Brad Bennett

June 13, 2014

It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing, on June 13^th, 2014, at age 53. Loving partner of Tammi Stanhope, dear son of Sandra Bennett, father of Chase (Jimmy), Garrison (Emily), and Sarah, and brother of Warren. Dear uncle of Cole, Luke, Keziah, and Wesley Bennett. Long time locomotive engineer at VIA Rail, former police officer with the OPP and Metro Toronto Police. Will be missed by many very good friends and extended family. Brad was a founding member (along with surrogate brother Charlie Powell) and President of FOG, and member of Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Brad loved nothing more than getting together with friends and family, and was always at the centre of the crowd, keeping everyone entertained with his jokes and stories. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, June 20^th, 2014 at ‘The Wing 447’, 3210 Homestead Road, Mt. Hope, Ontario (**please note the change in location). In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Brad are asked to consider Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (Canada).

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Thoughts and prayers to Tammi and all family members at this very sad time.

~ Carol & Wayne Chisholm

Brad and I met on the Sifto Salt Dock in Goderich many years ago. We always said the absolute coincidence of that meeting was unbelievable. From that day on we were fast friends. We could go months without seeing each other and then pick up like it was yesterday. We shared so many stories and jokes as did any and all that knew him. I learned early on that the twinkle in his eye was just the start of the next great adventure whatever it turned out to be. Our deepest condolences to all of Brad's Family. And to you Brad. RIP Partner! Im truly going to miss ya!

~ Pauline and Rick Whyte

Our deepest condolences to all of Brads Family and loved ones , A Terrible lost , still in disbelief , our pleasure meeting Brad and family , You will also be in are hearts , RIP Brad

~ Tom , Andrew , & Sylvie Boyd

Brad....for the last little while you had been a thorn in my side but I know that should a situation ever rise that I could count on you for help. We had many rides together where you constantly pestered the shit out of me about my Sportster, but would then say at least I could keep up. I will never forget the laughs we had in the "CH", at the Back 40, or the Air Force club. Your spirit and zest for life has touched all that you have met and will remain in our hearts......and livers until our time comes. You were my neighbor and my friend. See you on the other side Brother There is a certain pride To a biker from the South His soul shines through in his actions Also the words that come from his mouth The people that he truly loves They are often very few But they all know who they are They know for them the things he’ll do He will be there for his children No matter what the cost He’ll also be there for his woman When she needs him most He’s there for his brothers and his sisters With a quick joke and a brew He’s also there when all they need Is just someone to talk to There are few men like this Weather you search far or wide It is a terrible tragedy When a Brother like this, takes his final ride But a man such as this Even after he is gone Has not left you alone at all Cause his spirit will carry on He’ll be there when you wake up On a bright sunny, summer day His memories will always make you smile When your world has turned to gray There’s pain in your heart now cause you’ll never again hear him say “Come on Cheer the hell up man” Or “Let’s roll some miles away” But know when you roll out To take off for a ride He’ll be there beside you His spirit riding by your side Know that your brother On heavens roads will now roll On his brand new Harley That he fabricated from heaven’s gold Then just think of the day That you will see him again He’ll be at the gates to welcome us home Wearing that Big Ol' Biker Grin

~ Pat Cheatley

We have grown very fond of Brad here at the Quality Suites. He was a constant source of jokes, laughter and always brought a smile to our day. When he was at work and away from his own family he became a part of our Quality Suites family and we will miss him greatly. Having guests like Brad as a part of our family is a very rewarding and awesome experience and he will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today, tomorrow and the days ahead. Stephanie, Flo, Jenn, Cara, Jen, Justine, Shannon, Katie, Cristen

~ Staff at the Quality Suites Windsor

Only the Good die young. You were the Best my Friend & I will surely miss you. I can still hear your voice calling out to me @ Union station " Hello my horny hindu friend " I turn around & there you were with that smile on your face . Brad only you could say such things & get away with it. My heartfelt thoughts & Prayers go out to your Family . May your soul Rest in Peace.

~ Irwin Simmons

Our prayers and thoughts to the family Brad, always a great time working with you and many memories that will never fade at Via and at Bombardier working the Go Trains, never a dull moment. RIP Brad.

~ Carol Ann Ross & John Michaluk

It was a great pleasure knowing and working with you. God Bless Your soul and rest in peace, Brad.

~ Edward Santiago

Our thoughts and prayers to Tammi and all the family at this sad time Gonna miss you neighbour it was a pleasure and Roland is still waiting at the fence for his beer and burger

~ Susan & family

Our thoughts and prayers to Tammi and all the family. Such a sad loss for everyone. As a member of FOG I thought I had to say something to show how much I appreciated the times we were all together. So here it is: There was a man Our founder of FOG Was the coolest guy To ride a HOG Our Prez, our leader Our brother and friend He made us all laugh Right to the end To our brother Brad I give thanks and say cheers For leading our rides And just drinking beers Ride free brother

~ Rick and Kim Whidden

When Brad was a cop in Ridgetown he got a call that a Schneider National driver was driving all over the 401. When he pulled the driver over he started asking the driver about the company likes & dislikes cause I just got hired by them & I was soon on my way to Green Bay Wi for training. The driver wasn't all over the road. Brad took the time to ask her about the company knowing that I wanted to start a career in trucking. 21yrs later & still driving Brad!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I took a little break from trucking & I bought a panel van to go expediting. It didn't work out & I wanted to sell the van. Brad got this idea he would buy my van & get a contract to deliver prisoners from point A-B. It didn't work out but he really tried to help me out & Im truly grateful to knowing Brad! The Wake family will miss your laughs & amusing stories!! Say Hi to Mom will ya!! By for now!!

~ David Wake

We would like to send our heart felt condolence's to Brad's mom, his children Chase, Garrison, and Sarah, and his sweetie, Tammi. I have read all the comments that so kindly everybody has expressed, and I must say, along with everyone else, I have had the good fortune of witnessing them all. We first met Brad we he moved across the street from us in The Hammer's North End. After the first beer we had together, I knew I found a very good friend. He just had that effect on you. Straight up, honest, and forthright. You couldn't have asked for anything more from a person. We loved to have fun, especially at each other expense. But hey, that's what buddies are for. We got to spend a fair amount of time in Playa Junquillal, Costa Rica together. Tromping around in the middle of the jungle, 48 degree c heat, looking for a small bar in the middle of who knows where, and to watch 2 villages play a soccer game. And you know Brad, he didn't walk 3 hours to watch soccer. What guys do for a beer. Brad, as you know, has accomplished many things in his short life, never to back down, and handling challenges straight on. Never sitting still. No idle gear in that boy!!! That was just his way. But most of all, he was my friend, a friend to my family, and a friend to all of us. Fuck, where we ever lucky to know him!!!!! See you soon Brad, throw me down a rope will ya!!!! FO!!! skin.

~ Paul & Wendy Piva

Brad - my beloved surrogate-Dad, In every instance of my memory, you always had such an unbelievable warmth about you and a love for those close to you, and such a lust for life and all its spoils. I doubt the homeliness that came from stepping into your cave and being immediately handed a beer (even at 9 AM) will ever fade for me. You could always laugh at a situation and you almost always took that opportunity. You always had a way of speaking your mind and, regardless of how crude or inappropriate, winning laughter and approval from those around you. I'm going to be honest - I didn't always think it was appropriate, but man I loved it anyways and I think that taught me a great lesson about life and happiness. All these things made life for those around you a little sunnier, and things will not be the same now that you're gone. I'm sorry I couldn't get you your dream job as the pioneer arctic train operator. I'm sorry I never took the chance to ride up in the cab with you. I'm sorry I didn't give you a ride to that party in Brantford that one time. I'm going to miss you, Brad, but I'll always be glad to have known you. Cheers.

~ Barrett Nicpon

My sincere condolences go out to Brad's Mother, Tammi, his family and close friends. Brad, you were a great guy, always able to get a rise out of someone or make them laugh and often leave them in stiches! It didn't matter if your opinion was welcomed or not, you were willing to supply it. I am better for knowing you even though at times I was the butt of your joke (*the beard*) I always enjoyed working with you and hanging out when we did. I already miss your lines - 'Oh it's stellar!', 'Oh it's f'n dynamite!' as well as the signature FACE you would make after hearing about someone doing or saying something that you didn't like or you thought that person was "not all there" - you know the face with the head tilted and shaking with everything scrunched up and squinting? 'You're f***ed!' Face – Anyone that knew you knows that facial expression! I will never forget about Brad's drill and finally the joke he told me after knowing him for all of 5 minutes "Do you think it will f'n keep til next week????" I hope you are in a better place now. Friend you are missed. :(

~ Chris Donoghue

The presense that was Brad is what is truely missed. There was no way not to know he was in the room. If you didn't notice he wouldn't take long to make sure you did. He always had an opinion but he also let you have yours. He wasn't the type to just let life go by without living it. God bless.

~ Nevin Hamilton

You were one of the good guys, Brad, a true friend in every respect. I'm sure your many friends will miss you as much as I do. Until we meet again ....

~ FG

Brad was my step-brother. We laughed and cried together many times. We shared each others' challenges in life for over 30 years. We were roommates a couple of times in our early 20's. Aside from the many GREAT times hanging out together and partying, we had long, heavy conversations about our families/loved ones. Brad always wanted to look after those he loved. I've been around his children Chase and Garrison since they were born and, to me they are the second and third children that I never had. I want them to know that I will try and fill at least one of Brad's shoes for them when needed. I never imagined having to go through the rest of my life without Brad. I will miss him terribly. My wife Marisa met Brad about 15 years ago and also developed a very loving relationship with him. I can only hope that his energy disperses into all of us and his heart and soul rests in peace.

~ Andy McIntosh

Brad, 20 years ago you asked Al to join you on Pelee Island for the weekend and that started our life together. Every wonderful day we have together is thanks to you and we will never forget that. You will always be in our hearts and Al will never forget the trip with the Freightliner. RIP, we love you!

~ Al and Elke

I miss you a lot...and a lot more than I ever expected. I keep thinking of texting you, and realizing I can't do that any more... I think I'll miss your texts most of all. Lady misses you more than anyone. I love you.

~ Chase

Bard, I'm going to miss you buddy . Our conversations were generally the highlight of my day and you never failed to make me laugh. Ride free and we'll meet again on the other side. Wayne

~ Wayne McArthur

I flew Brad back and forth between Sioux Lookout and Hornepayne. From the moment we met I knew what a great guy he was especially in the aftermath of his crushing handshake :) Brad treated me as an equal, as a true friend and took me under his wing like a son. When we both found ourselves back in southern Ontario he made sure I was always welcome at his home to spend time with him and his friends. I valued and respected Brad's opinion, I would run things past him to gain his perspective because what he said really made a difference to me. While a great friend has been lost it was a privilege to have had Brad as a part of my life. You will be greatly missed Brad, rest easy my friend, until next time, ride safe and keep the rubber side down.

~ Kevin Smith