Newman Benson

Born in St.John's at 41 Southside Road, the home of his Grandfather Newman Benson, son of Clayton and Bessie, who died when he was 9 years old, and brother of Doris, left Newfoundland around 1944 on his first ship, a coal boat called the Tucker, later around February 21 1948, out of Halifax was part of the Canadian merchant fleet serving on such ships as the SS Bonde, then in 1950 living in Montreal took jobs on the SS Brush, the Rodney and the Cabano. traveling to places such as Cuba 1948 and 1951, the West Indies and as far as Cape Town South Africa, as well as many other places and ports around the world. After some years working in the coal and oil rooms on these ships, joined the Canadian Seaman Union and sailed the great lakes for a period. Then some time in August he moved to Toronto from Montreal and Joined the International beverage Dispensers Union, Local 280 on August 14 1955 and was a member with them till Feb 1959, working at several hotels including the Edwin. He was married and had a son Robert on March 13 1957, as well as a yet unknown daughter. Sometime during 1959 he was with a new partner and had a son David, who was adopted out in 1962 for reasons yet unknown.Newman's divorce was completed on July 18 1961 from Julia, with custody of Robert granted on July 11 1961. Some time after April 1965 he met Dorothy Tryon, and were married in a church wedding on August 14 1965 living at Dorothy's home on Crocus Drive, and in 1966 moved to 16 Weymouth and was working at the Eastbourne House on The Danforth. Chris Was born in 1967 followed my Anthony in 1968 the David in 1971, In 1971 the family moved to 19 Weymouth. Again moving in 1973 to 1029 Victoria Park. In 1984 Newman was diagnosed with cancer, the family moved once again but this time was to Thornbury Ontario, and Later that year to 277 Nelson Street Meaford. Newman was treated for his Cancer before moving north and was in remission, but in the spring of 1985 he was admitted to hospital, and later passed away at the Meaford General Hospital on July 1st 1985 @ approx. 5am, he was later buried in a plot beside his Mother in law Bertha Kinneer in highland Memorial Gardens, Scarborough Ontario

He was a very social and fun "Newfie" who played his harmonica, liked to joke, and liked to drink his beer, Labbatt IPA, he welcomed many friends into his home, provided for us children very well, he was respected and loved by his family , coworkers and his many friends, and it seems that his was a bit of a ladies man to some degree.