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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 20, 2021 JOHN ROBINSON (ROB) BENSON March 29, 1935 - March 13, 2021 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved brother and uncle, John Robinson (Rob) Benson. He was predeceased by his parents, Marjorie and Edward Benson; his sister Barb (Paul) Couture; his brother Mike (Jackie) Benson; his sister Terry (Pat) Carroll; his sister Lynne (Brant) Heywood and his brother-in-law Maurice Bauche. He is survived by his sisters, Bev Bauche and Rosemary Hebert (Denis). He was a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and nephews. Rob was a loving, kind, giving, patient and gentle man who loved his family beyond all else. He was very proud of the majestic A-frame cabin he built with some help from his family and friends. He chose the location of a beautiful bay surrounded by forest in Minaki, Ontario and loved playing gracious host to anyone who wanted to visit. He took great pleasure in organizing "cousins weekends" for his nieces and nephews at the cabin. He loved to read and had a huge collection of books that were meticulously organized alphabetically. He built a second cabin on the property which he lived in during the winters and rented during the summer for many years, but eventually sold it. Rob graduated St. Paul's High School in 1952 and attended the College Militaire Royal de St. Jean in Quebec. He served in the Navy for 13 years and spent 26 months in England, along with officers from every Commonwealth navy, taking the Junior Officer's Education and War course at the Royal Naval College in Greenwich. Upon returning to Canada, Rob served on five Canadian naval vessels. After retiring from the navy in 1965, he continued serving in the naval reserves on the Great Lakes and in Esquimalt, retiring in 1973 as a Lieutenant-Commander. Rob obtained his BSc, BEd and MEd degrees at the University of Manitoba. He taught senior high school mathematics and computer science at Fort Richmond Collegiate in Winnipeg for 20 years. He was instrumental in helping develop computer-assisted systems for the Manitoba Department of Education. In 2016, Rob suffered a devastating stroke that left his right side paralyzed and his speech impaired. He bore this bravely, without complaint and always with a smile on this face. The family would like to thank Simkin Centre who provided Rob with a warm, loving and caring home, where he received excellent care in a happy environment. Rob was cremated at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home. As per his wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. It was his wish that family and friends hold a Celebration of Life when it is safe to do so, to raise their glasses and wish him a "bon voyage." THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to Thomson In The Park Funeral Home As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 20, 2021 Condolences & Memories (4 entries) Well Rob, you survived all those cold long winter nights standing watch in the North Atlantic on board a tribal class destroyer, on an open bridge, so as you sail off into the sunset, this voyage should be 'piece of cake'. I will always have fond memories of our extended canoe trip on Lake of the Woods, when we had to paddle for five days to get to Kenora, because we desperately needed to get another bottle of Lambs Navy rum! Great trip, great memories! Get the rum ready for my arrival! Bon voyage! - Posted by: John M Boxall and Aline Boxall Brétécher (Cousins) on: Mar 23, 2021 Cousin Rob will always be remembered as 'Uncle' Rob to the Pat Benson clan. Rob was our only extended family in Nova Scotia, and was always dashing in his uniform and his sporty MGA's. - Posted by: Dave Benson (family) on: Mar 22, 2021 Have many great memories with Rob in Minaki. Will always remember the great times my father-in-law (Glenn Hodgson) and I went down to stay with Rob during the winter months and staying in the winter cottage. A really great friend and always there to lend a hand when needed. Will miss you. - Posted by: Steve Shail (Friend) on: Mar 21, 2021 Hey Rob. Smarten up. This may sound harsh and disrespectful but this was a standing joke between the two of us for years and years. It is how we ended cards, emails, texts and conversations. My heart is truly broken Rob. I will miss you so much. You were such a wonderful brother and a wonderful human being. God bless you and may He welcome you into His eternal kingdom. - Posted by: Rosemary and denis hebert (Sister/brother-in-law) on: Mar 20, 2021 He was Benny to us. He was a very warm and likeable fellow. Posted by Gerry Wharton, CMR 1952. |