BENNIE, Ian Oliver
May 7, 1940 - May 17, 2025
Ian Bennie of Cochrane, AB, passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the age of 85 years.
He was born in Calgary, AB, on May 7, 1940. He and his wife Nettie moved to Cochrane in 1999 to retire.
Ian graduated from Crescent Heights High School in 1957. Shortly after graduation, Ian joined the Canadian Navy. After spending four years in the Navy and spending time on ships such as the Micmac, Stadacona, Cornwallis, and the Lauzon, he joined the Calgary Fire Department.
He spent 32 years in the fire department working his way to Captain of Station 23. He was a hero to many.
Ian’s profound love of aircraft led him to years of volunteer work at The Hangar Flight Museum. Here he met Fred McCall and went on to contribute to the building of the Curtis Jenny. After the Curtis Jenny debuted in the Glenbow Museum, it was relocated to The Hangar Flight Museum. From there, Ian began working at the Springbank airport as a mechanical helper. In his free time, he built and piloted many RC aircraft.
He is survived by his daughter, Trish, his stepchildren, Cheryl, Robert, Tammy, and Debbie; as well as his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Ian was predeceased by his wife Nettie, his parents, John and Isabella; his sisters, Nan and Betty; his stepson Johnnie, his niece, Gene, and his nephew, Jeff.
Ian will be dearly missed and was loved wholeheartedly.
"Go rest high on that mountain son your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shouting love for the father and the son."
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to S.T.A.R.S. (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society), Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 8M7 Telephone: (403) 295-1811, www.stars.ca.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Ian’s family at www.MHFH.com.
In living memory of Ian Bennie, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.
