Obituary for Frank Andrew Benish
BENISH, Frank Andrew
It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of their dearly loved son, husband, father and poppa, June 1, 2020 at Chartwell Southwind Residence, Sudbury, ON at the age of 91 ½. Frank was born in Renfrew, Ontario November 30, 1928, son of the Frank and Bridget Benish both predeceased of Ottawa, ON. Beloved friend and lifelong partner of Barbara (nee Shipman) predeceased March 2013, married 62 ½ years. Lovingly remembered by his children and grandchildren; Paula (Robin Robitaille) and her son Kristopher (friend Samantha) of Lively, ON and Douglas and his son Carter of Ottawa, ON. He is also remembered by his brothers and sisters; Jack Benish (wife Doreen) of Ottawa, ON, Merlene Barnes predeceased (husband Ron, predeceased) of Ottawa, ON, Vivian Little (friend Elwood (Eli) Retty predeceased) of Peterborough, ON and Jim Benish (wife Carol) of Hastings, ON and many nieces and nephews. Frank married Barbara in 1950 in Ottawa, Ontario and decided to raise his family in Northern Ontario, in Elliot Lake, North Bay, finally settling in Sudbury, ON. He spent many years on the road selling oil products with BP Canada Ltd. (as Territory Supervisor and District Sales Supervisor), and Cities Service Oil Co. Ltd (as District Manager-Sudbury Area) learning to speak French fluently given that his territory included the Tri-towns and Abitibi (Quebec) areas and at the age of 40 decided to open his successfully owned tire and auto parts business, Sudbury Tire & Auto Electric Co. Ltd. and Broder Tire & Retreading Inc. until he retired at the age of 61. Frank held many roles in his life; hockey coach, president, chairman, financial advisor, politician, father, poppa, husband, friend, just to name a few. Frank always had a passionate enthusiasm to education. You could always find him chatting with children about the importance of a good education whether they were his own children, his grandchildren or the neighbours’ children. Testament to this, he became involved with the Sudbury Board of Education as an Educational Trustee “ET” (his campaign slogan) November 8, 1992 for 5 years, eventually becoming chairman of the board. Frank’s many social commitments/affiliations, included Member and Chairman of the Advisory Board of Guaranty Trust Co. of Canada (Sudbury), Member of the Advisory Board of Laurentian Museum and Arts Centre, Member and Director of the Idylwylde Golf and Country Club, Member of ‘PACT’ - People Against Climbing Taxes (community activist group) and Chairman of the Liaison Committee on behalf of Laurentian University Board of Governors that lead to the creation of the ‘Art Gallery of Sudbury.’
One of Frank’s most challenging adversaries was with cancer, which was diagnosed December 16, 1992, but he was very adamant he would not succumb to its demise. He read, researched, talked with many professionals, became part of a clinical test for every possible resolve, which allowed us to enjoy his camaraderie longer had he not pursued with such determination and tenacity.
Frank enjoyed his years of retirement at his lakefront home playing golf, fishing and puttering in his cherished gardens. He and his under-gardener, Barbara spent many hours working in their garden bestowing family and friends with hours of the most breathtaking, pleasurable experience with flower gardens and shrubs making the Sudbury Tour of Gardens in the 1990’s.
Frank was a dedicated, compassionate man ready to deal with any life challenges with determination and integrity. He was our mentor and our role model. Those who knew and loved him will deeply miss him.
To the Chartwell Southwind staff, thank you for the care, compassion, and kindness you have shown Frank over the past year. Special thanks to the PSWs, Jennifer, Colleen, Nesa, Angele, Michelle, Jeannie, Kristin (Bayshore) to name a few, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic, keeping us in touch with our dad through FaceTime calls, phone calls and pictures.
We would also like to thank Dr. Chau and nurse Nadine Paquette from the Northeast Specialized Geriatric Centre and all of the other health organizations for their support.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Northern Cancer Foundation (NCF) or the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated.
In keeping with Frank’s wishes, there will be no funeral and cremation has taken place. Arrangements have been entrusted to Jackson & Barnard Funeral Home.
It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of their dearly loved son, husband, father and poppa, June 1, 2020 at Chartwell Southwind Residence, Sudbury, ON at the age of 91 ½. Frank was born in Renfrew, Ontario November 30, 1928, son of the Frank and Bridget Benish both predeceased of Ottawa, ON. Beloved friend and lifelong partner of Barbara (nee Shipman) predeceased March 2013, married 62 ½ years. Lovingly remembered by his children and grandchildren; Paula (Robin Robitaille) and her son Kristopher (friend Samantha) of Lively, ON and Douglas and his son Carter of Ottawa, ON. He is also remembered by his brothers and sisters; Jack Benish (wife Doreen) of Ottawa, ON, Merlene Barnes predeceased (husband Ron, predeceased) of Ottawa, ON, Vivian Little (friend Elwood (Eli) Retty predeceased) of Peterborough, ON and Jim Benish (wife Carol) of Hastings, ON and many nieces and nephews. Frank married Barbara in 1950 in Ottawa, Ontario and decided to raise his family in Northern Ontario, in Elliot Lake, North Bay, finally settling in Sudbury, ON. He spent many years on the road selling oil products with BP Canada Ltd. (as Territory Supervisor and District Sales Supervisor), and Cities Service Oil Co. Ltd (as District Manager-Sudbury Area) learning to speak French fluently given that his territory included the Tri-towns and Abitibi (Quebec) areas and at the age of 40 decided to open his successfully owned tire and auto parts business, Sudbury Tire & Auto Electric Co. Ltd. and Broder Tire & Retreading Inc. until he retired at the age of 61. Frank held many roles in his life; hockey coach, president, chairman, financial advisor, politician, father, poppa, husband, friend, just to name a few. Frank always had a passionate enthusiasm to education. You could always find him chatting with children about the importance of a good education whether they were his own children, his grandchildren or the neighbours’ children. Testament to this, he became involved with the Sudbury Board of Education as an Educational Trustee “ET” (his campaign slogan) November 8, 1992 for 5 years, eventually becoming chairman of the board. Frank’s many social commitments/affiliations, included Member and Chairman of the Advisory Board of Guaranty Trust Co. of Canada (Sudbury), Member of the Advisory Board of Laurentian Museum and Arts Centre, Member and Director of the Idylwylde Golf and Country Club, Member of ‘PACT’ - People Against Climbing Taxes (community activist group) and Chairman of the Liaison Committee on behalf of Laurentian University Board of Governors that lead to the creation of the ‘Art Gallery of Sudbury.’
One of Frank’s most challenging adversaries was with cancer, which was diagnosed December 16, 1992, but he was very adamant he would not succumb to its demise. He read, researched, talked with many professionals, became part of a clinical test for every possible resolve, which allowed us to enjoy his camaraderie longer had he not pursued with such determination and tenacity.
Frank enjoyed his years of retirement at his lakefront home playing golf, fishing and puttering in his cherished gardens. He and his under-gardener, Barbara spent many hours working in their garden bestowing family and friends with hours of the most breathtaking, pleasurable experience with flower gardens and shrubs making the Sudbury Tour of Gardens in the 1990’s.
Frank was a dedicated, compassionate man ready to deal with any life challenges with determination and integrity. He was our mentor and our role model. Those who knew and loved him will deeply miss him.
To the Chartwell Southwind staff, thank you for the care, compassion, and kindness you have shown Frank over the past year. Special thanks to the PSWs, Jennifer, Colleen, Nesa, Angele, Michelle, Jeannie, Kristin (Bayshore) to name a few, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic, keeping us in touch with our dad through FaceTime calls, phone calls and pictures.
We would also like to thank Dr. Chau and nurse Nadine Paquette from the Northeast Specialized Geriatric Centre and all of the other health organizations for their support.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Northern Cancer Foundation (NCF) or the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated.
In keeping with Frank’s wishes, there will be no funeral and cremation has taken place. Arrangements have been entrusted to Jackson & Barnard Funeral Home.