Richard Froese
South Peace News
Longtime High Prairie resident George Bennett celebrated his 103rd birthday on July 30.
A resident of Pleasantview Lodge in High Prairie, he enjoys the special milestone.
“It’s pretty nice to reach 103 years old,” Bennett says.
So, what is the key factor to what has extended his life more than 100 years, he was asked.
“I don’t know,” Bennett says.
However, longevity runs deep in his family. Bennett has a brother who turns 99 this year and a sister who is 95, he says.
He doesn’t get out in the community by himself as much as he use to.
“I gave up my driver’s licence last year,” Bennett says.
Still, he loves to spend time with his High Prairie Legion friends.
At the lodge, he enjoys time in his room and some social activities.
“I’m left to reading,” Bennett says.
Although he has a television in his room, it’s not on much.
“I don’t watch too much TV, it doesn’t impress me,” Bennett says.
He was born July 30, 1922 in England.
He was a flying officer with the Royal Air Force, serving from 1941-47.
Bennett came to High Prairie in 1954 to visit his sister and he never left. He adapted to life in High Prairie and became active in many business ventures and community organizations.
Bennett was the treasurer at Pleasantview, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, as well as the High Prairie Legion for 18 years, not giving up until he was 101. Bennett is a lifetime member of the Legion.
Also, he was treasurer of the High Prairie and District Golf Club for many years. The annual seniors’ golf tournament is named in his honour.
“I loved to golf,” Bennett says.
He also served many years on the executive of the High Prairie Regals in the North Peace Hockey League.
Bennett received a King Charles II Coronation Medal on Feb. 19, 2025. The medal honours Canadian citizens “who have made significant contributions to the country, a province, territory, region or community and achievement abroad that brings benefit or honour to Canada”.