Obituary of John Patrick Benoit

Click here to watch funeral video https://youtu.be/bSShbKmBhfg

It is with deep sadness, yet grateful hearts for a well-lived life, that the family announces the peaceful passing of John Patrick Benoit, age 88, on January 5th in the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home.

Born in Pomquet, Antigonish County on March 5th, 1937, John was a son of the late Leo and Alice (Deyoung) Benoit. A lifelong resident of Pomquet, he was raised on the family farm with his 9 brothers and sisters. He spent his younger years working various jobs in construction and at the local feed mill before becoming a truck driver for Eastern Dairy Foods, which would later become Scotsburn Dairy, where he was a dedicated milk man for over 35 years. He took great pride in his job and the many friendships he made with the families he delivered to over the years. Every year there were many gifts under the tree from those families.

In 1957 John married the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” Delorey. Together they made a home in Pomquet and raised four sons. John truly placed family at the centre of his life. He enjoyed several road trips to Alberta with Betty to visit his sons, and his sons fondly remember Sunday afternoons playing hockey with him on the harbour. His granddaughters hold dear memories of making pizza with Grandpere on Saturday nights on Pomquet Point Road (there will never be a better tasting pizza) and his grandson will always remember time spent with him in the garden.

After his retirement John was able to fully enjoy the simple things in life that truly brought him joy: spending hours tending to his impressive garden and cutting and chopping firewood to store for the winter. He took any opportunity he could find to take a drive into town to share a cup of coffee with friends at McDonald’s or visit with friends at the Snow Queen. Known for his work ethic, faith, and devotion to family, he was the type of man who always showed up for people.

John will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 68 years Elizabeth (Delorey); four sons Lennie, Calgary; Dominic (Cindy), Ohio; Patrick (Bernadette), Pomquet; Mark (Sheri), Fletcher’s Lake; grandchildren Kristy (Ben), Kansas; Renee (Tyler), Antigonish; Aidan, Ohio; great-grandchildren, Lucia, Vivian, Evelyn and Quincy, Kansas; siblings, Martha, Boston; Fred (Adele), Yvonne, and Adele (Henry), all of Pomquet; sister-in-law Elaine, Afton, brother-in-law Robert (Elaine), Antigonish.

He was predeceased by his son “little” Mark Benoit; parents Leo and Alice Benoit; beloved in-laws Dominic and Mary Delorey; siblings Charles (Josie), Bernard (Josephine), Leo, Gerard, and Louis (Gladys); brothers-in-law Stewart, Thomas (Isabel), Francis, Mike and Charlie.

The family wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to in-home caretakers Ellen and Theresa from continuing care, VON, Dr. Elizabeth Cooper, and the staff at R.K. MacDonald nursing home for the exceptional care, compassion, and kindness shown to John.

Visitation will be held from 2-4pm and 7-9pm on Thursday, January 8th in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St., Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be at 11am on Friday January 9th in St. Croix Parish Church, Pomquet. Burial in the parish cemetery to follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.