After battling courageously and stoically for 9 years with cancer, "Flipper" surrounded by family and friends at his home, lost the longest and toughest fight of his life. Cancer won at 3:15 a.m. on Sunday, December 12, 2004. Tom was predeceased by his parents Joe and Ev Bennett and is survived by his children Joey, Richard and Brandy and their mother Terry, sister Maudie Foster (Maxie) of Bruce Mines, Joanne Booger (Gerald) of Wittmore, Michigan, Art (Connie) of Bruce Mines, Rick (Jane) of Pine Island, Donna Routledge (Fred) of Sault Ste Marie and Reg (Karen) of Astorville. Tom was also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and great friends. Flipper will also be sadly missed by special friend Lynn who Tom was a surrogate father to. Resting at the Beggs Funeral Home, Thessalon where friends may call on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Funeral service in the chapel on Wednesday, December 15 at 1:30 p.m. Donations to the Bennett children's trust fund or the Cancer Society greatfully accepted. Spring interment in Bruce Mines Cemetery.
