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
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Marnie Wilson
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Lou Gogalise 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
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Lois Clarke 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
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Catriona McHattie Our deepest condolences from the entire McHattie family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Love Cat
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Rob bertrand If everyone could take page from Bens life they would learn how to be a better human , and the world would reap the reward as I have had knowing him .God bless.
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Mary's Bleue Moon Staff Dan & Cathy – Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Lots of love
All of us at Marys
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Malcolm and Diana McMurtry We are saddened by the lose of our dear “Ben Hen”. Our condolences to his family and friends.
There are very very few people in our world today that have as big a heart as Ben. He will be missed dearly.
Malcolm, Diana, Lena and Karly McMurtry
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André Claveau On behalf of the Claveau Family, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Mrs Caron, Cathy, Daniel, and the Caron Family.
Repose en paix Ben.
André Claveau
Chicoutimi (Qc)
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sharon mauger To the Coran Family,
Sorry to hear about Ben’s passing. He will certainly be missed by all. Hold on to the great memories and look after each other. He was such a great person. Ben was always smiling and laughing and telling stories. Never a dull moment when he was around.RIP Ben
Love Ann Hussey and Family
Mom said he was the best boss she ever had. He was just so kind and caring and friendly and made everyone feel welcome.
This world has lost a very special person. He will never be forgotten.Love the Hussey family (Ann) and the Maugers ( Sharon, Ann’s daughter)
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Barry Underdown I will remember Ben for his great laughter, his strong ethics, his faith, and his friendship to not only our family when we arrived to the peninsula but all that crossed his path. He took time to be with each person he met during his daily chores.
He was a mentor to many. Our community has lost one super guy.
Peace etc from Barry
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Colleen and Chris Healey Bernadette, Mrs. Caron, Cathy, Carolin, Joy and Suzanne and families,
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Caron. He always had the nicest smile and showed a genuine interest in everyone he met. We are thinking of you.
Colleen and Chris Healey
Prince George
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Lise Dear Daniel, Cathy, Suzanne et Allie
Nos Sincères Sympaties.
Toutes nos pensées vont vers vous en ces moments difficilesOur deepest sympathies
Our thoughts are with you in these difficult time.
Lise et Sophie
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Lise To Mrs Caron and Family
My thoughts are with you at this diffucult time.
Lise Morin
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The Veasey's 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
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Colleen Macknak 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
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John Gawthrop 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.
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Marilyn Magee 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
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Alex and Marian Piercy 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.
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Karen Alberts , Kelly and Kate Turner 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
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Trisha Orr 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
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Arden Rose To Cathy and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your fathers passing. My thoughts are with you.
Love
Arden
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Sister Patricia Shreenan 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
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Morag Baldwin 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
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