The Rev. Canon Harold Ivor Groves (Ben) Ragg died in Shawnigan Lake on February 25, 2018. Born in Winnipeg, he grew up in Calgary where his father was Bishop from 1943-1952. With his father, both brothers, and one brother-in-law ordained Anglican priests, he knew his calling from an early age. Ben studied History at UBC, received his LTh from Trinity College, Toronto, was ordained Deacon in St Barnabas Church, Victoria, in 1952, and Priest a year later. After a curacy at St Simon’s, Toronto, he ministered at Christ Church, The Pas, Manitoba, where he met his wife Marion; St. David’s, Castlegar, BC; St. Luke’s in Vancouver; a 3-point parish including St. David’s, Blackwell (Sarnia), St. John-in-the-Wilderness, Bright’s Grove, and Christ Church, Camlachie, Ontario; Christ Church, London; St. John’s in Duncan BC; and St. Luke’s Cedar Hill in Victoria. He retired in 1995, serving as Interim Rector at St. Martin-in-the-Field in Saanich, and he returned to St Barnabas, Victoria, as an Honorary Assistant. His work in hospitals as visitor and chaplain was greatly appreciated by many. He was editor of the Diocesan Post for several years. He considered some of his most important work to be his time as chair of the Diocesan Social Concerns Committee, which involved supporting First Nations land claims, health concerns, and other issues. His time at Christ Church, The Pas, where searchers tracking the lost Franklin expedition built the pews and other items in the church, sparked his keen interest in the search for Franklin’s remains. In later years, he and Marion pursued their love of history in several trips to the UK and Europe.

Predeceased by his dear wife Marion, he is survived by daughters Heather Schreiner (John) of Kingston, Alix Holt of Ladysmith, and Claire Spencer (Dale) of Cowichan Bay; ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be held at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 3821 Cedar Hill Cross Road, Victoria, on Wednesday, March 7th, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.

Sincere gratitude to the wonderful staff at Acacia Ty Mawr and St. Charles Manor.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

 

  • Neil Passingham

    Condolences from the Passingham family in Sarnia. We gratefully Ben’s work, friendship and leadership at St. John in the Wilderness in Brights Grove.

  • Rev. Don and Virginia Malins

    We are very sorry your father/grandfather has died. May he rest in peace. Our thoughts, prayers and sympathy are with you all.
    Your father was a fine man. It was a pleasure to have known him and your mother.
    May you be comforted by your cherished memories.

  • Connie Auchterlonie

    Ben was our CSC Associates leader for years and he did a wonderful job keeping us informed about the activities of the Sisters and our fellow associates. Many times he brought the group to Pender Island, which he seemed to love. We were delighted to have them as our guests. I also remember Marion as well She came to Pender many times too.

    Thinking of you and your families.

    Love

    Dave and Connie Auchterlonie

  • Marjorie c/o Edith Jarrott

    I have many fond memories of working with Rev.Ben at St. Luke’s Church in Victoria. God Bless. Marjorie Huggett

  • The Labrecque Family

    Our love and prayers are with you in this time of grief.

  • Ven. Bill Clarke

    To Heather, John, Beth, Katie and Chrissy and all of Canon Ben’s family,
    You are in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace and rise in glory!

  • Colette Dubois

    So very sorry for your loss, Claire. Your dad sounds like a wonderful man and you are a testament to that, sweet girl. I’m sure the good that he did all his life has earned him a very special place in heaven with God where they will watch over you and your family.
    Take care of yourself and find strength in the love of your family.

  • Peter Sandercock+

    For several years I was Canon Ben’s Lay Reader at St. John’s Duncan and our children were server’s there as well. Ben was a true and loving priest.
    Grant him peace and rest in Thy Presence O Lord and bring him to that glorious perfection promised to thy saints.
    Fr. Peter Sandercock

  • The Rev’d Michael E. Averyt

    A faithful priest and gentleman. May he rejoice forever in the presence of Him whom he so faithfully served here on earth.

  • Rev. Mr. Chris Morash

    I was blessed to be the director of music and organist at St. Luke’s during my four years at the University of Victoria (1990-94). Canon Ragg was a wonderful friend, mentor and parish priest! May he rest in peace and rise in glory and may his memory be eternal!

  • Nancy

    I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. No words can lessen your grief but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  • Joey n Brenda

    Prayers and sympathy are being sent your way. He was a very special man of honour. God will take very special care of him. He will be continuing his practice up in heaven with your mom. God Bless Heather, John, Alia, Claire, Dale, and all the many grandchildren, nieces n nephews.
    Lots of love
    Joey n Brenda

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