Obituary of Benson James O'Connell

In his 89th year passed away at Victoria Hospital on Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011. “We have lost our Gentle Ben today.” Ben fought a brave battle, and was not going to let the cancer get the better of him, but God said we need a brave Irishman like you up here Ben, come home with me. Ben will be forever missed and always loved by his wife and best friend of 38 years, Marie. Ben was a devoted loving father to Michael & Susan O’Connell, father of Ronald O’Connell. Ben was a devoted and loving step “father” to Valarie & Brian Sparks of Cambridge; Bill & Tiny Payne, Bob & Alba Payne, all of London; and Barry & Susan Payne of Stratford. Much loved Gumpy and Grampy to his 12 grandchildren, James O’Connell, Kathryn & Chris Vowles, all of London; Jessica & Jonathon Gardner of Oakville; Jennifer (Grant) Sparks of Guelph; Joshua (Shelly) Sparks, Nathan Payne, all of Toronto; Jared & Amie Payne of Vancouver, BC; Tarah Payne, Evan Payne, Jonathon Payne, Julia Payne, all of London; and Austen Payne of Stratford. Dear great-grandfather of Nate & Alex Vowles, Joshua O’Meara, Weston Payne-Gosnell and Dakari Hamer. Ben is survived also by his brother William (Bill) (Brother Martin) O’Connell of Toronto; Harry & Doreen O’Connell of Guelph; and sister-in-law Wynn O’Connell of London. Predeceased by his parents Annie & Paddy O’Connell, and brothers Fred & George O’Connell. Ben was a WWII veteran serving in the Royal Canadian Signal Corps. from 1939-1947. He served in the European North West Campaign from 1943-1947. Ben was an avid gardener, loved to read and enjoyed a good political debate. Ben was a gentle man, a man of strong faith and love for his family. Ben & Marie enjoyed many years as snowbirds wintering in Florida and summers at the Grand Bend cottage where they enjoyed many good times with their family and their friends from Florida, London and Grand Bend. The family wish to thank and extend their gratitude to Dr. Lauzada and the 7th floor oncology staff at Victoria Hospital, for the excellent care Ben received during these past few weeks. Our thanks also to Dr. Muirhead and the dialysis staff at University Hospital for the outstanding care Ben received this past year in the Dialysis Unit. Many thanks also to the CCA ladies who cared for Ben on a daily basis these past few months. Visitation will be held on Friday from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where the funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 26th, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Interment, St. Peter’s Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Ben are asked to consider the London Health Sciences Foundation – Cancer Centre. Our dear Ben, Dad, Gumpy and Grampy, we will miss you and love you always. Rest in peace in the arms of God.