Ben NATHANSON

NATHANSON, Ben Michael
Ben Michael Nathanson, fondly known to children all over the world as "Mr. Ben," passed away suddenly in Florida, on May 27, 2012, at the age of 61 years.
A native of Sydney, Nova Scotia, Ben was the son of Mrs. Minnie Nathanson and the late Alfred Nathanson. He graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Arts, and also earned his Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta. Ben taught for twenty-six years with Edmonton Public Schools. Upon his retirement in 2001, he took his passion for teaching and children, and began his life as an international educator in various countries around the world: the American School Foundation of Monterrey (Mexico), and nine years in China and Belize, where he and his wife opened two international schools: QSI International School of Suzhou and QSI International School of Belize.
Ben will be forever remembered by his wife and best friend, Valerie, and their precious daughters, Talia Nathanson (Toronto), Shauna Hetherington (Edmonton) and Tracy Jaques Doyle (John) (Sherwood Park), along with his three grandsons, Logan, Jackson and Alexander. Ben is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Irwin Nathanson and Joan McEwan of Vancouver, his sister and brother- in-law Judy and David Fisher of Dundas, Ontario, and numerous extended family members. Ben also leaves a cherished global family consisting of very special colleagues, students and parents who are all a part of Quality Schools International.
A celebration of Ben's life will be held on Monday, June 18, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at Howard & McBride Funeral Home, Westlawn Chapel (16310 Stony Plain Road) in Edmonton. A reception will be held after the service.
One of Ben's passions was opening doors to the future for children whose families may not have the resources to do so themselves. For those who desire, a memorial donation in Ben's name can be made to any children's charity of their choice. The Ben Nathanson Memorial Fund has also been established in Hong Kong, China, the funds of which will be used to build libraries in disadvantaged Chinese schools.
To send condolences, please visit
www.westlawnmemorial.com