Ben Bing Mar died peacefully in his sleep at Victoria Hospice, in the early morning hours of Tuesday, August 14th, two weeks short of his 92nd birthday.
Ben is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Dorothea and his two sons, Darryl (Beth) and Lance (Dorothy Jean). Ben was the eldest of 9 siblings, predeceased by his sister Jean and brothers Quinton and Toye. He is survived by brothers Jack and Bill and sisters Susan, Fani and Soleine, as well as by many nephews and nieces.
Ben was born in Victoria on August 29th 1920 and was a lifelong resident. In his youth during the 30’s he was a member of the Chinese Students Athletic Club basketball team (founded by his father Albert). After graduating from Victoria High School in 1938, Ben attended Victoria College.
Since 1946, Ben has been in the travel industry. First working as a passenger agent for the American President Line, in 1949 Ben started his own business, Marwon Travel. After selling Marwon Travel in 1974 he then became a Director for Bayshore Travel, then the Victoria Travel Shoppe. He remained in the travel business for his whole career until his retirement.
Ben was very active in the community from the 50’s to 70’s. Many people in the Victoria Chinese community remember Ben as the first Canadian they met as he helped them through immigration providing translation work in Vancouver or Sidney from 1949 – 1970. Ben also served as a Director of the Chinese Benevolent Association and the Chinese Hospital (now Chinatown Care Centre) for many years.
Ben loved travelling the world, especially his visits to Hawaii. He enjoyed music and watching sports, as well as playing golf as a member of the Gorge Vale Golf Club. Ben always will be remembered as a devoted husband, caring father and brother, loyal friend and true gentleman.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 20th, at 2:30pm at McCall Bros. Funeral Home, 1400 Vancouver St. In lieu of flowers, donations to Victoria Hospice will be greatly appreciated. Condolences to the family may be offered below.
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Megan Parris and Godfrey Stephens
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Maria Da Silva Dear Darryl,
My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Maria Da Silva
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Bobbie and Terry Elworthy Dear Colin and family.
condolences on the loss of your father. Please know you are in our thoughts at this time.
Bobbie and Terry Elworthy
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Alan & Laurie Mar To Dot and the Mar famiy.
Esther, Laurie and I were deeply saddened by the news of Ben’s passing. Ben was a true gentleman and always had a smile when we would run into him from time to time.
Esther has many fond memories of travelling to China and Vegas wth my dad (Alex), Ben & Dot, and Har & Betty Lee.
Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to the family during this extremely difficult time.Alan, Laurie & Esther Mar & Family
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Shirley Beecham Kasper To Darryl and Lance,
So very sorry to read of the death of your father. He was a most interesting and important member of our community; his works will live on through many, and especially through both of you.
My condolences to you and your family members.
Sincerely, shirley beecham kasper
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Alexander Wong Aunt Dot and the Mar family,
I am very sorry to learn of Uncle Ben’s passing. Please accept my condolences to the family. My heart and thoughts are with you during these sad and difficult times.Alex (and Debi ) Wong
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ken sawchuk Lance & Family
My sincere sympathies at this most difficult time,ive heard what a wonderful life your father had and hope we can all follow in his path. He’s probably up there shooting sub par smiling down upon us. My thoughts are with you.
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Dave Spaven My thoughts are with you Dorothea, Darryl and Lance in your loss.
He was a wonderful man, a hard worker and a good friend.
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Janet Lo Dear Dot and Family,
Words can not heal the pain of losing some one so dear. May God give you the strength to overcome the pain.
Think of you always.
Janet, Raymond Lo and the girls
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Amanda Mills Lance, Darryl and family,
My sincere condolensces to you both, your mother and your families on the passing of your father. It is a sad time for all and I hope you find strength and comfort in the memories you have of your father.As a director of the Victoria Chinatown Care Foundation, I applaud the time your father spent on the Care Centre Society board and his dedication to the CCBA.
Amanda Mills
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Noreen and Duncan Lee We are saddened to hear of Ben’s passing. We always think of him as”gentle ben” – he was always a gentleman and a tower of strength to you. We will miss him. I hope that the many happy memories you have had of your lift together will help bring some comfort and peace.
Blessings to you and your family. Duncan and Noreen Lee
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warren mar Dale and I send our condolences to Aunty Dot, Lance, DJ, Darryl and Beth. The Mar family is indebted to Uncle Ben for his leadership and guidance. He was our patriarch, quietly guiding his siblings, nieces and nephews. As a boy, my father drove me to Uncle Ben’s house on a regular basis. Usually we wandered down the hall towards the fridge for ice cream. Most people think of rice when they think of the name Uncle Ben. But I think of ice cream, and golfing.
I am certain that Ben and Quinton are swinging their clubs in heaven. Warren Mar
Ben was such a lovely man, he will always remain gentle on our minds!