Darrell William Bennett

Darrell William Bennett passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2014 in Calgary, Alberta, following a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 79 years. He leaves his loving wife of 59 years, Patricia (Roberts) Bennett; his daughters, Stacey (Howard) Morison, and Lisa (Ross) Harriman; his sons, Barry (Patricia) Bennett and Scott (Connie) Bennett; ten grandchildren, Erin (Brad) Hurkett, Devin (Ashley) Morison, Jeff Harriman, Robert (Lynette) Harriman, Brian Harriman, Dustin (Cheri) Bennett, Marty (Sharleen) Bennett, Mitchell (Sara) Bennett, Lainey Bennett and Sierra Bennett; six great-grandchildren, Salix, Asha, Reese, Will, Mason, and Van; siblings, Doreen (Swede) Becker and Gary (Debbie) Bennett; and many close friends. Born in Galahad, Alberta, on May 27, 1934, Darrell’s entrepreneurial and innovative spirit culminated in a very successful, rewarding business career spanning the globe. In his early years, Darrell worked in his father’s garage, learning valuable skills that served him in future endeavours. After graduating from Killam High School in 1952, he started his lifelong journey in the drilling industry. In 1954, he married Pat, whom he’d courted since Grade 5. In 1957, Darrell seized the opportunity to work for Petrobras in Brazil. It was during this time that he honed his drilling expertise and developed his managerial skills. Upon his return to Canada, he pursued and ultimately achieved his goal to own a drilling company. During these years, he was involved in designing and developing a drilling technique and associated tools that resulted in 37 patents that revolutionized the drilling industry. He successfully completed many projects in both the domestic and international markets. His work with DeBeers and other contractors in South Africa flourished to the extent of opening a branch office in Botswana. He not only took pride in his business, but truly treasured the friends he made during his time in business. Over the years, his expertise and reputation led him to be sought after to solve many difficult and varied drilling projects. Darrell had a strong sense of civic duty. He was involved in various community groups such as the Lions Club, Curling Club and Community Association. He served as the Mayor of the City of Airdrie for thirteen years (1970-1983), retiring only when he felt he could not do justice to both the growing international demands of his business and the City. During his tenure, he enacted many positive changes that still benefit the City. When Darrell retired he became an avid golfer. He was very proud of his three holes-in-one in his brief golfing career. He and Pat thoroughly relished retirement, enjoying family and vacationing around the world with their many friends. Darrell dearly loved his wife, family and friends. A man of quiet strength and confidence, he embraced life with passion, love and caring. He was hard-working and humble. May his soul rest in peace and his memory rest within our hearts. The family would like to thank both Airdrie Home Care and the Blood Services department at Foothills Hospital for their care and attention to Darrell. A Celebration of Darrell’s Life will be held on Monday, February 3, 2014 at 1:00 pm at the Town and Country Centre, 275 Jensen Dr NE #103, Airdrie, AB.  Memorial tributes and flowers are gratefully declined.