JOSEPH ELLIS "TIM" BENSON

(September 30, 1928 – September 1, 2025) J.E. (Tim) Benson died, surrounded by family at Peterborough Hospice on Monday, September 1st, in his 97th year. Predeceased by his beloved wife, Fran. Deeply missed by daughters, Catherine Boyts, Christine Rossi (Paul), and Jennifer Benson (Mike Ali); grandchildren, Alex (Courtney), Katrina, Nick, Claire (Drew), Megan, and Rachel; and great-grandchildren, London, Jack, Charli, and Ian. Tim was born in 1928, in Manchester, England. In 1939, he and younger brother, John (predeceased), were evacuated to the Quaker-led Yealand Manor School in Lancashire. They later joined cousins at Ackworth Quaker Boarding School in Yorkshire. Here, Tim's curiosity, intellect, faith, and love of the English countryside were nurtured. Summers were happily spent with the cousins and grandparents at the family "huts" on Ullswater in Cumbria. After graduating in 1949 from University of Manchester with a BSc in Metallurgy, Tim completed an apprenticeship and then worked in the Metropolitan Vickers Electrical Company's research lab. He was awarded the Mond Nickel Fellowship, which allowed him a year of travel throughout Europe, Canada, and the U.S. while learning about the metal industry. During his travels, Tim was invited to visit his father's friend in Calgary, Alberta. Tim's father and Robert had served together in the Friends' Ambulance Unit during WW1. It was here that Tim met his beloved Fran, Robert's daughter and a nurse at Calgary General Hospital. Despite her initial reluctance to meet her father's "old" friend, romance quickly blossomed. Tim and Fran were married in 1956, settling in Peterborough. Tim made lifelong friends at Canadian General Electric, where he worked as a metallurgist, the last ten years as manager of the lab. He became the company spokesperson on research and development issues and made several presentations on technology policy to the committees of the House and the Senate. He served on an advisory committee to the Department of Energy, Mines, and Resources on energy efficiency and alternative energy. Tim was very involved in the engineering profession, joining the local chapter of Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario in 1963, becoming president of the APEO in 1979, and then President of the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers in 1983. Tim was awarded the Sons of Martha (Order of Honour) in 1981. He continued to serve on professional committees well into his 80s. Tim had a deep faith and was involved with the Religious Society of Friends (Quaker) community. Tim was a birthright member of Ashton Meeting in England, and attended Wooler and Peterborough Meetings in Ontario. He was instrumental in establishing Peterborough Meeting, was clerk of Wooler Meeting, was a board member of Pickering College (the only Quaker-founded school in Canada), and served as a member and later treasurer for both Canadian Yearly Meeting and Canadian Friends Service Committee. Tim was known for his extensive knowledge of the history of Friends, and for his discernment in challenging times. Tim and Fran enjoyed 65 years of marriage, and shared their love of travel, music, and commitment to the community with their three daughters. Tim's office and the coffee table at home were legendary, always stacked with books, newspapers, letters, and notes. He was a voracious reader, keenly interested in current events and concerned about the state of the world. Tim was interested in the lives of everyone he met, maintaining strong connections with family and friends worldwide. He thrived on good conversations and delighted in slipping in a question or two to test his listener's knowledge. Although Tim lived in Canada for most of his life, he maintained a fondness for the Lake District in England and passed this love on to his children and grandchildren. He often had a twinkle in his eye, loved his "girls," and considered the staff and residents at Princess Gardens his second family. At 96, Tim's declaration, "I am still learning," was an inspiration. Sincere thanks to Drs. Richard, Nishikawa, and Hughes; residents and staff at Princess Gardens; Nightingale PSWs; the stroke rehabilitation team at PRHC; and the staff and volunteers at Peterborough Hospice for their wonderful care. Donations may be made to Peterborough Hospice, Peterborough Public Library, or CFSC if desired. A visitation will be held at Princess Gardens Retirement Residence, Peterborough, on Saturday, October 18th, from 2–4 p.m. A Memorial Meeting after the manner of Friends will be held in Wooler at a later date.