Obituary of Alexander David Bennie

August 15, 1946 – Calgary, Alberta

March 30, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

With profound sorrow, we share the passing of Alexander “Sandy” Bennie of Calgary, AB, on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at the age of 76 years.

Sandy spent his formative years in Lethbridge, raised by his parents Alec and Nancy, along with his younger sister, Margaret. Sandy moved to Calgary as a teen and attended William Aberhart high school. He made many lifelong friends there before marrying his high school sweetheart Donna in 1967. Through their 55 years together, they raised Scott (Melissa) and Heather (Graham Johnson). He taught them the value of hard work and boundless generosity.

Children and animals were always drawn to Sandy’s side. His four grandchildren, Clive, Lila, Alex, and David will keep so many fond memories close to heart. When he wasn’t trying to steal their desserts, Grandpa read stories with the funniest voices and was forever changing the words to get a laugh. 

As a self-employed Chartered Accountant, Sandy’s clients often became good friends. He took great pride in helping his clients navigate their finances. Sandy also loved owning Don’s Hobby Shop, together with Scott. For his community, Sandy volunteered countless hours for minor hockey and lacrosse.

To live with Sandy was to live with laughter.  Sandy delighted in bringing joy to his friends and family.  Whether it was a spontaneous costume or a long-winded joke, Sandy was unpredictable and hilarious. 

Golfing was a hobby that brought Sandy great joy.  In Calgary, the Inglewood golf pros and back shop staff were delighted to find boxes of donuts that Sandy would regularly leave for them. Sandy and Donna also enjoyed ten amazing winters at the Sunrise Golf and Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California. He made many wonderful friends there and loved that community immensely.

Sandy’s character was revealed through serious illnesses he faced in his lifetime.  His eighth year brought with it a long battle with polio. Of this experience he never complained, but rather marveled at the generosity of his teacher who tutored him after school. When he received a cancer diagnosis and faced life-altering surgery, he insisted his hospital room locker be stocked with gifts so he could repay the kindnesses of the medical staff. Though his doctors gave him an optimistic five-year survival rate, he stubbornly lived for another twenty-three. Sandy faced Dementia without self-pity.  He continued to enjoy his family and friends at every opportunity. Even at the very end of his life, his smile continued to light the room.

Sandy’s family extends deepest thanks to all those who have shown friendship and support during this time. We’d also like to acknowledge our appreciation for the highest levels of care Sandy received from Gerald Toh of Vytality At Home Senior Care and the entire staff of Agapé Hospice.

We hope that you will remember Sandy with a quiet laugh for one of his pranks, jokes or just the mischievous twinkle in his eye. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to KidSport Canada - Alberta, Box 36107, Lakeview RPO, Calgary, AB T3E 7C6 Telephone: 1-(888) 91-4kids or (403) 217-3761, www.kidsportcanada.ca.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6), on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at 12:00 PM. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Sandy Bennie, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.