Obituary of Raymond Francis Benere

BENERE, Raymond Francis – 69, Elmsdale, Nova Scotia passed away at home on Thursday, August 17, 2023.  He was the son of Florence (MacDonell) and the late Leo Benere.

He is survived by his soulmate, wife Margo (Coupar).   Raymond leaves behind his daughter Jenna (Chris Grace) and son John (Marlena McLean) as well as his two grandchildren Lila and Erik.

He came from a large family of 14 children: Joan (Mike) Dalrymple, Fred (Florence) Benere, David (Juanita) Benere, Cathy Mercredi, Connie (Tracey) Thibeau, Gwen (John) Dillman, Pat (Carolyn) Benere, Janet (Steve) Graham, Noreen (Bob) Corkum, Annette (Leon) Thompson, Donna (LeRoy) Dillman, John (deceased), Jim (Linda) Benere.  His extended family includes brothers-in-law George (Carol) Coupar, Murray (Kate) Coupar, sister-in-law Marlene Forbes and many nieces and nephews.

Raymond was a confidante to so many family, friends, and coworkers.  He was a family man first and foremost, and his love resonated to all around him.  Raymond adored his two grandchildren, Lila and Erik and constantly related stories about them.  He was also impatiently looking forward to meeting his expected granddaughter in November.

From his homestead in Enfield, Raymond moved out west to work and discovered his love of being on the open road, either on a motorcycle or in a car.  His travels took him all over North America, living up to his favorite song “I’ve Been Everywhere”.

In 1981, Raymond returned home to his roots in Nova Scotia where he later married the love of his life, Margo.  After many years of mud logging and working on oil rigs, Raymond returned to school to study drafting, with a dream of a desk job. Quickly realizing being trapped inside wasn’t for him, Raymond went to work at Basin Contracting in 1987.  Over the years, and as the company grew, Raymond assumed just about every role within the company, ultimately wearing the hat(s) of the General Manager of Construction. 

Raymond was a leader.  He had the uncanny ability to diffuse any situation.  He mentored coworkers to follow in his footsteps and left big work boots to fill. Raymond was known for being the one to go to when you had a problem.  He had a natural ability to ask all the right questions, until you came up with a solution.   

When he wasn’t working, Raymond liked to keep busy by camping, spending time at the farmhouse in Brule, the camp in Renfrew, 4-wheeling, fishing, boating, and golfing.  He instilled his love of the outdoors and animals in his children and grandchildren. Raymond was an avid sports fan, and to his detriment, had an unwavering loyalty to the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

Raymond was in constant contact with everyone he knew, and stayed caught up on local current affairs like it was his job.  He was always what you needed when you needed him; he was able to pivot from pranks and laughter to serious and kind. Raymond maintained his positive attitude and gift of making others laugh regardless of his health. 

Cremation has taken place.  A Legion Funeral Service will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133 Enfield on Wednesday August 23^rd, 2023 at 2:00pm.  There will be a reception immediately following the service from 2:30-4:00pm.

Raymond’s family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the many healthcare professionals who supported him over the years.  To honour Raymond, we encourage you to take the time to connect with those you love. Tributes, words of comfort and memories of Raymond may be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com.