It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of Rendell James (Benny) Brushett of Petit de Grat which occurred on June 1, 2026, at the Strait Richmond Hospital, Evanston.

Born in Jacques Fontaine, NFLD, on Dec. 15, 1941 to the late John Joe Brushett and the late Helen (Smith) Brushett. Rendell is survived by his wife of 63 years, Claire Ann Brushett (Samson), and his five children; John (Rugh) of Arichat, Aubrey (Christine) of Lochside, Solonge (Brad) of Sydney, Evangeline (Kenneth) of Petit de Grat and Dean (Angela) of New Brunswick. He is also survived by his brother, John (Connie) and sisters, Edna (late Max) and Solonge (Henry).

Benny is also survived by his grandchildren; Jessica (Chris), Felicia (Danny), Cynthia (Curtis), Kelsey (Jonas), Angus (Ashley), Jenna (Josh), Austin (Rachel), Ryan (Madison) and Mackalen (Ian), who proudly called him Pepe., He was also blessed with great-grandchildren which he cherished; Ashton (Marielle), Danee (Andrew), Hailee, Grayson, Tyson, Jude, Lila, Quinn, Finley, Preston, Jayce and Michlynn; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Rendell James was predeceased by his brothers, Harold and Melvin, both of NFLD.

Upon finishing school in NFLD, Benny moved to Petit de Grat where he met and married the love of his life and began working in the fishing industry. He was proud owner of many fishing vessels including the Ann Elizabeth, Solonge, Jessica & Cynthia, Divecon I and the Sandra T, a boat he named after his beloved late sister-in-law.

Fishing was his lifelong passion and a career he continued until his retirement at the age of 57. Whether he was casting a line, baiting a trawl, or spending days at sea, he was at home on the water; a career that demanded grit, resilience, and a true appreciation for the beauty and struggles that came with a life at sea.

In his retirement years he was an avid outdoorsman. Many winter days were spent ice fishing and snaring rabbits and when the season rolled around, you’d surely find him out and about duck hunting. When he wasn’t pursuing his love of the outdoors, you would find him in his shed, wood stove firing off the most comforting heat while helping his wife, Claire, make the most beautiful crafts.

As a final tribute to our Husband/Father/Grandfather/Great-Grandfather, we share this poem by David Ritter:

“If someone should ask for me,

Tell ‘em heaven is where I’ll be.

I’ve finished all my life’s chores,

And now I fish on heaven’s shores.

The view is grand and the fishing’s great,

But I yearn for you as I wait.

I’ll save a spot on the river’s bend,

For all those I call family and friend.

But for now, sail out to sea,

And make a cast in memory,

To all the good times from the past,

So, the memories will ever last.

And if the fish no longer bite

Or seem no longer worth the fight,

Because it’s me that you are missin’,

Don’t worry – be glad – I’ve only gone fishin’.”

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney NS, 902-539-7175. As per Rendell’s request, there will be no visitation. A private memorial service will be held at a later date with burial to follow at The Star of the Sea Cemetery columbarium in Petit de Grat.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Society or a charity of your choice.

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

Until we meet again Skipper.