Darrell William Bennett
January 30th, 2014
Darrell William Bennett passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2014 in Calgary, Alberta, following a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 79 years. He leaves his loving wife of 59 years, Patricia (Roberts) Bennett; his daughters, Stacey (Howard) Morison, and Lisa (Ross) Harriman; his sons, Barry (Patricia) Bennett and Scott (Connie) Bennett; ten grandchildren, Erin (Brad) Hurkett, Devin (Ashley) Morison, Jeff Harriman, Robert (Lynette) Harriman, Brian Harriman, Dustin (Cheri) Bennett, Marty (Sharleen) Bennett, Mitchell (Sara) Bennett, Lainey Bennett and Sierra Bennett; six great-grandchildren, Salix, Asha, Reese, Will, Mason, and Van; siblings, Doreen (Swede) Becker and Gary (Debbie) Bennett; and many close friends. Born in Galahad, Alberta, on May 27, 1934, Darrell’s entrepreneurial and innovative spirit culminated in a very successful, rewarding business career spanning the globe. In his early years, Darrell worked in his father’s garage, learning valuable skills that served him in future endeavours. After graduating from Killam High School in 1952, he started his lifelong journey in the drilling industry. In 1954, he married Pat, whom he’d courted since Grade 5. In 1957, Darrell seized the opportunity to work for Petrobras in Brazil. It was during this time that he honed his drilling expertise and developed his managerial skills. Upon his return to Canada, he pursued and ultimately achieved his goal to own a drilling company. During these years, he was involved in designing and developing a drilling technique and associated tools that resulted in 37 patents that revolutionized the drilling industry. He successfully completed many projects in both the domestic and international markets. His work with DeBeers and other contractors in South Africa flourished to the extent of opening a branch office in Botswana. He not only took pride in his business, but truly treasured the friends he made during his time in business. Over the years, his expertise and reputation led him to be sought after to solve many difficult and varied drilling projects. Darrell had a strong sense of civic duty. He was involved in various community groups such as the Lions Club, Curling Club and Community Association. He served as the Mayor of the City of Airdrie for thirteen years (1970-1983), retiring only when he felt he could not do justice to both the growing international demands of his business and the City. During his tenure, he enacted many positive changes that still benefit the City. When Darrell retired he became an avid golfer. He was very proud of his three holes-in-one in his brief golfing career. He and Pat thoroughly relished retirement, enjoying family and vacationing around the world with their many friends. Darrell dearly loved his wife, family and friends. A man of quiet strength and confidence, he embraced life with passion, love and caring. He was hard-working and humble. May his soul rest in peace and his memory rest within our hearts. The family would like to thank both Airdrie Home Care and the Blood Services department at Foothills Hospital for their care and attention to Darrell. A Celebration of Darrell’s Life will be held on Monday, February 3, 2014 at 1:00 pm at the Town and Country Centre, 275 Jensen Dr NE #103, Airdrie, AB. Memorial tributes and flowers are gratefully declined.
Messages:
Pat, we send our condolences to you and you family. God bless.
Hi Pat....we are so sorry to hear about Darrell. We are in Indio otherwise we would have came to the services. We were not aware that Darrell was ill....just thinking about you and your family and we know what a caring and gentle man he was. I know he will be missed by so many and thought of so often.....Jim thought of him on the Indian #2 hole today....his hole in one!!!! Remember his little giggle when he would win at cards.....know you will miss him dearly but you have many, many memories to cherish!!! Jim and Daria
I met Darrell many years ago while working for the senior management team at Longyear; over the years I have met many people in the mining industry and Darrell always stood out to me as one of those "top notch" men - who treated everyone with respect and kindness and a smile. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Brenda
Darrell was an exceptional, brilliant, kind man. I will miss Darrell's pleasant demeanor and stories. He was always kind to me and I enjoyed playing golf on the Tiger Torch team at Woodside. I cannot express in words my sorrow and at the same time the wonderful years he must have had with Patricia of 59 years and all the children, grand children and great grand children. All of us that have met and conversed with Darrell were blessed to have known such a man. We all aspire to have lives as rich and full as Darrell's. Good bye my friend.
Pat, I am sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Doris MacRae and Family
My condolences and heartfelt sympathy to Darrell's beloved family. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. RIP Mr Bennett
Dear Pat and family, we are sad to hear of Darrell’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are hoping that you are comforted in knowing that he lived such a full life, giving so much to his family, his business, and the community. With sympathy,
Pat and family. As a teen and now as an adult, I will always remember Darrell's fabulous smile and kind face. Please accept my sincerest condolences. Alanna
I worked for Darrell from many years and have many fond memories of him. He was helpful and kind as I progressed through my drilling career, starting at the bottom and working my way up, always taking the time and patience to mentor and give advice. My deepest sympathy and condolences to everyone. Rest in peace, Darrell...
Dear Pat and Family, Darrell will be missed by all that knew him. He was a mentor to a lot of us, in the drilling world, business, and in home life, a true gentleman. I feel that all those years I worked for Darrell, he was always fair and treated me with respect. He will be sadly missed, I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Our love and thoughts are with you and your family Pat. It was a real privilege to have known Darrell and we will miss him greatly as will all of you. We will always hold dear our memories of cruising together. Angie said it best ..... Darrell was a "gentle giant." May you be at peace Darrell. Wayne and Linda
Darrell will be missed by so many people for so many different reasons. Kindest of thoughts to all, especially the family. Veronica Marshall (nee Waldo)
Our deepest condolences to Pat and family. Many memories of growing up "on the block" in Airdrie with Darrell and the Bennett Boys. A great father and wonderful leader all the way around. Was always great to visit with any time we crossed paths. Will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace Mr. Bennett.
I first met Darrell at the Inglewood Curling Club 44 years ago. We curled on different teams in the Kno-Account Curling League. He had just become the Mayor Of Airdrie. After he acquired Tiger Torch he became a very good friend and customer to me. I really enjoyed our visits over coffee, lunches, and later golf games together. He never tired of my questions about his world and business experiences. His advice to me on business and personal matters was so helpful. I regret I cannot attend the Life Celebration. My deepest sympathy to all. Rest in peace Darrell. Bob
Pat and family, it was my great pleasure to be a part of Darrell's care. I always got a sense that he was a "gentle giant" and I know he will be missed. My condolences to you all. Angie
Pat...I am so very sorry to find that Daryl has passed away. Daryl was a man larger than life. He was a good friend to Vern. Please accept my deepest sympathy.