It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Merlin Bennett, late of Weyburn on Sunday, January 13, 2013 at the age of 79 years. It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Merlin. He is survived by daughter Angie (Tim) Neuberger of Assiniboia, and their children, Trace, Ty, Charity, and Noelle; sisters, Ferne Harding of Regina, Leila Marriott of Regina, Shirley (Jerry) Noel of Douglas, Wyoming, Myrt Dickinson of Weyburn, Marg (Ray) Peltier of Calgary, AB; brother Ken Bennett of Weyburn; Marlene Miller (Angie's mother) of Weyburn. Merlin was predeceased by parents Willis and Betty Bennett; brothers Dennis and Dale; sister Faye; nephews Rick and David Marriott, and Barry Bennett; brothers-in-law, Jim Marriott, Don Dickinson, and Ernie Harding; sisters-in-law Diane Bennett, and Irene McArthur. Merlin was born at home on the farm on August 28, 1933; firstborn son to James (Willis)and Elizabeth (Betty) Bennett. Merlin married Marlene Olsen in October of 1961, and had a daughter, Angela, in 1966. Dad had a great fondness for animals, and would often feed strays that would come around his place. As a teenager, he had a favorite paint horse by the name of Mickey, in which he took great pride in, and was always interested in showing pictures, and telling us stories of the adventures the two had shared. He loved the outdoors; farming, fishing, camping, rodeos, playing horseshoes; anything that allowed him to be outside, and enjoying nature. In his younger days, he enjoyed music and dancing, and attended many functions of this type. One of his favorite things to do in the summer, was to sit in his shed that he had furnished with a bed and a couch, and he spent hours there listening to his favorite country music. He was also known for being mechanically inclined, and could often be found tinkering on a vehicle. I have early memories of my dad and I in the garage, music playing, while he had his head under the hood of a vehicle doing something. Not too long ago he even gave some advice to one of the staff at Tatagwa. He told her what he suspected the problem was with her vehicle. When she took it in to the garage, sure enough, his suggestion had been correct. He enjoyed driving, demolition derbys, and car shows. I believe my love of cars and driving comes from my dad. He taught me at a very early age (very early), how to drive. He would push the gas pedal, and I would sit on his knee and steer the wheel. To this day, I would much rather be the driver, than the passenger. He had a great sense of humor, and would often be joking around, or teasing someone. Him and the staff at Tatagwa also had fun with this. He had an adventurous, carefree spirit, which at times landed him in hot water; but I'm sure he was enjoying himself at the time. He could be very witty, and quick thinking. I have heard stories about how sharp he was at math, and his attention to details. He was very proud of his four grandchildren, and although it was never quiet when they all came to see him, he always seemed to enjoy and appreciate their visits. The last years of his life were spent as a resident at Tatagwa View Care Facility. The staff are amazing, and they did more than provide care for him; they provided him a wonderful home. He had struggled for years with mental and physical challenges, but with kindness, patience, and respect, he flourished. I am very grateful for his Tatagwa family, and the joy they brought him in his last years. Life with Dad was a bit of a crazy ride, but the last few years were more like an enjoyable Sunday drive. I'm sure he may have felt the same way. I wish we could have had more time, but am happy for the good times we all shared. He will be greatly missed. Funeral service was held Thursday, January 17 at 2:00 PM from Weyburn Free Methodist Church, Weyburn with Pastor Jody Pfeifer officiating. Interment was at Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn. Donations in memory of Merlin may be made to the Tatagwa Therapeutic Animal Park, the Weyburn Humane Society or the Schizophrenia Society. Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn (306) 842-5432
