Ben Garneau... in memorium

Ben Garneau, father-in-law of Laura's first cousin, Jenny (and grandfather to Jenny's wonderful daughter, Delly) died today, on his 83rd birthday. He will be missed. Ben had a great sense of humor and a wonderful spirit, and his smile was like sunshine filling a room. Our family is lesser for his loss. Ben, we will miss you.

Following is the obituary written by Jenny:

Benoit W. Garneau, Jr. died on Tuesday October 2, 2007. He was 83 years old.

Born in Fall River, MA on October 2, 1924, Mr. Garneau led an exciting and full life. He attended the Dublin School in Dublin N.H. as well as a private school in Canada. From February 1944 to April 1946, Mr. Garneau served in Company B, 411th Infantry Regiment in the European Theater of World War II and was part of the initial invasion of Italy. He graduated in 1950 from the Foreign Service School, Georgetown University, Washington D.C. After graduating he went to work for the United States Displaced Persons Commission. He was assigned to work in Stuttgart, Germany. It was there in 1951 he met and married his beloved wife Sigrid Eickelman. They were blessed with two children Benoit and Pierre.

Mr. Garneau worked internationally for BIC and RCA. He and his family lived in Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Canada, and New York City before settling on Nantucket. Having “retired” to Nantucket he and his wife bought the Dory restaurant where they would entertain their breakfast customers with the wild tails of their lives. After selling the Dory he bought the Brass Lantern Inn and was the inn keeper until 1989.

Mr. Garneau had a zest for life that few could match. He spoke French, German and Spanish fluently. He was an accomplished cook and loved to read. He was an avid history buff. He was devoted to his granddaughter Delphine whom he took care of daily when her mother, Jeanette went back to work after her birth. Noted for his sense of humor and engaging smile, Mr. Garneau was one of a kind and will be missed deeply by his family and friends.

Mr. Garneau was predeceased by his wife Sigrid and his sons Benoit and Pierre. He is survived by his daughter-in-law Jeanette and granddaughter Delphine.

A gathering in remembrance of Mr. Garneau will be held on Saturday October 13, 2007 at his daughter-in-laws home, 18 Sesapana Road from 1-3 pm for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mr. Garneau’s name to Our Island Home, The American Heart Association or to the National Heart Foundation. Au Revoir Benoit!