Barry Bennison

Barry Bennison, a much-loved teacher, outdoor enthusiast and avid golfer passed away at the age of 89 with his family by his side. Barry was born (August 3, 1935) and raised in Revelstoke with his younger brother Wayne and sister Charlene. 

He grew up swimming, hiking, fishing and camping in the local mountains. Winters were spent skiing...and shovelling snow. With his motto, "shovel or perish", he would attack the snow piles as high as the eaves of the house. 

Barry's first job during high school was on a construction crew laying rails for the CPR, continuing a family tradition.  His father Lloyd, a conductor with the Canadian Pacific Railway, was cited for bravery in 1926 for his heroic rescue of a man thrown into the icy waters of Shuswap Lake after a train derailment. His brother Wayne and nephew Bradley also worked for the railway. 

After graduating from high school, Barry spent three years in the Canadian Airforce before turning to teaching. He taught generations of students in Revelstoke, and is still remembered for his dedication and dry sense of humour.

Barry is remembered by his family and friends as a great storyteller, a talented musician, and an excellent pool player who loved a good game of cards.

He is predeceased by his parents Vera (Johnson) and Lloyd Bennison, his step-brother Lloyd (Jr.) Bennison, his younger brother Wayne Bennison and nephew Bailey Forbes. 

Barry is survived by his sister Charlene (Bob) Forbes, son David Bennison, daughters JoAnne (Greg) Bennison-Lyle, Michelle (Gordon) Broughton  and Madeleine Bennison, granddaughters Chantal (Ivan) Despot, Nicole Broughton, Clare (Maté) Lyle, Elisabeth Lyle, great-granddaughter Mila, and nephews Bradley Bennison, Rob (Shelley) Forbes and Kelly Forbes.

A special thank you to Dr. Rennie, the homecare support staff, and the medical team at the Acute Care ward of Queen Victoria Hospital for their care and attention.

A celebration of life will be held in the summer.