WILLIE P.BENNETT Remembered

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

For the past 57 years, lives have been touched, changed, inspired, and carriers transformed because of Canada’s Willie P. Bennett. 

I first met Willie as the side man for Fred Eaglesmith.  Willie was quick to advise me that stage plot was wrong, but with a few changes, everything would be perfect.  He was always a pleasure to work with, and was one of the finest musicians I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Willie was quick with a joke when the pressure was on, and also quick with a answer for any technical issues of which seemed to hold the night’s stellar performance in the balance.  He will truly be missed by more than his fellow musicians, and music lovers alike.  We wish his mother Margaret, sister Esther, brothers David and Paul, and partner Linda Duemo peace, strength and the best of memories during the grieving.  And we also thank them for sharing Willie with us for these few years, and please take courage in knowing that he changed many lives, and one such life is mine.
Thank you Willie for telling me that “of all the sound guys out there - I was not just one of them, I was training them, but some would just never get it.” Thank you Willie for always smiling, and your always pleasant spirit, I love you man and will continue to raise the standard of excellence every day, every show.

Permalink — Posted by David Neher on Feb. 19 at 1:47 PM