrar, of Red Bay; and brother-in-law of Darlene (David Sheppard), of Dundalk, Sandra (Carmen Vendittelli), of London, Sherry (Stan Williamson), of Oliphant, and Bo Court, of Alban. Sadly missed by his many cousins, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, Arnold and Myrtle Bennett; and by Debbie’s parents, Jack and Bernice Court; and his sister Sarah Bennett. He will be remembered for his hospitality to his family, friends, and guests at Evergreen Resort and Little Red Bay Marina; calling the square dance; Friday night sticky buns; and his love of fishing. He was a chef by trade but could fix just about anything. It was not uncommon to see him at the marina after dinner helping someone troubleshoot problems with their boat and motor. He was known for his generosity and helping others. Many will also remember him volunteering at Quick Builds and cooking at assemblies of Jehovah’s Witnesses back in the day. He loved to fish! Mike’s grandpa taught him how to drive a boat when Mike was only 3 years old. He was always ready to tell a good fishing story. Friends are invited to visitation on Saturday February 17, 2024 from 1-4 PM at the Thomas C. Whitcroft Peninsula Chapel, 272 Berford St., Wiarton (519) 534-5341. Donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. Condolences may be expressed online at www.whitcroftfuneralhome.com

Friends are invited to visitation on Saturday February 17, 2024 from 1-4 PM at the Thomas C. Whitcroft Peninsula Chapel, 272 Berford St., Wiarton (519) 534-5341.

Condolences(26)

  1. REPLY
    Nancy O’Dell says

    So sorry to hear this sad news. My heartfelt sympathy to the entire Bennett family.

  2. REPLY
    Marlene McCoy says

    I’m so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I went to school with him at the Mar school and later in life worked with him at Evergreen. He was a good man.

  3. REPLY
    Kelly W Young says

    My heart is broken to see one of the best friends of my youth gone. Mike and I are the same age with the same interest but he taught me a lot of things while with him at the lodge and Debra of course too. Such a great levelheaded guy that came from a great respected family.
    One big consolation is Debra and he will be back soon under the care of our God Jehovah.
    Our condolences to all the family, especially Virginia Connie and Rebecca
    Friends forever
    Kelly & Mary Ann Young , Chilliwack British Columbia.

  4. REPLY
    Joan Eadie says

    So sorry to hear about Mike . A huge void at Evergreen . My sympathy to the entire family .

  5. REPLY
    Suzanne L Bennett says

    So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. My fondness memory is of Mike cleaning fish in the fish shack and driving the boat so we could water ski.

  6. REPLY
    Keith Hepburn says

    My deepest condolences on Mike’s passing!
    I have many good memories of us as kids at the Lodge.
    Good guy gone too soon!

  7. REPLY
    Jim McQueen says

    To Mike’s Family:
    We were sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. As with all the Bennetts, he was welcoming and kind. We would always see him working in the kitchen and often answering questions of guests in the tuck shop.
    As part of the extended Evergreen family, we will miss his presence.
    Jim and Helen McQueen

  8. REPLY
    David Tyson says

    My family, the Tyson-Whicher clan, has been holding family reunions at Evergreen since 1985. Many of us also vacationed there, often several times per year.

    Mike was always a thoroughly professional and genial host. He ran a complex operation with grace and his personal low key brand of Bruce Peninsula hospitality. My wife, Lorrie, and I always enjoyed our chats with Mike. He leaves a huge gap.

    On behalf of the Tyson-Whicher family, I extend our most sincere condolences to the Bennett family, especially those we know best: Dawn, Darcy, Rachel and Becca.

    Dave Tyson

  9. REPLY
    Ben Davidson says

    Please accept my deepest condolences on Mike’s passing. I have many fond childhood memories of times spent at “the Lodge” and lunches when Mike parked his car at our place in High School. Later we were privileged to be involved in many construction projects with Mike and Uncle Arn including Mike’s home.

  10. REPLY
    Sharon Lunau says

    Becca: Thinking of you and all the Bennett family at this sad time. May wonderful memories be of some comfort. Dave and Sharon Lunau and family

  11. REPLY
    Dale Given Victoria BC says

    So sorry to hear about Mike. We go back a long time. I just looked at our class picture of Mar Public School. And I remember sitting in when my mom and dad studied with Arnold, Myrtle and family. Also many memories of Saturday night dances at the lodge and Mike and I would hide under the tables of the guests while everybody was dancing…yes we got in a little bit of trouble. Kids grow up, time goes on, we go our own way, but we always remember with a smile. And Mike had a smile that I remember to this day. Looking forward to the future with confidence in Jehovah’s promises.
    Condolences to all the family.
    Dale Given

  12. REPLY
    Debbie Brydges says

    To the family of Mike Bennett:
    We are very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all at this time.
    Perry and Debbie Brydges ♥️

  13. REPLY
    Elaine Howell says

    Sorry to hear of the passing of Mike,had many happy times at the lodge. To all his family and children I send my regards.

  14. REPLY
    Tim says

    What a beautiful, accurate obituary. My family started going to the Evergreen Resort in 1958. Our parents were the same age as Mike’s parents and both of our families shared a Down Syndrome sibling. Mike fixed at least 3 of my boats of the years.
    Mike, you will be sorely missed. R.I.P.

  15. REPLY
    Moose says

    Rest in peace mike , you will be missed!

  16. REPLY
    Penny & Jeff Esping says

    Very sad to hear this news. Deep sympathy to the extended Bennett family.
    Thanks Mike for making our years at Evergreen such fun.!
    Thinking of you and your family.
    Penny & Jeff Esping Oldcastle, Ontario

  17. REPLY
    Barb says

    Sorry to hear of Mikes passing. We enjoy our vacay for nursing reunions. And especially the meals. He will be missed. Hugs to your family. Barb Pletch

  18. REPLY
    Tony Klarich says

    Having been a part of the Evergreen family for more than 55 years, including more than 10 working alongside Mike where I learned so much that stays with me today, I offer my heartfelt condolences to all those that he has left behind to carry on the Bennett tradition of hospitality.

  19. REPLY
    Leah Gelech says

    We are so very sorry to hear the sad news about Mike. It’s so very true what was written. Mike was a very generous person., Both Mike and Debbie were. Whenever we would be up at the farm at Grandma and Grandpa’s, Debbie and Mike would always invite us back to the Saturday night dance and food. I remember with very fond memories my time at Evergreen while Grandma worked there and me and Becky getting into all kinds of food. All of Arn and Myrtle’s kids along with their daughter in law Debbie sure filled their parents shoes very well. The whole family mean the world to me and I look forward to seeing them all again, along with Grandma and Grandpa, and there will be a grand celebration. Until then remember the words at Isa 41:10,13. ❤️

  20. REPLY
    Billie and Rob Seguin says

    So sorry to hear this have known Mike for over 50 years our condolences to the whole family.He surely will be missed!

  21. REPLY
    Monica Paquin says

    I’ve been going to Evergreen my entire life, so 53 years now. For 13 of those years I lived in QC, over nine hours away. I would always leave Friday after work with the intention of staying overnight somewhere along the way, but more often than not I would call the lodge around 9 PM to tell them I was going to try and drive straight through. And although they would leave the screen door of my cabin unlocked for me, Mike always stayed up to make sure I made it in safely. That’s just the kind of guy he was. I love the Bennetts. They are family to me. Mike will be sorely missed. Hugs and kisses to everyone.

  22. REPLY
    Vanessa Brooks says

    We are sorry we could not be present today- Sending love and hugs.

    Brad and Vanessa Brooks

  23. REPLY
    Steve and Leah Gelech says

    We are so sorry to hear about Mike. What was said about Mike’s generosity is so very true. Both Mike and Debbie were always so generous and welcoming. Whenever the family would be at the Farm visiting Grandma and Grandpa, Mike and Debbie would always invite us back to the lodge for the Saturday night dance and wonderful food. I have great memories of being at Evergreen when I was growing up and Grandma worked at the Lodge. Becky and I would get into all kinds of food. I remember Mike working along with his parents and always had a great smile. Mike and all the Family did a wonderful job filling Arn and Myrtle’s shoes. I can’t wait until we’re all together having a huge square dance, until then remember the words at Isa 41:10,13 ❤️

  24. REPLY
    Jill Coolman says

    We are so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Evergreen Lodge has been a part of my family’s lives for over 40 years and he was instrumental with making the place enjoyable for our vacations. He will always be remembered for calling the square dances, answering questions at the Marina and working endlessly in the kitchen to make our home cooked meals. Thinking of all the Bennetts at this difficult time.
    The Coolmans

  25. REPLY
    Sandy says

    He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. My heart and prayers to all of you.
    Sandy (SABLE)

  26. REPLY
    Jim Cunningham says

    Please accept my belated condolences upon reading of Mike’s passing.
    His smile has brought back many memories of our being in school together, oh so many years ago. My heart goes out to everyone in his family.

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