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In loving memory
George Lorris Benwell passed away on October 5, 2021, at the age of 86 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his loving wife Myrtle Rosalie Benwell of 51 years in June 2006. Dad is survived by his wife Beryl Buckley, daughters Laurie Wowk, Landra Lamacchia (Luigi) and his namesake George Benwell Jr (Jennefer), his grandchildren Amanda Wowk, Aaron Lamacchia (Elyse Naylor), Cameron Lamacchia (Brittany McFayden) and Donovan Wowk as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. A casual memorial service will be held at the Revelstoke Community Centre on October 23, 2021, at 1:00 pm with Gary Sulz officiating.
Dad was born in Nelson, BC on January 10, 1935, and spent his formative years as a hotel brat in the Hume Hotel much to the dismay of the hotel guests. He had a privileged childhood and made many special memories at the 9-mile property with his beloved grandfather, Gang (another George Benwell).
In 1955 he married his wife and shortly afterwards had his beautiful baby girl, Laurie in Nelson and then moved to Golden, BC as Assistant Ranger where his second daughter, Landra was born. Now with a family of four to feed he spent the next year in Ranger school and then relocated to Nelson until he was posted to his first Ranger posting in Lardeau BC. He often stated that the 10 years spent here was his favourite time of his life.
As the family once again expanded and his son George Jr was born. In 1971 Dad was offered a position in Revelstoke and after the school year he moved his family here.
After a reorganization of the BC Forestry Service Dad voluntarily left his beloved forest service and applied for a Woodlot with Gordon Edwards and spent the last years of his life fussing over every tree in the area. In later years he found a new hobby and with various family and friends enjoyed many cruises to exotic places.
He was a sports fan and was surely the St Louis Cardinals and Chicago Black Hawks most ardent supporter. He also was a very spirited player of hockey and baseball during his active years.
Dad was mostly passionate about the forests of British Columbia and there will never be another that will take the place of his concern for the future of our most valuable Provincial asset. Dad will be missed by all that knew him.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Dad's name to a local charity of your choice.
Messages of sympathy may be sent to George's family by viewing his obituary at: www.brandonbowersfuneralhome.com
Cremation arrangements are in the care of Brandon Bowers Funeral Home, Revelstoke.