Skip to content

Visit the Smith Funeral Home website to send your condolences and support

Peacefully, surrounded by loving family, on Friday, September 27, 2024, at Bluewater Health, Mike Beni passed away at the age of 86. Beloved husband of Pamela Beni. Loving father of Marli Esser, Laurie (Wayne) Joselin, Andrew (Tracey) Beni, and Leanne Jorgensen. Cherished grandfather of Billy Joe Hall, Myles Beni, Madison Beni, Jarid (Rebecca) Jorgensen, Katrina Jorgensen, and great-grandfather of Lincoln and Remi. Born in Drumheller, Alberta, on December 23, 1937 to his loving parents Mike Beni and Mary Szaniszlo. Predeceased by his oldest sister Mary Koidl (2009) and his beloved stepson John Pollock Beni (2004). Survived by his loving sisters Dora Tait and Irene Baskey. He is survived by and will be missed by many nieces and nephews. Mike and his siblings lost their beloved father in 1940. Their mother was left with four very young children. From then on they struggled to survive. Mother Mary worked very hard for her family. The whole family learned of hard work and dedication. It was 1944 when they came to Nixon, Ontario and lived on a tobacco farm. Mike worked very hard, often teaching himself to do any work he was interested in and was an avid reader. He learned to roof, scuba dive, boat building, and was a loyal fireman for the city of Sarnia for 32 years. He dove for the police and fire departments. He loved Lake Huron and St. Clair River and would never leave Sarnia. In the 60’s, he became a professional wrestler. He started one of the first gyms in Sarnia, in his garage, manufacturing his own equipment. He loved to watch wrestling, following his favorite careers past and present. Cremation has taken place. In keeping with Mike’s wishes, a private family service will be held at a later date. A celebration of Mike’s life is yet to be determined. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Sarnia and District Humane Society (cheques only at the funeral home please). Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.