DERRILL BENNETT

1928 - 2010

Derrill’s battle with cancer ended on May 17, 2010 and God set him free to ride the open range once again and maybe even to do a little fishing and hunting along the way.
Derrill will be greatly missed by his children Brian (Colleen) Bennett of Lloydminster, Roberta (Glenn) Meyer of Hanna, Connie (John) Roche of Medicine Hat and Gordon (Koreen) Bennett of Ft. Saskatchewan; grandchildren Derrill (Kari), Tenille (Jeremy), Steven (Jenny), Shane, Lee, Jonathan, Matthew, and Jacob and great grandchildren, Carson and Paige. He is also survived by an aunt, Leah Asplund of Picture Butte; two sisters, Connie (Earl) Grigor of Barnwell, Hazel Bennett of Calgary; brother Gary Bennett of Calgary; brother-in-law George Frank of Tonasket, Washington; former brother-in-law Johnny Fettig and by many extended family members and friends.
Derrill was born on August 29, 1928 in Taber where he was raised and his many long time friends there remained important to him. He shared many stories and fond memories of growing up with sisters Connie and Burna (deceased) while living with his beloved grandmother & grandfather Godfrey while his Mom, Vilda Quaife (deceased) worked. At a young age he loved horses and became a real cowboy working on ranches in the area and beyond, welcoming the opportunity to visit his Dad Ennis (deceased) and stepmother Carol (deceased) in Black Diamond. Taber is where he met Rosella Filgas (deceased) who became the love of his life. Once married he obtained a job with Chevron Standard Gas; he would stay with that company until his retirement. Derrill loved his years in the oil and gas industry particularly the early years spent in the Patricia, Alberta area. During his many years with Chevron, he and Rosella and children were transferred throughout Alberta. He was also predeceased by a sister in infancy, Trudy Quaife and two brothers-in-law, Jack Myre and Walter Jensen.
Derrill and Rosella were living in Ft. Saskatchewan at the time of his retirement and sadly at the time of Rosella’s sudden death. Unsettled, Derrill then moved to Glendon, Alberta, closer to Al Blair, friend and fellow hunting and fishing enthusiast. The two of them had many a travel adventure going as far as Alaska. Glendon was a good choice as he met neighbors George & Gloria Cotton, becoming great friends with them.
Healthy as a horse all his life, he was shocked to have cancer slow him down. This forced Derrill to move to Medicine Hat and live with youngest daughter Connie and her family. This life changing adjustment was made easier for everyone by his positive attitude and the humor and kind heart of his son-in-law, John Roche. The two formed a special bond and kept each other on their toes. Weekly visits by Madeline & Richard Campbell were always looked forward to, not to mention the home made cinnamon buns Madeline would bring.
Derrill was also extremely fortunate to join the Living Fit Program at the YMCA. He could not say enough about Pat Schafer, program facilitator and the other members there. The care and concern of Dr. Trudeau, the nurses, and all the staff at the Medicine Hat Cancer Clinic, as well as the Palliative Care Unit was exceptional, as was that of his family physicians, Dr. Hirsch and Dr. Best.
Derrill thought himself truly blessed to have all this in his life right up to the time of his death.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, May 21, 2010 between 4:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. with Richard Campbell officiating. A private family burial service will follow at the Taber Memorial Garden.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Derrill’s name may be made directly to the YMCA of Medicine Hat (Living Fit Program), 150 Ash Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 3A9 or to the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital (Palliative Care Unit), 666 - 5 Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4H6.