Benedict, Dale Maxwell, age 68, of Avondale, Hants Co., passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2014, at the Hants Community Hospital, Windsor, with his wife, Sharon by his side. Born on December 22, 1945, in Summerville, Hants Co., he was the son of the late Stanfield Benedict and Ethel (Marsters) (Benedict) Bernier. Dale was a loving, devoted family man and a loyal, trusting friend and businessman. He was an avid community supporter, especially of local hockey and baseball. Dale was a proud hockey dad and grandfather, making many lifelong friends through his hockey travels. Dale had many occupations throughout his life, including working as a labourer, meat cutter, pest control officer and had operated his own veal business. In 1975, Dale and Sharon started their Superclean Business in Avondale and later moved to the Windsor Industrial Park in 1987. Dale enjoyed meetings with his customers and had a special relationship with each one of them. He lived life to the fullest and was always ready for some kind of adventure, whether it was growing a vineyard of grapes or going on a hockey road trip. Dale had a charismatic personality and was known for his sense of humour that was ever present even during the most difficult times of his illness. Over time, the three older boys, Troy, Corey and Sheldon joined the business that expanded throughout the Maritime Provinces. In his final weeks Dale often spoke of his son Shawn as his “rock” who lovingly cared for him. Dale was also very proud of Shawn’s career as a high tower crane operator, and his son Brandon’s hockey career from Kings-Edgehill, to the Halifax Mooseheads, to the Acadia Axeman, to a professional player. Dale and Sharon loved music, especially George Jones, and dancing. In their younger years they belonged to the Tidal Wave Square Dancers and the Windport Dance Club. Over the years they enjoyed going to hockey games, movies and concerts, and attending community events such as dances, suppers and card parties. Dale also enjoyed Wednesday morning bowling with his brother Morris. They were also best friends and a day never went by without a phone call or a visit. Dale will also be missed by his dog Sable. They were always together and especially enjoyed their ice cream trips. Dale, you were loved more than words can say and will be dearly missed. We the family would like to thank the many friends, neighbours and business associates who reached out to Dale throughout his illness. We would also like to thank the many doctors and health care professionals for their kindness, support and exceptional care. Dale is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, the former Sharon Elizabeth Siler; his sons, Troy (Kim) and their children, Jabes and Ava, Falmouth; Corey and daughter, Noella, Halifax; Sheldon (Gina) and their children, Sophie and Emmy, Falmouth; Shawn, Avondale; Brandon (Kirsty) and their son, Austin, Nottingham, England; brother, Morris (Ella), Sweets Corner; sister, Faye (Clary) McCarthy, Three Mile Plains; sister-in-law, Susan Bernier, Vanderhoof, BC; Brenda Leyenaar (Irving “Red” Cochrane), Windsor; brothers-in-law, Carl (Debbie) Siler, Avondale; Douglas (Charlene) Siler, Windsor; step mother, Muriel (nee: Connors) Lyons-Benedict, Dykeland Lodge, Windsor; step sisters, Ida (Edwin) Dimock, Belmont; Nancy (Gordie) Flynn, Newport Station; Kathy (Antonio) Villafeurte, Laval, QC; Fred (Glenda) Lyons, in Ontario; Bill (Marg) Lyons, in Ontario; several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents; Dale was predeceased by brothers, Clayton Benedict and Floyd Benedict; his sister and brother-in-law, Joyce (Raymond) Harvey; brother-in-law, Bob Leyenaar; his step father, Antonio Bernier; half-brother, Glenn Bernier; step brother, Colin Lyons; father-in-law and mother-in-law, William and Kathleen (Kitchen) Siler. Visitation was 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, February 11, in Lindsay’s Windsor Funeral Home (902-798-2232), 194 King Street, Windsor. A graveside committal service was held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 12, 2014, at the Newport Landing Cemetery, Avondale. The Rev. Bill Gibson officiated, followed by a reception in the Avondale Hall, Avondale. Donations in memory of Dale were requested to be made to a charity of one’s choice. To add your condolences, click on Contribute, at: www.lindsaysfuneralhome.com