BENT, Eric Ernest

1937 - 2020. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Eric Bent, who passed away peacefully in Colchester East Hants Health Centre on May 10th. Born in Tupperville, Annapolis Co., he was a son of the late Ernest Elroy and Lorna Henrietta Bent (Inglis). Survived by his loving wife of nearly 58 years, Joan Florence (Wiseman); his children, Allison Bent, Ottawa; Leslie Bent and Andy Smith, Shirley, B.C.; Donald Bent and Eva Thurlow, Toronto; Katherine Bent and Richard Mulroy, Bedford; his adoring granddaughters, Kaleigh and Sarah; sisters, Pearl MacLellan and Carrie Horton, Ottawa. He was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Sheila Collins and Beryl Newstead; brothers, Elroy and Guy. Eric attended Nova Scotia Normal College in Truro where he met Joan, Don Hollett, his best friend of 66 years, and many lifelong friends in the class of ’55. He went on to receive a B.ED. and a BA from Mount Allison University and M.ED. from St. Francis Xavier University. Eric spent his early career as a teacher in Halifax and Truro. Eric was principal of Brookfield Junior High school before becoming a long-time professor at Nova Scotia Teacher’s College. After his retirement from NSTC in 1996, Eric supervised student teachers for the University of Maine’s education program. Eric was a family man who loved to travel and garden, and had a deep passion for music, particularly the rock and roll era of the 1950s and 60s. He was actively engaged in the community through volunteering for First United Church and local historical and educational groups. Eric and Joan had 40 years of travel together across the globe, often with groups Eric organized, but also family trips including an epic eight-week driving trip across Canada with four children and a tent trailer. His love of music extended far beyond listening to tunes. He and Don Hollett would spend hours looking for record "finds," discussing the merits of various recordings, and collecting vinyl with passion. One of his greatest joys came in 2009 when his two granddaughters were born. He was a natural loving grandfather and enjoyed every moment he spent with them. He was quietly proud of his children and openly welcomed Eva, Andy and Richard into the family. In light of the COVID-19 virus restrictions, there will be a small private service. A memorial service will take place at a later date. The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation for the loving care that Eric received at Parkland and from the Colchester East Hants Health Centre Hospital staff. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, Diabetes Canada, First United Church (Truro), or charity of choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young St., Truro. For full obituary and to leave a private message of condolence for the family, please visit: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com