Sid Bentley with his ex-wife Jill. Photo / John McCombe
Sid Bentley with his ex-wife Jill. Photo / John McCombe
When Sid Bentley died he may have been broken in spirit, heart and body, but he died surrounded by friends.
Today, he was farewelled in a simple but sincere memorial service at Ashburton's New Life Church by the people who had become his support network over the past five years.
Church members spoke of a man few knew, a man who loved to talk, who had a rich past in the merchant navy and a man who above all else, loved his family.
Since his daughter Kirsty was murdered in late December 1989, Mr Bentley had lived with the knowledge that some people questioned his involvement in her death, but with the church, his friends said he gained an unquestioning acceptance.
Kirsty Bentley's killer has never been found. Photo / File
It is believed Mr Bentley has already been cremated, but his wish to have his ashes scattered with his daughter's has been challenged by his ex wife, Kirsty's mother Jill.
Kirsty disappeared on the afternoon of December 31, 1998, while walking her dog by the Ashburton River, sparking a huge search. Her body was found later at the Rakaia Gorge.
Mr Bentley, 64, a former engineer, died at Coldstream Rest Home, Hospital and Retirement Village on Monday morning after battling cancer for some time.
