It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dennis Benke after a short illness, at the Montfort Hospital in Ottawa, on March 16, 2019.
Dennis was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law and friend to many. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 44 years, Joan (nee Elliot), and predeceased by special friend Beryl Wolfe. Dennis is survived by his son Tom (Margaret). He will be sadly missed by his cherished granddaughters Kristin, Alyssa (Francois Piche) and Katrina as well as by his sister-in-law Margaret (Dr. Richard Wall). He was predeceased by his parents Rudolph and Martha (Renas) Benke, by his step-father Fredrick Timm, by his half-sister Evelyn Newcombe (Bob) and step-brother Robert Timm (Muriel). Dennis served his country for 42 years in both the Canadian Armed Forces (33 years) and in the Public Service of Canada (9 years) with great honour and distinction. Dennis was a proud life-member of the Royal Canadian Signal Corps. Upon his retirement from the military, Dennis accepted a similar position with the Public Service in the Communication and Electronics Engineering and Maintenance Division until his retirement from the Public Service in 1991. During his retirement Dennis was an active member in both the Canadian and American Volkssport Federation/Associations. He completed sanctioned walks in all 10 Provinces as well as in all 50 states, completing a remarkable 20,000km with both organizations. Dennis enjoyed many years as a curler at Ottawa’s RA curling club. He was also a member of the MG Club of Ottawa and took pride in his restoration of an MGB GT for which he won many awards for quality restoration. He was very proud of his contribution during the 1976 Montreal Olympics where he was part of the on-water support and rescue for the sailing events held in Kingston. Friends and family are invited to visit the Beechwood National Memorial Centre Hall of Colours, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 from 12noon until time of a Memorial Service in the Sacred Space at 2PM. Interment to follow in the National Military Cemetery at 3PM. Donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to a charity of your choice, in Dennis’ name.