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
Dear Margaret, Cathy, Joy and Family
We are very sad to hear about the loss of Farmer Ben this week. He was such a great character and I know my children enjoyed his visits to the Gingerbread back yard. We are thinking of you at this difficult time, he will be missed. Hold on to the happy memories of which there sounds like many indeed – the girls believe he will have fun playing with Bamboo!
Best wishes
The Veasey’s
Margaret & family,
I was saddened to hear of Ben’s passing. His laughter, smile, warm heart and kind words will live on in our memories. Take care of each other during this difficult time.
Colleen Macknak, Marissa & Jared Hanley
I was in the Christopher Course with Ben in the mid-1970s, and our paths crossed many times for years afterwards. Iron handshake. Clear eye. Big heart, with a laugh to match. Heaven is even more human, now that Ben has showed up.
Carolin & family,
I am so very sorry for your loss and often heard you talk so fondly of your father. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Love & Blessings,
Marilyn & Mark
Dear Margaret and family. We were sad to hear of Ben’s passing but we will always remember him as such a good and kind man.
To such a wonderful uncle who brought such joy to his family. Living next door and growing up with my cousins was the best time of my life. Uncle Ben was always happy, grateful, and so much fun to be with . My heartfelt condolences to Auntie Marg, Bernadette, Cathy , Joy, Carolin and Suzanne for their wonderful husband and father. May he rest in peace and be in the loving hands of the Lord.
Much love,
Karen , Kelly and Kate oxox
My heartfelt condolences Auntie Marg and girls. Uncle Ben holds a special place in my heart . I was blessed to have the years living next door to you all and seeing how truly kind and loving man he was. He will be missed but I hope in time you can find comfort knowing he is truly free and at peace. All my love to you all, Trisha xo
To Cathy and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your fathers passing. My thoughts are with you.
Love
Arden
Dear Margaret and family, Please know of my union with you in prayer during this time of grieving Ben’s passing. Although he now joins that great Hanley clan who have already passed into glorious fullness of life, the rest of you have now to adjust to this new relationship. I am so grateful to have known and experienced the great and generous zest for life of the Hanleys. In appreciation, know of my prayerful support of you at this time. Ever your friend, Sister Patricia Shreenan
Margaret – I was very sorry to read about Ben and think of him as one of the tolerant husbands during our Pre-school Teacher Meeting days. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Morag Baldwin