Title: To the family of Dr. Fred Bentley

Comment: Dr. Bentley was a towering figure in the agriculture industry world wide. He was a man of vision, integrity, commitment and energy.

He was Dean of Agriculture when I was a student in the 1960s, and although he expected much of the students academically, he also expected us to participate fully in the social life of the university, which we were happy to do, sometimes at the expense of our academic record.

Dr. Bentley had a positive impact on every life he touched. Mine was one, and I am grateful to have known and been taught by him.

Noel McNaughton

Submitted: 15/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: C. F. Bentley

Comment:

Remembering Dr. Bentley from my years as a student in Agriculture. 

Jim Rae, Grad '63.

Submitted: 15/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: Bentley Family

Comment: My deepest sympathies during this hard time.

Submitted: 15/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: Allen and Pat McQueen and family

Comment:

Fred was one of the most interesting and respected  people I knew.  I will miss my annual April visits.  He lived a full life.

Allen

Submitted: 15/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: To the family of Dr. F. Bentley

Comment:

My sincere condolences on your loss.

As an undergraduate I was privileged to have been one of his students, I stumbled into the “soil science” class which he taught. He is one of the few unforgettable professors which I recollect with fondness.  Even   though I was not an  Agriculture major, he had an impact on not only my life, but I’m sure on the lives of many students. I have fond memories of the field trips which he led.. We thank God for his life, and for the influence he has had on untold numbers. God bless him, and you all.

Al Fokkema (Bsc. 73)

Submitted: 15/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: My Thoughts are With You

Comment: My thoughts and prayers go out to you Ann, Brian, Cathy and Rob. I
have some found memories of your dad and grandfather, but he left
me the impression of a man full of life, even in his eighties when l last
saw him.
I feel his life is now complete and he is with Mrs. Bentley, and perhaps
the two of them are sharing a glass of wine with Lois H.

We should be very proud of these people, who used their time on earth
with such productivity and honoured us with their presence.

Ann; in the years l was with your family, l saw your love and respect
for your parents. Life has no regrets with parents like that

Fondly

Don McParlan
Edmonton

Submitted: 15/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: Dr Bentley

Comment: Dr. Bentley was one of the more important influences in my life. He opened my eyes to the opportunities and challenges of working in Asia and Africa. Luckily I was able to tell him this personally at our 40th class reunion. My condolences to his family, who must hurt at the loss but have so much for which to be proud. Gordon Banta

Submitted: 15/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: Dr Robin Leech and Dr Soenartono Adisoemarto

Comment:

Fred was a good friend to both of us, and we spent many hours enjoying his company and listening to his adventures.

He saw, even to the end, what many others, but especially politicians, still fail to see regarding stewardship of our soils and lands.

We will miss him.

Submitted: 16/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: To the Family and Friends of Fred Bentley

Comment:

We spent many hours, almost as mentees of Fred.  We enjoyed his perspectives on life, and his philosophy, gained from many, many years as an listener and as an advisor to scientists and governments around the world.

Fred saw what many, but especially politicians, still fail to see regarding stewardship of our soils and lands.  He carried the torch for soil stewardship to his life's end.

We will miss him.

Robin Leech and Soenartono (Tony) Adisoemarto

Submitted: 16/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: Fred's Wisdom

Comment:

It will be with us for ever.

David Walker, for the soil conservers of the Alberta Pulse Growers' Commission.

Submitted: 16/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: C.F. Bentley

Comment: I was privileged to hear Dr. Bentley speak twice at the University of Alberta and to take a great deal of information, humour, insight, and experience from his talks.  He will be missed.

My sincere condolences to his family during this difficult time.

Premee Mohamed

Submitted: 16/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: Ted and Louise

Comment:

We were saddened to learn about your father/father-in-law's passing.  May the special memories you share, brighten the days ahead.  Our sincere condolences go out to you and your family.

Sherry and Clarence

Submitted: 16/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: To the Bentley family

Comment: My condolences.  I'll always remember Dr. Bentley trying to teach us aggies "English" and public speaking. We all admired him. 

Submitted: 16/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: Fred Bently

Comment:

My name is Jean Geddes and my Dad's name was Erin McAllister.  I remember Fred very well as he and my Dad worked closely together for many years, from university on until Dad's death.  Not only were they scientists together, they were life-long friends.  Fred was a wonderful person and a great "plant" guy, offering advice and counsel to my Dad on a constant basis.  What a beautiful long life he had and, without question, his accomplishments have certainly benefitted mankind.  More personally though, he was a dear member of your family and so our thoughts are with you as you say goodbye and send him off on the next leg of his journey.  

Jean and Dean Geddes

Submitted: 17/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: Dr. Fred Bentley

Comment:

Dr. Bentley had a wonderful ability to inspire others and was a clear, strong voice for the discpline of soil science and its importance. He will be greatly missed.

Tony Schori

Submitted: 17/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: Fred Bently family

Comment:

Condolenses  from another co worker with fond memories.

From Spencer and Bobbi Goddard

Submitted: 17/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: To The Family of Dr. Fred C. Bentley

Comment: I have many memories of Dr. Bentley from my days as a student in Agriculture and in associations with Dr. Bentley through my work in agriculture after graduation.

Harry Warne Grad '52

Submitted: 17/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: To the family of Dr. Fred Bentley

Comment:

Our condolences on Dr. Bentleys passing. We all know that he lived a full life and had a very positive influence on many people. As an "Aggie" Grad of 1968 I always had the greatest respect and admiration for Dr. Bentley. I particularly remember the first year public speaking course, the course that likely had the greatest impact on me personally. I will always remember his actions at the rear of the class whenever the student that was speaking did something that detracted from his presentation. We as a class were very pleased when he was able to attend our 35th Class Reunion five years ago.

Gilbert E.Greenwood

Submitted: 17/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: Thanks & Condolences to Family & Friends of Fred Bentley

Comment: Thank you Fred, for your caring vision, willingness to challenge the unsustainable and nonsensical; and for working on multiple fronts persistently for the well-being of all systems. I remember many precious times with Fred, the following two in particular. At a conference on Sustainable Agriculture in Egypt we both spoke our 'truths' in the face of resistance; and reflecting recently on this experience, we still knew we were 'right'! The trip up the Nile afterwards with Fred and Helen was also memorable, especially having fun and nurturing our shared fascination with the history of other cultures. More recently, I had the privilege of delivering the last 'Bentley Lecture' that Fred was able to attend (courageously getting up from his hospital bed to do so). I was also special for me to see Fred there surrounded by his family and friends. I will forever treasure the memory of seeing Fred's impish smile or nod of approval, when I said something that struck a cord; and also our deeply caring conversations after the talk and at the celebratory dinner in the evening. From a fellow lover of soil, and all of life, and an admirer and honoured friend of Fred, I say THANK YOU SO MUCH. My condolences go out to Fred's family, who I hope will feel welcome to look me up if any of you are ever visiting the Blue Mountains in Australia, where I moved to from McGill/Montreal in 1995. Collegial and caring hugs, Stuart Professor Stuart B. Hill, University of Western Sydney (s.hill@uws.edu.au)

Submitted: 17/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: To The Family Of Dr. Fred C. Bentley

Comment: My sincere condolences

I have many memories of Dr. Bentley fom my days as a student in Agriculture and in associations with him in my work in agriculture after graduation. His many contributions to the profession are greatly appreciated.


Harry Warne Grad '52

Submitted: 18/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: Fred Bentley

Comment:

I have fond memories of Fred speaking at the Professiona Agrologists meetings in Edmonton. He always had words of wisdom. One time when there was a new member being inducted he comment on the inductees clothing. The inductee came to the meeting in jeans. Fred mentioned that  that the inductee should be wearing a suit. He said " not only should Agrologists act in a professional manner but must also dress in a professional mannner". 

My condolences, Hugh Rutherford, P. Ag.

Submitted: 18/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: TO THE BENTLEY FAMILY

Comment:

Our deepest sympathy to the family.

I've known Dr. Bentley since I was an undergraduate student in the Faculty of Agriculture. I appreciated his advice and friendship throughout my career.

Angela and I will always have fond memories of the friendship we shared with Helen and Fred.

Dr. Bentley will be sadly missed by his family, colleagues and the International community to which he contributed so much over the years.

Steve and Angela Pawluk

Submitted: 18/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: Fred Bentley - A gentlemen's gentleman, and everything a learned professor could be

Comment: As a long-time colleague at the University, and as a professional agrologist also interested in international agriculture, I knew Fred and his work on many fronts. His contributions to global and Canadian agriculture and education were truly stellar, and we will greatly miss him and his always perceptive ideas and discussions. His early career work in contributing to the recognition of agriculture as an accredited Canadian profession is less well known. However, it laid a strong foundation for the strengths we now see in the modernised Alberta Institute of Agrology. Thank you Fred for all that you did. To the family, my sincere condolences, but do know that we envy you for having known him better than us. Keith Briggs P.Ag. and Professor Emeritus, University of Alberta

Submitted: 18/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: Dr. Bentley

Comment: Dr. Bentley was key in the creation and funding of my M.Sc. project.  After attending the the first annual Bentley Lecture in Sustainable Agriculture and learning more about his extensive CV it became clear how important he is to the fields of agriculture and soil science world wide.  I feel very honored to have met him and to have been on a first name basis with him.  He was very kind, wise, and always looked at everything from a scientists perspective.  I will always treasure the times we met at his house for cookies and tea while discussing my project.  Agriculture and soil science will miss him but have been forever enriched by his presence.

With warmest regards


Amanda Jassman

Submitted: 18/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: Breton Plots

Comment: The Flesher Family of the Breton Plots remember Dr. Bentley with fondness and respect.  Our sympathy to the family in your loss.

Submitted: 18/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: Fred Bentley

Comment: To Fred Bentley's family' My parents, John and Norma Eaglesham, knew Fred for many years, as John was an aggie from UofA, and worked for the provincial gov't, and as District Agriculturist in Red Deer. I remember Mr Bentley visiting our house, and just a few years ago, I phoned him here in Edmonton about a letter he had writted to the Edmonton Journal. We had a delightful conversation and he spoke warmly of my parents. He had such an enquiring mind, and was so respected in the agriculture community, here and worldwide. We send our condolences to you, his family. His like will not pass this way again. Linnie (Eaglesham) Chamberlin and siblings.

Submitted: 18/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: Dr. C. F. Bentley

Comment: Fred and I were colleagues for more than 50 years and we were next door neighbours for forty years.  So, I can confirm that he more than anyone else I ever met deserves the praise expressed by these lines from Rudyard Kipling.
" If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the earth and everything that's in it,
And which is more you'll be a man, my son."

    Our heartfelt condolences to Ann, Ted and all the family.

    Saul and Sara Zalik

Submitted: 19/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: Dr Fred Bentley

Comment: Fred contributed long after he retired. He was respected and admired by all who knew him.

Submitted: 19/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: To the family of Dr. Fred Bentley

Comment: Dr. Bentley's life was full of activity and accomplishments. He will always be remembered.

Doris Wyllie,  Ag. 1966

Submitted: 19/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: Ags of 1950 remember Dr. Fred Bentley

Comment: I knew Dr. Bentley as a teacher and a friend. All the Ag students of 1950 will certainly miss him. We had many good times together. We won't forget him. Art Smith

Submitted: 19/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: To Dr. Fred Bentley's family

Comment:

We will remember Dr. Bentley as a tireless warrior in the struggle to advance responsible human progress, a friendly man to be with, and a thoroughly admirable person.  His work will continue through those he has influenced.

Sam and Carol Takyi

Submitted: 19/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: Dr. Fred Bentley

Comment: Dear Ann, Brian and Family, We have read with sadness of the passing of your father, Ann. We know that you were very proud of him and his contributions to society. We join you in celebrating his life. May the many happy memories that you have of him sustain you and continue to bring you joy. Sincerely, Jean and Merv Thornton

Submitted: 19/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: My Condolences

Comment:
Such a superb speaker! He commanded (and received) much respect. He took such vigilant interest in his agriculture students at U. of A., and was always willing to motivate and lend a hand. He will be missed!


Dennis Roll (B.Sc. 68)

Submitted: 20/04/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: Dear Ted, Louise, Seena and Cameron

Comment:

I was very sorry to hear of your loss.  I feel very lucky to have known Dr. Bentley and to have some special memories of him together with your family.  In particular, I remember feeling amazed at their 55th Wedding Anniversary, at the life both he and Helen had led both indivudually and as partners.  They continue to be an inspiration and example to us all!

Blessings to all of you,

Gerhardt Klann

Submitted: 05/05/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: Dr. Bentley

Comment: It's sad to hear about the passing of Dr. Bentley. Through his fellowship, farmer's lives in northern Uganda were impacted from interactive knowledge sharing and experimentation as I carried out my Msc project research. We will all be eternally grateful for his passion to see the lives of the small holder farmer in under developed countries improved. On a personal note, I thank him for advancing my scientific education. May the Lord comfort the bereaved family. Ruth Jennifer Kaggwa

Submitted: 15/05/2008 12:00:00 AM