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While his dad and his brother were premiers of BC, RJ Bennett was happy to stay out of politics and breed award-winning horses and develop some of Kelowna's busiest commercial properties.
Russell James Bennett, who always went by RJ, passed away peacefully on July 4 at his home at Flying Horse Farm in West Kelowna at the age of 94.
RJ's dad -- WAC Bennett was premier 1952-72 -- and RJ's brother -- Bill Bennett was premier 1975-86 -- had higher profiles in the public eye.
But, RJ was well-known and respected in his circles of horse breeding and commercial development.
His Victor Projects is behind Orchard Place, the strip mall at Highway 97 and Dilworth Drive that houses the BC Signature Liquor Store and Bank of Montreal; McCurdy Corner at Highway 97 and McCurdy Road, that's home to movie theatres, The Brick and Freddy's Brew Pub; Baron Centre, where the Real Canadian Superstore is; Guisachan Village; and the new Costco.
Since the 1950s, RJ and his wife, Lois, were involved in Thoroughbred horse racing with more than 100 horses at their farm at any given time.
RJ and Lois bred and campaigned (trained and competed with) thousands of horses.
Along the way, their horses won numerous races across Canada and picked up Horse of the Year honours.
RJ and Lois were inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2007 and received the
E.P. Taylor Award of Merit in 2016 from the Jockey Club of Canada for their outstanding contributions to the Thoroughbred industry.
RJ was president of the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (BC Division) from 1991-94.
"RJ's contribution to racing and breeding throughout our province is unlikely ever to be equaled, either in longevity or impact," said David Milburn, president of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association of BC, in an interview with Nigel Reid of Horseracing BC.
In RJ's obituary, Horseracing BC is quoted as saying: "Mr. Bennett's huge contribution to racing and breeding in British Columbia is almost impossible to quantify. Although it is fair to say that his legacy, along with that of his wife and partner, Lois, will continue to filter through the sport for many years to come."
The obituary outlines how RJ was born in Edmonton on Dec. 14, 1929 and as a toddler moved with his family to Kelowna.
He married Lois in 1961 and they built their barn in 1965, a year before the family home, which was not out of character for avid horse people.
The obit also stated: "RJ was a very charismatic and social person who seemed to know everyone and if he didn't know you personally, upon meeting him he still made a positive and lasting impression."
RJ is survived by his wife and their children Andrew, Mary-Jean, Murray and Rosanne, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Up until his death, RJ attended weekly Rotary Club lunches with is son, Andrew.
Until the end, he was still active, tracking his 'steps' on a smartphone app.
RJ was predeceased by his siblings Anita and Bill.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, July 28 at Springfield Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking you to consider making a donation to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation.
Condolences can be posted to RJ's obituary page at:
https://www.