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Bennet Randall WONG

Bennet Randall WONG obituary, Gabriola Island, BC

Bennet WONG Obituary

WONG, Bennet Randall July 16, 1930 - September 25, 2013 Ben passed away peacefully at the Nanaimo Palliative Care Unit from the complications of a hip fracture and Parkinson's disease. Ben had a remarkable career as an adolescent psychiatrist in Vancouver, BC during the 1960s and 1970s before establishing himself as a leader in the human potential movement; initially at The Cold Mountain Institute, Cortes Island, BC and then, along with his partner Jock McKeen, co-founded The Haven, Gabriola Island, BC in 1983. He is survived by his life partner Jock and sons Kevin, Randy (Lisa), and Justin (Renee) and granddaughter Katrina. He is also survived by siblings Pat, Albert (Darlene), Joyce, (Charles), and Allan (Deanna) and many nephews and nieces. Ben touched the lives of thousands of people over the years. There will be no funeral but a Celebration of Life will be planned at The Haven in the near future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Haven Foundation, Gabriola Island, BC, or the Nanaimo Hospital Palliative Care Unit. As a long-time friend said: "It was a dark and stormy night. It is better now".
Published by The Times Colonist from Oct. 1 to Oct. 3, 2013.

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12 Entries

November 9, 2017

Dear Jock. I was searching for how to contact Artemis and found out that Ben had passed away. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Warmest regards Holly Smith

Cyndi ONeal

November 5, 2017

Dear Jock,
I won't embarrass myself by offering words of sympathy or saying I know how you feel. I know in the last few minutes of my life right now, I feel a very empty place that was where Ben lived in my heart. He has always (along with you) had a sacred place in my Heart. His spirit will be with me as always, just on a different plane. Since the first time I came to Haven (a very scared girl from West Virginia) & the only ones there to greet me were you, Jock & Ben. I didn't know who you were. I just knew I was there to see a man named, Mark. You two fixed me dinner (a stew with great bread) & included me in your convsatation about a piece of furniture you two had bought on the trip you had just returned from somewhere in Asia. I didn't know who you all were for the first 5 days I was there. I just thought you all worked there. This was Nov., 1987. I did my work with Mark individually for 5 days, then I was to do a Come Alive for a week. To my great surprise, Ben, Jock & Joann were teaching the Come Alive Workshop.
From then on for the next 511 years I returned to Haven for many Workshops. When I have been ask, since my first trip to Haven, Where are you from? I have answered, My body is from Beckley, WV, USA; but who I really am, I found at Haven. There & with the people there is where I discovered who I was & still working on becoming more of me. I love you, Bennet Wong

Shelley Kean

November 18, 2013

Dear Jock and Wong Family,

I just heard from Geoff Carr that Ben recently passed away. Please accept my sincerest condolences on your loss. I always thought I'd see him again. He made such a deep impact on my life and set me on a course of awakening and spirituality when I was just a kid. I will always be so grateful to him for showing me the right path. Peace to you and to all of Ben's family and friends.

Love Shelley

Shari Ulrich

October 7, 2013

Oh Jock...I have only just heard of Ben's passing. You must indeed feel proud for all the lives you've both effected in such a positive way. He was a remarkably kind and gentle soul who made the world a better place.

October 3, 2013

"Tis far far more the heart can feel, than the pen can write,or the lip reveal"
Fond remembrances wendy boman

Lorne Armstrong

October 3, 2013

Ben, thank you, rest in peace.

Berte Marr

October 1, 2013

Thank you Ben for your gentle soul and The Haven. PD Seminars has given me so much wealth in my life especially when I participated in the Come Alive Program. I send many blessings and my condolences to your family and all the other family members who I have know since birth. May we all walk in the light with love.

Patricia Shreenan

October 1, 2013

I have had many inspiring memorable teachers in my life. Ben holds a permanently high place on that list. Although I benefitted from his teaching and his presence many years ago, the teachings remain fresh, present, and able to be passed to my students in, hopefully, as life-enhancing a manner. Jock, I hold you in loving grateful prayer for joy activated in my own heart in the presence of the mutual, dynamic love radiating from the two of you. You both will have always a place in my gratefully merry prayers. Pat

Adrien Brown

October 1, 2013

Condolences to the family and to Jock. One of the most generous spirits I have known, humble, fun loving, compassionate and wise. Thankyou for touching my life.
Adrien Brown

George Taylor

September 30, 2013

Ben , along with you Jock, transformed the lives of 1000's. I am one of the thousands who grew and changed during my times at the Barge, Cortes and the Haven. Jock , be comforted by the knowledge that many people are leading better lives because of the work Ben and you did. George Taylor

Gina Dingwell

September 30, 2013

I am one of the thousands whose lives were touched by Ben. And it has made all the difference.
Jock, my heart is with you in your loss of your beloved partner. To Ben's other family, may it help you in your sorrow to know how loved he was. His twinkling eyes remain etched in my heart.

Hugh & Mary Sutherland

September 30, 2013

Very sorry to hear this and send our regards to family and Jock and hope that the many fond memories will comfort them at this time.

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