Contributions to the tribute of David Lloyd Benoit

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Uncle Garry (Buck) & Nora Flett posted a condolence

Friday, March 10, 2023

Some years ago I used to attend the evening Mass downtown. It was at 5:00 pm. Lloyd was often present, though I often didn’t realize it was him until he tuned to greet people. We both seemed to favour the right side of the church. I often sat close to the back, as I wasn’t the first person there. Buck & I would also often see him on Sunday evening Mass downtown. If for some reason we didn’t make it to the Mass at St. Paul in the am, we would go to mass at St. John. We both attended some special mass at St. John’s the Baptist parish as well like Easter or Christmas Eve. We were always happy to see each other at mass.

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Charlene Peters uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, March 9, 2023

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So many memories we shared. We went to San Francisco (we went on a winery tour), and we were both shocked at how small the grapes were. Lloyd wanted me to take a picture of him and the grapes. We walked the whole length of the Golden Gate Bridge and toured the Alcatraz Prison. We spent much time at Fishermen Wharf because of Lloyd's love of food. When we would go to a store, we would always check our blood pressure and try on glasses. Not your regular sunglasses, and in one of the pictures, Lloyd is wearing one of those odd sunglasses (we always had a good laugh). His laughter and smile will forever be etched in my heart and mind. Lloyd's love for sports was evident, and wherever we went, he always took me to games (depending on the season). We went to hockey, baseball, basketball and football games. My most memorable games were when we were in San Fransico, and we went to two football games; it was an hour-long train ride one way. The other was a Raptors basketball game when we were in Toronto. Lloyd was a great teacher. I was in awe of his wisdom and knowledge, Lloyd was intelligent, and I loved how his mind worked. He kept me grounded and never once judged me or anyone else, for that matter. It did not matter what type of question I asked him. He always had an answer and had a way of breaking down the answer when he knew I did not understand what he was explaining. Lloyd had a big heart and was my best friend; I will miss him always. The last time we spoke was February 23, 2023, and he told me his mom (Elsie) taught him when he was a young boy that the cree language did not have a word for "goodbye" but only "see you later." He kept that teaching from his mom and applied it to his life. I have known Lloyd since I was a little girl because his best friend was my uncle Leeroy years later, we began a relationship, and in the end, we remained close friends. During my lifespan, not once did I hear Lloyd say goodbye. It was ok, and I hung up the phone or an acknowledgement that the conversation ended and then the dial tone. During our last conversation, Lloyd asked me to tell everyone that it was not "goodbye" but "See You Later." In the last few days of not having Lloyd on this earth, I have come to realize how short and precious time is and that LIFE IS BITTERSWEET. There will always be a void in my heart where I kept Lloyd, but I also know that everything he taught me will be the foundation of my life in the future. Lloyd, I will always love you and cherish the time I had with you while you were on this earth. Love Always and Forever Baby C