November 1, 2023
In loving memory ~
It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Ted (George Edward) Benson.
Ted was a keen traveller, learner of languages, loved nature and science-based knowledge, liked to play tennis, hike, jog, swim at the Spit and Airforce beach, go camping and meeting new people. He was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario where he graduated with a degree in Geology from Ottawa University. He then joined the Canadian Military as a jet pilot and loved to be up among the clouds. He met his future wife, Karen, at the Military Radar Base of St. Margaret's, N.B. He retired from military life and joined CCC (Canadian Commercial Corp) where he found an opportunity to go to Beijing, China on a posting with Foreign Affairs. This suited his love of travel and he joined them permanently and then was posted over the next ten years to Shanghai, Bangkok and Hanoi. Upon his second retirement, he worked in Vancouver with the Canadian Trade Office until finally retiring in 2006. Settling down in Courtenay, he happily became involved with CVEDS and was President for many years.
Ted and Karen then started travelling south for winters in various locations in the U.S. and Mexico. Gardening became a real passion in later years and led to having no lawn and all garden. Throughout his life, languages played a major role. He spoke French, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, and Thai, read Latin and lastly was studying Japanese, Arabic and Greek. Many vacations were planned around languages and food and made for a wonderfully rounded experience. Ted had a terrific sense of humour, was so outgoing and had a genuine joy in just experiencing life.
He is predeceased by his parents, Dr. Robert Ashley and Alice Lorna (Day) Benson. He is survived by his brothers, Robert (Janet) Benson and John (Nancy) Benson; his wife, Karen; his children: Andrea Benson (Dean McDougall), Jared (Deanna) Benson, Sarah Benson(Darren Burtis); grandchildren: Douglas (Sondra) McDougall, Caroline McDougall; Aidan Burtis, Rowan Burtis; Alexander, James, Nicholas, and William Benson. He was a wonderful partner in life, a loving father and grandfather and will be profoundly missed by all his family and friends.
The family would like to thank Dr. Lamykina, who gave Ted amazing support and comfort throughout his last journey, all the Doctors and Nurses who helped him through cancer treatment here and in Victoria, VIHA and the North Team for their tremendous emotional support, and lastly to Dr. Daws for providing him his last wish so peacefully, respectfully and with such kindness.
There will be a family gathering at the cemetery to place his ashes and in lieu of flowers please consider donations to BC Cancer Agency.