News

The Regent College community is saddened to hear of the death of our long-time colleague and friend, Douglas Bennett. Doug passed away at the age of 89 on November 1, 2016. We are confident that Doug has already experienced a glorious entrance into the presence of our Lord, whom he loved and served for a lifetime.

Prior to joining Regent College in the late 1970s, Doug was active in business, with an emphasis on sales, particularly in the insurance industry. He and his wife Patricia, together with their children, Donna and Ross, were active members of Metropolitan Tabernacle on 10th Avenue. After Patricia's death, Doug married Gen, a loving spouse, caring step-mother, and valued friend and companion. 

Doug spent years managing Regent’s Development program. First appointed by Dr. Carl Armerding, Doug did much alongside Dr. Armerding to shape the financial basis of the college in the growth years leading up to the opening of our current building in 1988. Toward the end of that period, Doug moved across the street to the University of British Columbia. He was later persuaded by Dr. Walt Wright, Regent’s third President, to rejoin the college. There followed a period of significant development advancement, as Regent’s financial strength rose to levels matching the numerical growth of the previous decade. Doug was a key member of the team responsible for that accomplishment.

Following Doug’s time at Regent, he and Gen moved into a well-deserved retirement, remaining active in their church and family. Doug always valued his connections with the business community, and in retirement continued as a strong advocate for Christian presence in the marketplace. However, Doug frequently commented that the years he spent at Regent were the best years of his life. He loved the Regent community, and we loved him.

As former President Carl Armerding notes, “Doug modelled the ideal described in the KJV of Romans 12:11, ‘Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.’ He lived out many of the additional ‘marks of a true Christian’ set out by Paul in Romans 12, and we, together with his family and friends, shall miss him.  But we know, after a full and rich life, Doug has been greeted by his Lord with the words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’  We at Regent who remember this dear brother and friend can only echo the divine sentiment.”

You can view the official obituary online here. A memorial will be held on Monday, November 7 at 2 pm at White Rock Baptist Church, 1657-140th Street Surrey, BC.