COLIN JAMES BENJAMIN

BENJAMIN, COLIN JAMES Peacefully on November 8, 2021 at the age of 85. Devoted and loving husband of 57 years to Iscenty (Cynthia) Gloria Benjamin (nee Soares). Dear brother to Louisa (deceased), Hollinsworth (deceased), Leonora, Griffith (deceased), Sybil, Earl, Eastlyn (deceased), Monica and Leroy. Beloved father to Frank (deceased), Coleen (Ron), Andrea (Paul), and Nicole (Joel). Proud grandfather to Shiloh, Immanuel, Makedah, Sydney, Quinn, Tephillah, Noa, and great-grandfather to Kane. He will be deeply missed by his many nieces and nephews, and his siblings who he adored. Born in Point Fortin, Trinidad, he attended Presentation College in San Fernando where his grades earned him a scholarship to United Oxford Hospitals in Oxford, England. He played on their soccer, field hockey and cricket teams. Here he attained a Fellowship of the Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences at the Dunn School of Pathology. Colin was Medical Laboratory Superintendent at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica, at which time he met his beautiful wife and together they raised 3 daughters. In 1964, he was awarded a World Health Organization Fellowship to the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology at the Walter Reed Army Medical Centre in Washington, D.C. He then accepted a research appointment at McGill University in 1968. The family moved to Toronto when he accepted a position at Toronto General Hospital. He enjoyed a successful career and retired as Assistant Vice President of Research Administration at the University Health Network. Most notably, he was co-author of "Historical Staining for the Diagnosis of Mesothelioma" published in the American Society of Medical Technology in 1982 - an instrumental piece of work in diagnosing mesothelioma. He received the 1991 Editor's Award for the Journal of Histotechnology. In 2006, Colin was named to the Board of Directors of the provincial government's Central Local Health Integration Network. He was a 2012 recipient of the Dan Benedict Award for his exceptional contibutions to social justice. In retirement, Colin was a former Director of Ontario Society Coalition of Senior Citizens' Organizations; President of Care Watch Toronto; a Director on the first Board of the Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN); President of the Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes; President of the Trinidad and Tobago Legacy Association; and served on the North York Board of Health. Of all the roles he held, the one dearest to his heart was being a family man. Colin made countless cherished memories with his wife on their annual trips back home to Trinidad. He loved visiting the Calypso tents. Colin volunteered at the Toronto Film Festival and Rogers Cup for many years. He enjoyed playing golf, watching soccer and cricket, and always looked forward to brunch with his brother and friends. Colin nurtured many longstanding friendships. He never failed to attend his grandchildren's sporting and school events. He had an unbelievably big heart and never forgot the sacrifices his parents made, which guided his every interaction. In spite of all of his accomplishments, he remained humble and generous of heart. We will continue to honour his legacy by finding pleasure in the simplest of things and living life to the fullest. We would like to extend sincere thanks to the caring team of Toronto General Hospital and Scarborough General Hospital ICU staff, and to all who cared for him. His recent health issues showed his courage in facing life's challenges with a smile and a great sense of humour. A gentleman and a scholar, he will be forever missed and cherished. He is resting at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home in Thornhill, Ontario. Visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 16, 2021. A private Funeral Mass will follow for immediate family only (due to Covid-19 restrictions). To view the funeral service live stream, visit https://www.catholic-cemeteries.ca/obituary/colin-benjamin/ If desired, flowers can be directed to the funeral home. All family and friends are graciously invited to a repast to celebrate Colin's life at Tropical Nights Restaurant and Lounge, 1154 Morningside Ave., Scarborough, ON M1B 3A4 at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 16, 2021.