BENEDET, John Lawrence
The family of J. Lawrence (Lou) Benedet, MD, FRCS(C) sadly announces his passing on March 1, 2017 at the age of 75 after a long period of ill health. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years Linda (nee Bailey) and children Janine (Trevor Shaw) of North Vancouver, Lyn (Kevin Lambert) of Waterloo and John of Phoenix. He was a proud nonno to Theo, Lucie, Genny and Annette. Also survived by his sister Arme Bernhardt of Idaho. Predeceased by his parents John and Norina and his sister Loretta.
Lou was born August 4, 1941 in Trail, BC, moving with his family to East Vancouver in 1943. He was proud to call the Vancouver area home his entire life. He attended Our Lady of Sorrows and Notre Dame High Schools, graduating from Vancouver Technical in order to complete his advanced science courses. He went on to UBC where he graduated with his medical degree in 1966. After specialized training in England and California, he began an accomplished career in Gynaecological Oncology as a Professor at the UBC Faculty of Medicine, and a provincial director at the BC Cancer Agency. His work made major contributions to the fight against cervical cancer and he was invited to many countries around the world to assist in setting up screening programs. As an author of over 100 scientific articles and a skilled cancer surgeon, his contributions to the health of his patients and to women’s health worldwide were immeasurable. He earned much recognition over his career, but he was perhaps proudest of his award as Italian of the Year by the BC Confratellanza Italo-Canadese in 1997. He was a reluctant retiree, lamenting that recent discoveries in his field meant he “was stopping just when things were getting interesting.” He believed in hard work and took great pride in his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments.
The family would like to thank his devoted caregiver Ellen Santos and the dedicated staff of Villa Carital for their excellent care and compassion.
Visitation at Bell & Burnaby Funeral Home, 4276 Hastings Street, Burnaby, BC, on Wednesday March 8 from 6-8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial on Friday March 10, 2017 at 11 am at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 525 Slocan Street, Vancouver, BC. Private family entombment at Ocean View. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Scleroderma Association of BC Research Fund in memory of his sister Loretta would be appreciated. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.bellburnaby.com

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