A memorial concert is being planned in Fort Smith to celebrate the life of Howie Benwell.
The 30-year-old, known for his love of music, worked at the Diavik diamond mine as a heavy equipment operator. He was one of four mine workers and two pilots who lost their lives in a plane crash outside Fort Smith in January.
“He was a proud uncle. He loved his bass and guitar and he sang vocal as well,” Crystal Benwell said of her brother.
“He was always energizing to be around. He was always able to lift your spirits.”
Benwell said one of her favourite memories of Howie was celebrating his graduation with her daughters. She said he was the second member of their family to graduate high school.
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The celebration of life for Howie is set to take place on Saturday, May 25, with karaoke, food and live music, including Dene drummers.
“I wanted to make it a big music festival because he always loved playing at those whenever there would be one in town,” Benwell said.
“It’s a time to share in our rejoice and our memories that we have of Howie.”
The free, all-ages event is set to begin at 3pm in the lot next to RCV. It will be restricted to adults only from 7pm.
A funeral for Howie will be held a day earlier, on Friday, May 24, at 1pm at St Joseph’s Cathedral, followed by a burial at St John’s Anglican Church. A reception will begin at the Roaring Rapids Hall at 4pm.
“I think Howie would want a message to go out to all of his family and friends, everybody out there, not to cry too long,” Benwell said, “because he’s still with us.”
