Mighton Funeral Home LTD.
Funerals, Cremations & Life Celebrations
40 Years of Trusted Care
Ayton, Durham, Elmwood, Chesley and surrounding areas since 1984.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Douglas Otto Bender, who passed away peacefully at Chapman House in his 86th year, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on July 15, 1939, in Hanover, Ontario, to the late Herbert and Luella (Lantz) Bender, Doug embraced life with enthusiasm and a deep love for his roots in the small town. A natural athlete, he excelled in sports during his youth, playing basketball, football and participating in track.
After graduating from JDSS, Doug began his career at the Royal Bank in Hanover before transferring to Arthur. He later attended the University of Waterloo and went on to work at Bingemans in Kitchener. Doug married Mary Bender, and together they raised their three children: John, Peter, and Katy. When his father faced a health crisis, Doug returned to Hanover to help run Bender’s Meat Market, a family business he would later expand to include catering. He took great pride in serving the community, including catering a gathering of over 2,000 people during a visit by Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau. His well-loved Bender family recipes, particularly for potato salad and sausage, became local favourites, sold in grocery stores across Grey Bruce. He was an avid curler who attended many bonspiels in Quebec City.
In the mid-1980s, Doug sold his business and moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he married Betty Sue Bender. There, he pursued a career in food services with clients such as Delta airlines. He later became a successful importer of olive oil, traveling to Turkey, Greece, Egypt, California, and Argentina to source quality oils. His strong work ethic and charm made him a well-known figure among chefs in Atlanta and Birmingham, where he not only sold olive oil but also personally delivered supplies between chefs on busy weekends.
After Betty Sue’s passing, Doug continued making frequent trips back to Canada, cherishing his growing family.
In recent years, Doug found love again and married Donna Bender, with whom he shared many joyful adventures. Together, they enjoyed time in the Carolina Low Country, where Doug developed a deep appreciation for boating, crabbing, and coastal cuisine. In 2020, he and Donna returned to Canada, settling in Walkerton, where they treasured family time, day trips around Grey Bruce, and attending the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Doug spent the last 18 months at Brucelea Haven, where he was cared for with compassion and dignity. He will no doubt be missed by staff and residents as he was the life of the party!
He is lovingly remembered by his beloved wife, Donna Bender, and his children:
Cherished grandfather of Jessie, Cody, and Danielle Hogg; Ethan (April) and Avryl Bender; Grayson and Ouita Elliott. Proud great-grandfather to Cohen and Atticus Bender, and Skylar Hogg.
Doug will also be deeply missed by his siblings:
He will be remembered fondly by his nieces and grandnieces: Sarah (Bill), Jenny (Dean), Cherie (Gord), Laurie (Glen), Madeline (Jonathan), Claudia and Evie. Doug will always be held dear in the hearts of the Deloach family. He was predeceased by his son, Peter James Bender, and Jamie Hicks.
Visitation will be held at Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover, Ontario, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will take place on Friday, March 14, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 356 9th St. Hanover, Ontario.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church or Chapman House in Doug’s honour.
For those that are unable to attend, the funeral service will be live streamed directly on the obituary page on our website, and through the Mighton Funeral Home YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@MightonFuneralHomeLtd The live stream will start approximately 5-10 minutes prior to the service - at that time, please look for the live video post on the obituary page on our website or the Funeral Home YouTube Channel to join the service. For people unable to join at the time of the service, the live stream video will remain posted and available for viewing afterwards.
Funeral Service Live Stream
Tribute Slideshow Video
With deepest sympathy to the Bender family on the passing of Doug. Our thoughts are with you
- Gary YostDonna and Family;
I was so sorry to hear of Doug's passing. He always had a smile for everyone and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to your family at this difficult time.
Dear family of Doug �" we wish to extend our sympathy to each one of you. We had hoped to be with you in person this morning however, we were able to be with you on line for the beautiful meaningful service. Doug will be remembered for a full life well lived and his amazing personality.
Cousin Harry and Ruth Bender
Dear family of Doug Bendar want to express my deepest sympathy on the loss of your dad Doug
- Judy(Allen)MurphyI give you my sympathy. I enjoyed visiting Doug at Brucelea Haven as a volunteer. May he rest in peace! Earl Spitzig
- Earl J SpitzigDear Donna and family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Doug. I had the pleasure of meeting him a couple of times and he was a very kind and classy gentleman. My deepest condolences to you all.
- Lisa and Ken TalbotKaty, Doug and Family
We are so very sorry for your loss. Sending love and hugs to you all. May your memories console you during this time.
Chuck & Janet and family
Dear Jane and all members of the Bender family.
We know there will be lots and lots of wonderful memories to enjoy.
Curling memories abound . We had so much fun at the curling club. As well as a gift I called Blue. Mary won the bidding on a beautiful Australian Shepherd pup but she was not meant to stay in Hanover so she travelled to my farm.
Many stories can be told about Doug's live, well lived.
Jim and Linda Palmer.
My condolences,Sorry for your loss.
- dean miskieI was sorry to read of Doug's death. It has been a long time since I've seen him but I recall when he ran the shop in Hanover. My condolences to all the family.
- Ann Holm SandersTo John, Heather, and all the family, please accept my condolences, I am sorry for your loss. I remember in my childhood, every Saturday our last stop while shopping was Bender's Meat Market to buy the Sunday roast or some other quality beef. Good memories. May your treasured memories comfort you at this time.
- Bud HalpinJohn, Heather and family, our condolences to you at this difficult time. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- Kim and Kent HarbinsonMy condolences, Donna, at this time of sorrow.
- Marg PosteDEEPEST CONDOLANCES TO DONNA , JANE , DAVID , JOHN, AND FAMILIES. WE WILL NEVER FORGET THAT READY SMILE. REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND.
- NORMA RUHLDoug will be greatly missed by his SC and NC families. To know Doug was to love Doug . He always had a smile and something kind to say .
- Sherri SmithMy heartfelt condolences to John, Heather, and Family.
- Kevin ChittickSending condolences to all the family. Thought and prayers with all at this difficult time.
- Annita RodyJane, Don, John and families.
Our deepest sympathies on the passing of Doug. I remember living next door to the family. They were always so good to us. Hugs and prayers. 🙏
Please accept my condolences…. Doug Cameron
- Doug G Cameron
