In Loving Memory ~ We regretfully announce the passing of WEB who continued his journey early Monday morning on January 4th, 2021 to join our dad who left us on December 21, 2020.
Wilfred Edward Bennett (WEB) was born on September 29th 1966 in Prince Rupert, BC to Wilfred & Audrey Bennett. In 1971 our family relocated to Kitselas our late father's home community.
WEB is predeceased by his dad, Wilfred Bennett; his brothers, Cyril and Sidney; sister-in-law, Carolyn; niece, Marina; nephew, James Alexander and nephew-in-law, Alvin (Smurf ).
He is survived by his mum, Audrey, his two brothers, Robert (late Carolyn) and Glenn (Frances); and sister, Sharon (Rocklyn), his nieces: Jessica, Amanda (Kyle), Nichole, Andrea, Alanna (James), Randi (William), Kelsey (Charles), Renee (Justin); and nephews: Cyril (Zoe), Joseph and Joshua; and his grandchildren: Sydney, Peter, Deanna, Korey, Haven, Sloane, and Copper.
WEB never had children although he took his role as Uncle to his nieces and nephews whole heartedly. After the passing of our brother Sid, he stepped in as the father figure to Sid's children, Amanda, Andrea, Alanna and Randi-Mae. WEB was a proud uncle, brother, and papa. He loved to provide as best as he could.
WEB attended NAIT from 1987 to 1989. In the early 2000's WEB attended the First Nations Tourism program through the Metlakatla Training and Development.
WEB fished with our grandfather Lolly (Lawrence) and our dad until he was 15 when he started work as a summer student for Kitselas as a laborer, and also worked along with the archeological group in the Kitselas Canyon. Where his passion for learning the culture and history began.
He was the Kitselas Canyon Tour/Culture Coordinator until he left us. He had a passion for the Kitselas history and culture as he loved to share his knowledge and wisdom. He was proud to be part of the projects where Kitselas raised nine totem poles in a short period of time.
He enjoyed participating in the Forestry week at the Lakelse Lake, providing guided canyon tours to the many schools and groups as well as assisting with the Kitselas Culture camps.
WEB had a vision as what he felt was needed for future development and ideas to make the Kitselas longhouse more interactive for our people and the public. He was a walking encyclopedic when it came to stories, Kitselas culture and history. WEB loved the Kitselas Canyon Longhouses.
WEB previously served as an elected councillor to the Kitselas First Nation and like his dad Wilfred Sr, he loved Kitselas. He will be forever missed.
The family wish to give a special thank you to the emergency response, to the staff at Mills Memorial for your care and compassion; and to the communities of Kitselas, Kitkatla, Kitsumkalum, St. Matthew`s and to those for the prayers and support during our time of loss.
It has meant so much to our family. T'oyaxsut 'nüün
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