November 16, 1926 – January 18, 2015
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ben Caron, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was born in St. Francois Xavier, MB, the second of eight children. Ben grew up on a farm and those skills and interests that he developed there remained with him his whole life. He moved out west in 1957 and settled in Victoria. He had very fond memories of being involved in the C.Y.O. and was proud to be a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. It was at C.Y.O. that he met his future wife, Margaret Hanley. They married in 1960 and together had five daughters. In the early ‘60s, Ben became the manager of the St. Vincent de Paul store on Johnson Street. This was the beginning of a lifelong commitment to the welfare of others, particularly those in need. Ben’s compassion, dedication and vision touched many lives. Margaret started Gingerbread Preschool in 1973, and it is still going strong. Ben’s legacy as “Ben Hen” or “Farmer Ben” is fondly remembered by the many children and families who knew him. Ben was a man of Faith and cherished his family above all else. He leaves to mourn, his wife Margaret; his daughters, Bernadette (Gary) Butler, Cathy (Daniel) Morin, Mary-Joy (Jamie) Croll, Carolin (Dan) McDonnell, Suzanne (Sam) Iaquinta; grandchildren, Suzanne, William, Allie, Stella, Marell, Maggie, Dominic, Benicio and his large extended family.
“And I think to myself, what a wonderful world…”
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, 740 View St., on Friday, January 23rd at 12:00 p.m. with a reception in the Parish Centre. Interment to follow at Royal Oak Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Society or the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C. would be appreciated.
Condolences can be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
23 Responses
Our deepest condolances to a wonderful family on the passing of Farmer Ben. He was always so kind and smiley, we will miss seeing him working away in his overalls. Love from Marnie, Ross, Sam and Jake
Dear Aunt Margaret and all my cousins,
I am thinking of you all today and send my deepest condolences.
I will always remember Uncle Ben’s great smile and the “twinkle” in his eyes. He always made us feel special when we visited, and when he passed on his little pearls of wisdom. He will forever be remembered by our family,
Take care, and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. The good memories, and I am sure you have plenty of them, will get you through this trial and sustain you in the future. RIP, Uncle Ben.
Love,
Louise
Bert said that Gingerbread Preschool was his most favourite school. We always looked to see what improvements Mr. Caron had made in the yard. We have great memories and I’m sure you all do as well. He left a good legacy. May all those memories comfort you. My prayers for you all during this difficult time and in the days to come. Lois Clarke