Clifford "Cliff" Stephen Bennett

Clifford “Cliff” Stephen Bennett passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Monday, February 16, 2026. Though their hearts are broken, his family is deeply grateful for a life so fully and beautifully lived.

Cliff shared 66 devoted years of marriage with the love of his life, Marilyn (Henderson) Bennett. Together they built not only a home, but a family rooted in love, laughter, music, and unwavering support. Their partnership was a true testament to commitment, friendship, and enduring love.

Born in St. Martins, Cliff carried his small-town warmth and steady spirit with him throughout his life. As a young man, he ventured out west to pursue career opportunities, embracing new experiences and challenges. During those years, he developed a passion for weightlifting and wrestling and became a Featherweight Champion in Western Canada. His strength was evident not only in his athletic ability but in his character. Even decades later, friends and fellow athletes would reach out to tell him how much his mentorship, guidance, and encouragement had meant to them. That lasting impact was something Cliff treasured deeply.

Eventually, Cliff returned home to St. Martins, where he and Marilyn raised their children and planted deep roots. He embraced every chapter of his life with gratitude and enthusiasm, never dwelling on what was behind him but always appreciating the moment he was in.

Cliff had a remarkable gift for music. If it had strings, he could play it — and play it well. The bass, guitar, mandolin — each instrument came alive in his hands. Music was not just a pastime; it was a joy he shared freely with those he loved. He proudly supported and accompanied his daughters in their musical pursuits, even helping them earn awards in Bluegrass competitions. Those harmonies, both musical and familial, will echo in the hearts of his family forever.

To know Cliff was to feel welcomed. He was a good and kind man all the way around — calm, steady, and easy to talk to. He had a rare way of making everyone feel accepted and valued. He welcomed people as if they were family, and in many ways, they became just that. He loved people genuinely, and that love was returned to him time and time again.

Cliff was deeply grateful for his life — for his family, his friends, his music, and the many communities he was part of. His gratitude shaped the way he lived: humbly, generously, and with quiet strength. He was, simply put, easy to love.

He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his devoted wife, Marilyn Bennett; his children Fern (Dave), Donna, Lisa, and Jeff (Tanya); his cherished grandchildren Sheena (Dylan), Kyle (Megan), Jordan (Tara), Emily (Alex), Dominic, Gabrielle (Josiah), Josh (Jordan), Noah (Paige), and Isaac; and his beloved great-grandchildren Kaydence, Shya, Willow, Atticus, Titan, Odesza, and Jude.

He is also survived by his brothers Fred Bennett (Rita) and Karre Bennett (Doris); his sisters Annie Brown, Theresa Drady, Margaret Hayes (Fred), and Anita Bennett; along with many extended family members and friends who will carry his memory forward.

In addition to his parents, Cliff was predeceased by his brothers Greg Bennett, Harold Bennett, Walter Bennett, and his sister Rita.

Cliff’s legacy lives on in the family he nurtured, the music he shared, the strength he modeled, and the countless lives he touched. Though he has laid down his instruments and rests now in peace, the song of his life continues in all who loved him.

Arrangements are entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road, Saint John, New Brunswick. A gathering will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Martins Baptist Church. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family.