Dear Kim, Mabel and Judah Benjamin,
My deepest condolences to you on the passing of Ben whom I had the privilege of working with for several years.
You are remembered in my prayers.
May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Sam Restivo
Kim, we have not had the privilege of knowing Ben, but have been praying for you all for a long time. We are so sorry for your loss, but trust the Lord will carry you, Mabel and Judah, as you continue without Ben. Just know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer and Des
To you Ben...I say thanks.
Thanks for making me smile, and thanks for having a beautiful one. Thanks for the many laughs. Thanks for the wonderful University memories and living with me in 2nd year. Thanks for the ski trips. Thanks for the church group. Thanks for being a part of the camp experience.
Simply put, thanks for being you
I was privileged to have known him and call him a friend.
Thanks Ben.
To your family, my love goes out to you all
Ryan
I shared an office with Ben during graduate school at UVic. He was years ahead of me in his studies when I began my Masters there. He was the wise PhD student and I valued every piece of advice he gave me. He was also my coffee buddy and many of our conversations took place during our walk to and from the bookstore coffee shop. And plenty of our conversations took place in the office when one of us was looking to procrastinate further on writing! I'm so sorry to Kim and your family. I have such warm memories of him and his kindness, and his genuine smile and humor. The world has lost a wonderful person and I'm lucky to have had him as a friend.
So very sorry for your loss, Kim! I didn't know Ben, but I remember you speaking very fondly of him. My prayer is for you and your family throughout this time.
Ben fell for Kim right away. I remember the day they met! They became best friends and I knew they would get married! Ben was so kind to those he was with. He loved his Converse!!!
Love you Kim and Ben and hope Mabel and Judah you will be surrounded with Gods peace as you hear all the memories of your sweet Dad.
Love you Kim.
Jenn Boddy
Ben was my prime therapist and journeyed with me through the most difficult time of my life. He was gentle, a keen listener, and patient. I am now thriving.
Ben journeyed with me as a therapist and he and the team helped me to find new life, hope and healing! His stay on this earth was toooo short in our terms but I know his life and healing will continue to nurture the world through Kim, Mabel, Judah and all who experienced Ben in his ministry. My care and prayer are with all who love Ben and will miss him. Rest in God’s PEACE, Good and Faithful Servant.
Most of my memories of Ben are of sitting around the Booth family’s dining-room table, eating supper and playing Settlers of Catan. I believe that’s how we met Kim and Ben.
I recall a hike we did, over a weekend, the first half of the Juan de Fuca Trail, on the west coast of Vancouver Island. I’ll always remember being woken up by Ben because he thought he heard something getting into his backpack, just outside the tent door. He was dismayed to find mice had chewed small holes in his pack because he had accidentally left a protein bar inside. It wasn’t funny to him then but something we laughed about later!
Our first born children were born about two weeks apart and Kim and Katrinka spent a lot of time together in preparation and anticipation leading up to the births. So much joy and a big bright future ahead. Not long after, the little Williams family moved away. We corresponded with Christmas cards, year after year but we didn’t see one another for a very long time. I was very thankful to meet Mabel again and Judah (for the first time) last summer when they returned for a visit. I was glad to see they had grown to be such excellent people. I’ve attached a photo here, from that visit.
It seems unbelievable that Ben is gone now. Life is beautiful and complicated and I don’t understand it sometimes. All our love to Kim and Mabel and Judah. You’re all ALWAYS welcome here in Victoria.
Thank you to Kim and the family for writing this beautiful reflection of the tremendous life of Ben. What a beautiful life full of so many treasured moments surrounded by the love of family and friends. He had a zeal for life and learning. I am so very sorry for your loss and pray that in the coming days that God would be your comfort and guide. His love and light have touched so many lives, I pray that you know that love and pass it on.
This beautiful song that I often heard around a campfire came to mind after reading Ben’s obituary. I pray that it encourages you.
Pass It On: Artist – Kurt Kaiser
It only takes a spark
To get a fire going
And soon all those around
Can warm up in its glowing
That’s how it is with God’s love
Once you’ve experienced it
You spread His love to ev’ryone
You want to pass it on
Verse 2
What a wondrous time is spring
When all the trees are budding
The birds begin to sing
The flowers start their blooming
That’s how it is with God’s love
Once you’ve experienced it
You want to sing it’s fresh like spring
You want to pass it on
Verse 3
I wish for you my friend
This happiness that I’ve found
You can depend on Him
It matters not where you’re bound
I’ll shout it from the mountain top
I want my world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on