Obituary of Gordon Hugh Bennett

April 14, 1946 - November 2, 2021

Cherished husband, partner and best friend of Katherine Anne Kimberley for over fifty years.  Predeceased by his much-loved parents, Glenn Gordon Bennett and Pauline Claire nee Sainthill.

Born in Ottawa, Gordon grew up in Sherbrooke, in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, a place and region for which he held many fond memories.  He obtained a B.A. honours degree (History and Political Science) from Bishop’s University, winning the Department of History Prize in his graduating year, and a Masters degree in history (with distinction) from the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton.

Gordon moved to Ottawa in 1969 after accepting a position with Canada’s National Historic Sites program, where he worked until his retirement. Early in his career he produced a history of Yukon transportation to support the restoration of national historic sites in Dawson City. In 2002 he was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal for his contributions to Canada’s historic places.  He was one of the great heritage policy thinkers of his generation. For over 35 years he worked as an historian and senior cultural heritage advisor. Gordon influenced and guided a generation of heritage specialists by pioneering the concept of commemorative integrity for the management of national historic sites, by leading the implementation of the Cultural Resource Management Policy, and by fostering closer relations and support for the 800+ owners of national historic sites across Canada. In the later part of his career Gordon led the effort to put in place federal legislation to protect historic places in Canada and he worked tirelessly toward this goal even after retirement. This work resulted in the creation of heritage conservation standards and guidelines as well as a national register of historic places.  Gordon’s influence on heritage conservation continues to this day. Many of the foundational documents and tools currently used by conservation specialists in Canada are due in part to the work accomplished under Gordon’s leadership. Through his insightful analysis, unflagging determination, and passion, his contribution to Canada’s heritage conservation field is simply outstanding. His passing constitutes a great loss for heritage in Canada.

Gordon had a strong interest in history, accompanied by a lively interest in the present and the future.  A person of strong opinions, he enjoyed discussion and debate, and he was especially fond of recalling those (admittedly rare) times when someone else’s carefully rendered opinion changed his own.  Gordon loved being in human landscapes, whether big cities with their diverse neighbourhoods, villages, small towns or the country-side.  These places were his resorts, and he enjoyed the genius of their making and elaboration.  He was especially grateful that his work enabled him to visit almost every part of Canada.  He took great delight in family gatherings in his home and in planning excursions and vacations with family members, including trips to Quebec City and the Charlevoix region, Newfoundland to track down Sainthill roots, Jasper National Park in Alberta, Australia includingTasmania, Ireland, New Zealand and the Rhine and Danube rivers, and he enjoyed trips and cruises with friends.

Gordon will be forever missed by his beloved wife of 50 years, Katherine (Kathy), and by his siblings Susan Hogan (Ray), John Bennett, and Bea Howell (the late Richard).  He leaves many nieces and nephews with fond memories of family picnics, holiday gatherings, and shared adventures: Shannon, Amy, Steven, Erin, Megan, Mark, Stefanie, Caedda, Julia, and Angie. He will be missed by his uncle and aunt Herb and Shirley Sainthill and by many cousins. Gordon will also be missed by Katherine’s siblings Dennis (Janelle) and Dianne (Neil) as well as by many friends and colleagues. He was a very helpful son-in-law and fun companion to his late in-laws Harry and Bert Kimberley.

At Gordon’s request, no funeral service was held.  He will be buried at Pinecrest Cemetery in Ottawa in a private family ceremony in the Spring and celebrations of his life and career will be held in the Spring.  Donations in memory of Gordon can be made to Heritage Canada or to a charity of your choice.