Attachment 51559
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This one make NO SENSE to me WHATSOEVER. From a great chef to a man wandering around without control of his mind anymore, but still the sweetest ever. Why anyone would harm him I have NO CLUE. Could NOT have been robbery as he has nothing to take. Could not have been anger as he no longer had that emotion. I am so hurt by this.Quote:
Originally Posted by FarOutWestEnder
This is sad! Rest in peace Bentley.
Bentley was the owner and head chef at Bentley's Crab House on Ella Drive on Negril's West End. I first met him about 28 years ago and we remained friends. It is hard to watch a friend go through the personal demons of mental illness.
He has been taking medication for his condition about as long as I have known him. This latest bout started a few years back when his business once again took off and unfortunately it was more than he could handle. He had to be hospitalized and medicated in order to protect himself and others.
For quite some time his condition seemed to be worsening and he had been having issues while wandering the West End and the center of Negril. He was found by the pier, apparently died from drowning.
R. I. P my friend, at long last your demons are silenced.
Very sad indeed :(
Very sad. Rest in Peace Bentley. I have watched friends and family members fight their demons. It's hard to see anyone go through this.
Bentley should be, and will be remembered for his world famous crab cakes, but Bentley would cook anything you wanted if you just supplied the ingredients. Many good times up on Bentley's deck and one thing about Bentley, he never stopped laughing. While most of us were wondering if we are going to fall through the deck, and if so, would we have to grab that low lying current wire to break our fall, Bentley would be in the kitchen telling stories and laughing his head off.
Bentley could never remember anyone's name so he started giving nicknames. It came to the point that we actually had nicknaming parties on his deck. After a few weeks of consideration, those of us that hadn't been named would line up and Bentley would walk down the line giving out our new names. The day I was named, the guy beside me, who had a rather large nose, became Lizard Nose, and my wife was mortified at what my name would be. When he got to me, from that day on I would be referred to on the island as...Hunter. Ya, I can live with that as Bentley knew that I was, at that time, a well seasoned police officer, hence, hunter. My wife became Mrs. Hunter which is a lot better than Mrs Lizard Nose.
Many a day we would be sitting on the deck at Peewee's cottage, and of course didn't take long to run out of beer. Just a scream across the road to Bentley and down he would come with a few more cold beers for us. He could never stay and talk for long because he always had something on the stove, he would stay just long enough to tell an outrageous story and then laugh all the way back upstairs.
Bentley, I will remember you for what you were and not for what you became. There are no demons where you are right now, and yes, I think I can hear you laughing right now. RIP my friend.
I'll never forget the first time I arranged a dinner with him; "5 'tings on a plate mon" was what he told us. He was so proud of his food. I'll remember him as the great host he was. Rest in peace Bentley, you will be sorely missed.
So sad, Many good times on Bentleys' deck. Loved his laugh, and he was so proud of his food and his restaurant. He would stand down at the WestEnd Road in a white coat and chefs' hat and do what he could to encourage you to make the trek up the lane. In his prime he was a tremendous character. Last met him in early May, a lost soul. Such a sad end, R.I.P. Bentley
Bentley in better days.
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Regards,
Bob
I am reinstating this thread after several people have PM'd and asked what happened to Bentley's thread. I need to apologize for the lost photos when the thread was removed and kindly ask for those who posted them to please repost them. I reacted with emotion and frustration thinking about Bentley when I had the thread removed.
This thread was going the way of speculation and Bentley's family and friends were tired of the speculation. Some people were not being sensitive to the fact that a man has tragically died and kept posting links to a website that claims to be news yet had the story incorrect and then a second link to a local tabloid that had picked up on the first story, both having incorrect information.
The thread was removed as that was the only way to prevent it from spiraling out of control with speculation and I was refusing to allow that to happen to his family and his memory. Over the years, many of us, including members of his family and his friends have been helping him. As mentioned, he had seen doctors and was under medical care but to no avail. Bentley unfortunately drowned last Sunday.
This thread will remain out of respect to Bentley and as long as the gossip and speculation does not continue. Please remember that Bentley was a real person with real family and friends who loved and cared about him.
Thank you for your respect and understanding.
I was coming out of the neighborhood store when I first encountered Bentley. He stopped me to introduce himself and show me his photos of his restaurant and food. "You're 'world famous'!" "Ya mon, world famous!" We made a reservation and discovered you could enjoy a fantastic view and wonderful meal while still holding more than a bit of dread at the structural integrity of the deck. We had another meal there, but the next year, Bentley had transitioned into his waning years as a sad specter. No more torment, Bentley, rest in peace.
dinner just once with Bentley. what an experience . great food and quite a character. may he rest in piece
So sad to see this. RIP, Bentley. Sincere condolences to his family.
OMG, didn’t know this happened or that Bentley was going through hard times. So tragic! Peace and comfort to his family and friends....