Well, I suppose I get the last word this time. Lori might disagree, but she’ll have to take that up with me later.

Jamie (not James) Joseph Benoit, 53, of West Arichat, NS, born November 10th, 1972, to Stanley and the late Laura Benoit of Petit De Grat.

I was raised in Petit-de-Grat, and for 35 years I was lucky enough to share my life with my wife, Lori. That’s 35 years of love, laughter, figuring life out together, and her putting up with me. I’ll let you decide which one deserves the most recognition. We made a life full of memories, and having her beside me meant more than I probably said out loud. So, Lori, consider this me finally putting it in writing.

I worked for 15 years at Isle Madame Hardware before taking a position as a maintenance worker at École Beau-Port. I was proud of the work I did and grateful for the people I met along the way. A job gives you plenty to do, but it’s the people who give you the best stories.

Our daughter, Bronwyn, was my pride and joy. Being her dad was the greatest thing I ever got to do—and believe me, I had opinions about plenty of things. How much I loved her was never up for debate. Bronwyn, keep enjoying your music, having adventures, and being yourself. Being your dad gave me a lot to smile about.

Bronwyn and I shared a love of music—all kinds, except country. I had strong opinions about country music, and if someone played it around me, they got to hear those opinions whether they wanted to or not. Consider this my final request to whoever has control of the playlist. Don’t make me repeat myself.

I loved a good trivia night, stirring the pot to start an argument just so I could laugh and walk away while everyone else kept going. Some people have hobbies. I liked to keep things interesting. If I ever gave you advice you didn’t ask for, it was probably because I thought I knew better, or maybe just because I cared.

When I was diagnosed with cancer in May 2025, I fought hard to stay here for Bronwyn and everyone I loved. I wanted more time, more music, more laughs, and more ordinary days together. I’m grateful for every one we had, and for everyone who helped us make the most of them.

Along with Lori and Bronwyn, I leave my father, Stanley Benoit of Petit-de-Grat; my brothers, Bradley (Lisa) of Petit-de-Grat, Aubrey (Rhonda) of Bedford, and Jason (Lisa) of Martinique; my sister, Mavis Hopkins (Kevin) of Sarnia, Ontario; my brother-in-law, Chris Doiron (Krista) of Sussex, New Brunswick; my nieces and nephews, Sasha, Brittany, Cyrus, Logan, Allan, Evan, Aaron, Christopher, and Hudson; and my godchild, Leah George (Kyle) of British Columbia. You’ve all given me plenty of memories—and, thankfully, plenty of material.

To my buddy David Richard, thank you for the company on my work road trips. Having a good buddy along always made the miles go quicker.

And last but certainly not least, to my best friend, Joey Landry, who was like a brother to me: thank you for always being there, for the laughs, and for the kind of friendship a person can count on. Have a beer for me in the sunroom. Lord knows we spent enough time there solving the world’s problems one drink at a time. We may not have fixed anything, but we certainly had a lot to say about it. Keep stirring the pot for both of us now. I expect you to keep up, and I’ll be disappointed if everyone starts behaving.

I was predeceased by my mother, Laura, and our daughter, Skylar Devyn. Though our time with Skylar was far too short, she has always been part of our family and forever in our hearts. I like to think my next chapter starts with a long-overdue hug from them both.

Take care of Lori and Bronwyn. Keep showing up, telling stories, playing music, and finding reasons to laugh together. You should have enough stories about me to keep you going for quite a while. Just remember, I’m no longer there to defend myself—or explain what actually happened.

As for me, remember me when you’re having a good laugh, when a song comes on that we loved, or when someone starts an argument and quietly slips out of the room. You’ll know I would’ve appreciated that.

If a trivia question comes up that I would’ve known, you’re allowed to say I had the answer. If nobody knows it, just assume I did.

And don’t put on country music for me. I’d hate to have to come back just to turn it off.

I have chosen not to have a wake or funeral service, I was a strong believer if you didn’t want to see me when I was healthy you don’t need to see me when I’m dead. I do ask that you make any donations to the Pay it Forward Angel Fund.

Jamie’s family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff of St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Cape Breton Regional Hospital, and Strait Richmond Hospital. Special thanks to Dr. Gillis, Leslie, Adele, Rachel, Tracy and the staff at Island Pharmacy, and Jamie’s special nurse, Joy, for their kindness, compassion, and dedicated care. Your support will always be remembered and appreciated.

Arrangements are entrusted to C. H. Boudreau Funeral Home Ltd., in Arichat.