Ora "Red" Bennett Obituary (1937

Red Bennett, 81 Albion - Red (Ora) Bennett, 81 of Albion passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. He was born on Jan.15, 1937 in Albion, the son of Rinaldo and Izetta (Boody) Bennett. He attended Besse High School in Albion. Red was the oldest of 5 children. After the passing of his parents at age 16, he chose to live in Albion with the Bessey family: Grete, Floyd, Burdell & Hillard. He was forever grateful for their love, generosity & acceptance of him as part of their family. Red worked as an equipment operator for Lee Bros. in Albion. In 1964 he went to work as a crane operator for Warren Bros. He opened & operated Bennett Ski-Doo in 1970. Red retired in 1997 from Tilcon as Equipment Superintendent. He made lifelong friends while working there, including Bob Costain whom he considered his “brother” for over 55 years. Red went into the gravel pit & firewood business with Bob and processed & sold firewood from 1989 until his passing. Red was an avid hunter & sportsman for over 70 years. Deer hunting was his passion he shared with Mary, his family and many friends including Dave Mason & Steve Bard who were eager to hunt with him every season. Family was everything to him. Red spent the last 38 years with the love of his life, Mary who cherished every moment they spent together. Their love for each other was unconditional. He was extremely proud of their daughter Brooke and loved her dearly. “Papa” meant the world to his granddaughter Amaiya and grandson Aiden. He was very thankful to be present at Amaiya’s high school graduation last spring and proud of her furthering her education. He was also proud of Aiden and the caring young man he was becoming as well as the hunting skills he displayed since he started hunting with Papa. Red cherished the many holidays, birthdays and special events in all of our lives. He had a special bond with his faithful companion & friend Aubrey Dog. She loved being with “grandpa” daily and taking rides in his Jeep. He will be sadly missed by his family, extended family, friends & neighbors. Red is survived by his life partner Mary Bragdon; daughter Brooke Doore & partner Derek Grenier; granddaughter Amaiya Doore; grandson Aiden Doore; sister Nancy Martin of Corinna, step-son Jeff Singleton & partner Jim Singleton; many loving nieces & nephews & Aub Dog. He is predeceased by his parents and sisters: Marlene Vance, Barbara Capehart, and Joan Woods. Thank-you to our extended family, many great friends and caring neighbors for their support & condolences. The entire family appreciates it! A special thanks to Elaine & Betty for Grete’s on-going care. No funeral services will be held per Red’s request. A private burial will take place in the spring at Cemetery No. 4 in Albion. Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to share condolences, memories and tributes with Red’s family. A Celebration of Red’s Life will take place on Saturday Jan. 12, 2019 (inclement weather date Sunday, Jan. 13) at 12 noon at the Waterville Elks Lodge, 76 Industrial Rd, Waterville ME. For those who wish, donations may be made in Red’s memory to: Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901. “There’s no place like the Ridge”....