Russel James "RJ" Bennett of West Kelowna died on July 4, 2024, at the age of 94.
Image Credit: Springfield Funeral Home
July 10, 2024 - 6:00 PM
A celebration of life will be held later this month for Russel James Bennett who died in his home at Flying Horse Farm in Kelowna on July 4 at the age of 94.
Russel, who went by RJ, is the second son W.A.C. Bennett who served as premier from 1952 to 1972, and brother to the late Bill Bennett who served as premier from 1975 to 1986.
His obituary describes RJ as a very charismatic and social person who left a positive and lasting impression on the people he met.
Born in Edmonton in 1929, he lived in Kelowna since the age of almost 2. He married his wife Lois in 1961 and built the Flying Horse Farm in West Kelowna where they raised four children.
During his life, RJ owned Victor Projects Ltd in Kelowna and was active with the BC Thoroughbred racing and breeding community.
“Mr. Bennett’s huge contribution to racing and breeding in British Columbia is almost impossible to quantify although it is fair to say that his legacy, along with that of his wife and partner Lois, will continue to filter through the sport for many years to come,” read the obituary.
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RJ was active up until his death, going for walks and attending Rotary Club luncheon presentations every week.
One of his favourite quotes was: “Don’t mistake luck for genius."
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 28 at Springfield Funeral Home at 202 Springfield Road in Kelowna.
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