Bentley T. Handwork

HANDWORK BENTLEY T. Bentley T. Handwork, 94, of Gaylord, MI, and formerly of Toledo, died Monday, September 29, 2008, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio Perrysburg Unit. Born in Chicago to Bentley S. and Leona Handwork, Ben grew up in Evanston, IL where he graduated from Evanston High School. Blessed with a natural baritone voice and a love of singing, Ben enjoyed a short career as a big band singer, serving as lead male vocalist for the Kay Kyser and Ted Weims Orchestras in the mid 1930s. He loved recalling that when he left the orchestra, Ted Weims replaced him with a then unknown singer named Perry Como. Following his days as a singer, Ben graduated from Northwestern University, where he earned a varsity letter as manager of the 1936 tennis team. He then served in the US Navy as a Lieutenant J.G. Ben moved to Toledo in 1939 when he purchased the Toledo area franchise of the Canteen Service Company. Under his leadership, the Toledo franchise of Canteen was ranked number one in the country for a number of years. While here, Ben and his wife Jean, to whom he was married for 33 years, raised their four sons and became very active in the community. Over the years, Ben served as president of the United Way of Greater Toledo, the president of the Better Business Bureau, president of The Rotary Club of Toledo where he was a loyal member for many years and believed and lived Rotarys 4-way Test: Is it the truth?, Is it fair to all concerned?, Will it build goodwill and better friendships?, Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Ben conducted his life and his business according to these principles. Ben also served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Maumee Valley Country Day School and the President of the Toledo Area Chamber of Commerce. While living in Toledo on Corey Road, Ben truly enjoyed himself and loved his friends, visiting them through all those years. Ben continued his love of singing and entertaining while in Toledo by performing in The Great Put On, a production using local talent produced by the Junior League of Toledo in the 1970s. He also participated in The Chamber Music Society of Lower Second Street, Perrysburg. Leaving Canteen in 1973, Ben moved to his home on a lake in Gaylord, MI. He also loved it there where he spent most of his remaining years. He enjoyed feeding the birds and deer and had a great love of nature and the outdoors which he imparted to his four sons. Ben loved his country. This was evidenced by his flying the American flag outside of his homes every day of his life. Surviving are his sons: Peter M. Handwork Claudia of Toledo, B. Thomas Handwork, Jr. Linda of Perrysburg, Christopher R. Handwork of Sylvania, and Jonathan A. Handwork Jodi of Englewood, CO; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; very good friend for many years, Mary Noller; and nephew Bentley Elliott Troy. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Nona Jane Elliott, and nephew Frank Elliott. Bens family expresses their appreciation to Mary Noller for the many years she spent with Ben and for the love and care she gave to him. A gathering of remembrance to celebrate the life of Bentley Handwork will take place on Sunday from 5-6:30PM at Toledo Country Club, 3949 River Rd. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Toledo Rotary Foundation, One Stranahan Square, Suite 246, Toledo, OH, 43604, or Maumee Valley Country Day School, 1715 Reynolds Rd., Toledo, OH, 43614. Arrangements by Walker Funeral Home, 419-841-2422. www.walkerfuneralhomes.com