Passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on June 14th, 2024, in Milton, Ontario surrounded by his family. He was predeceased by his loving wife Anne (Drake) Bender and son Michael Bender. Devoted father of Joni Bender and son-in-law Darren Ridings, daughter-in-law Olesya (Shamenkova) Bender, Lisa Bender and former son-in-law Alex Stanton, and Jackie Bender and son-in-law Stephen Philips. Proud and caring grandfather of Victoria and Emily Foster, John and Nina Bender, Drake and Catherine Bender Stanton, and Sienna Bender Philips.

Born February 15th, 1942, John grew up in Listowel Ontario. Predeceased by his father Clarence Bender, his mother Lorena (Domm) Bender, and his brother Murray Bender of Listowel, Ontario. He is survived by his sister-in-law Helen (Brown) Bender of Listowel, Ontario and sister-in-law Isobel (Drake) Taylor of Halifax, Nova Scotia. He was a fond uncle to Jeff and Todd Bender and Jill Reading, Donna Allen, and James, Darrell and Brenda Taylor, John Corner, and Melody, Sherwyn and Darren Drake, and Sharon (predeceased), Cynthia, Stacy and Lottie Drake.

John earned a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Waterloo, in Waterloo, Ontario in 1965 and was a member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario Association. He enjoyed his work at Ontario Hydro and Hydro One and then at General Switchgear and Controls Ltd until his retirement in 2014.

In his leisure time, John enjoyed sports, dancing, live music, and spending time with family and friends. As a child, John was a gifted violinist, winning several music competitions. As an adult, John became an avid golfer and was a member of the Trafalgar Golf and Country Club in Milton for 45 years. In the winter months, John enjoyed cross-country skiing at Horseshoe Valley and Hardwood Ski Resorts in Barrie. As a father and grandfather to a family of athletes, John was the consummate sports fan, always there to cheer on his children and grandchildren, and never missing a game.

In 2005, John was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. An eternal optimist, John did not let the diagnosis prevent him from enjoying life to the fullest. He was able to manage the symptoms by staying active through golf, skiing, and dance. In 2014, John became a regular at Dancing with Parkinson’s, participating in three dance classes per week and dancing at live music venues in Port Credit Mississauga on the evenings and weekends.

John’s love for life, wisdom, compassion, courage, positivity, and calm and steady presence left an indelible mark on all whom he touched. The family would like to thank the staff at the Movement Disorders Clinic at the Toronto Western Hospital of the University Health Network, Allendale Long Term Care Facility, and Milton District Hospital for their excellent care and support. Special thanks go to Elma Saludares, Petra Lippman, Kim Ramlogan, and Linda Govia for their compassionate personal care of John over the years.

Friends may call at St. John’s Dixie Chapel and Cemetery, 737 Dundas Street East, Mississauga (hosted by Turner & Porter) Visitation will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024 from 5:00-9:00 p.m.

The funeral service will take place on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., followed by the internment and reception.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Dancing with Parkinson’s would be appreciated by the family.