1947-2017
Dr. Michael Heinrich Johan Bense left the world way too soon on December 12, 2017. Mike was born in South Africa 70 years ago and relocated to Newfoundland in 1971 after graduating from medical school at the University of Pretoria. In 1972 he married Sharon and had three wonderful children, Christine, Allison and Jonathan. He spent his career working as an ophthalmologist and pioneered laser eye surgery in Eastern Canada. He was a proud South African, a talented surgeon, a determined entrepreneur and a true intellectual. He will be dearly missed by his loving family and will always be forever in their hearts. Predeceased by his parents, Oscar Bense and Christine (Roberts) and his sister, Hilda Potgieter. He leaves behind with loving memories his dearly beloved wife and best friend, Sharon (Burke); his daughters, Christine (Megan) and Allison; his son, Jonathan (Alexandra); and the light of his life his five grandchildren, Liam, Niall and Keir Bense and Olivia and Greyson Bense-Hibbs; sister, Ina Van Tonder in South Africa; and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law who he so adored, Marilyn (Pat) Murphy, Wayne (Bernie) Burke, Valerie (Clarence) Hollett, Grant (Bonny) Burke, Janine (Doug) Fraser, Tanya (Jay) Moore and a number of nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the staff of Dr. H. Bliss Murphy and especially to Dr. Dawn Armstrong and Dr. Andrew Hutton for their genuine, loving care. Cremation has taken place. At the family’s request, there will be no visitation. Funeral service will be held at St. Pius X Church, Smithville Crescent on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 1:15 pm with a private inurnment to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Daffodil Place or to Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre. To send a message of condolence or to sign the memorial guest book, please visit www.carnells.com