Obituary of Ralph Walter Bent

Ralph Walter Bent (82) of Granville Centre passed away peacefully at Mountain Lea Lodge, May 5th, 2021. Born in Allain’s Creek, he was the son of the late Walter Owen and Ruth Evangeline (Potter) Bent. He had a love of working on and running equipment and spent most of his life in his home community of Granville Centre, where he raised his family and set up the family business, Ralph Bent Excavating. Ralph used to plow the streets in Bridgetown as well as many peoples driveways. Having worked on the construction of the Annapolis Royal Causeway (one of Ralph’s most cherished memories) Ralph leaves a legacy in the industry which continues on through the work of his children and grandchildren. In retirement, Ralph enjoyed working at his sawmill, in his shop, and spending weekends at Milbury Lake. A man of few words, he realized how much he appreciated and loved the partnership he had with his wife Gertrude. Together, over a span of almost 60 years, they created a life-long lasting friendship with people from many parts of the province. Ralph and Gert were especially proud of the relationship with their neighbours (The MacDonald Family). The family is forever grateful for the kindness Wayne and Leslie showed Ralph in his final years. Ralph is survived by his children: Robbie (Martha) Bent, Donna Holmes, Jeffrey (Terri) Bent, Andrea (Stephen) McNeil, and Jane (Rick) Height. Papa will be missed greatly by his grandchildren: Josh, David, Gillian, Jenna, Jarrett, Colleen, Jeffrey, Taylor and Benton, along with his three great-grandchildren Jayden, Logan and Emily. Survived by his sister-in-law Geraldine (Hebb) Bent, Ralph is predeceased by his wife Gertrude Aileen (Taylor) and brother Charles LeMert Bent, brothers-in-law David Taylor, Garnet Taylor, Daniel Taylor, Kendall Spurr and Blair Taylor in infancy. Ralph was also survived by sisters-in-law Alberta Spurr, Linda Taylor, Sandy Taylor, Dorothy Taylor, Deborah (Raymond) Fiske; brothers-in-law Wayne Taylor, Richard (Norma) Taylor as well as several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank: Dr. Ken Buchholz, Dr. Grant Goodine, and the staff of the Annapolis Community Health Centre, Soldiers Memorial Hospital, and Mountain Lea Lodge who all made Ralph feel welcome and cared for in his final days. Donations may be made to the Granville Centre Community Hall and Wadeville Cemetery. A graveside service will be held with immediate family only (following COVID-19 restrictions), a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.kaulbachfamilyfuneralhome.com