Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Benjamin Harold Holloway
1935 - 2014
Benjamin Harold Holloway
1935 - 2014
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1935
DIED
2014
Benjamin Holloway Obituary
August 1, 1935 – September 4, 2014
It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Ben "The bird man of High Park" after a brief illness, surrounded by his family. He will be fondly remembered by Phoebe, his loving wife of 58 years and children Edwin (Tracy), Jerry (Julie), Joshlyn (Ron), Garry, Sandra (Jesse) and Daniel (Linda), and his grand-children Joseph, Edwin, Sandra (Scott), Jeffery (Rebecca), Clayton, Jesse (Ashley), Spencer (Shelby), and Aaron, as well as his 10 great-grandchildren. He will also be missed by his many friends at Ben's Sanctuary in High Park, as well as the multitude of birds, squirrels and chipmunks he tirelessly cared for over the years. Family and friends will be received at Giffen-Mack Funeral Home, 2570 Danforth Avenue, Toronto on Monday, September 8th from 4 pm – 8pm and Tuesday, September 9th from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. A Celebration of Ben's life will take place at the Salvation Army West Hill Citadel, 305 Morrish Road, Scarborough on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at 11 am followed by an internment at Pine Hills Cemetery, 625 Birchmount Road, Scarborough. If desired, in lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to the Salvation Army or the World Wildlife Fund in Ben's memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
49 Entries
October 3, 2015
Larry Juillard
April 20, 2015
We met Ben last May in the Park and returned last weekend to discover that him too got his wings, just like the little creatures he cared for for so many years.
The world needs more men like Ben, people who bring Joy and Peace with little but meaningful actions.
He will be truly missed.
Larry and Billy - Toronto, ON
Linda and Dennis Lush
September 10, 2014
To the Holloway Family,
It was with sadness that we learned of the passing of Uncle Ben. During our trips to Toronto over the years, our visits with Uncle Ben were always memorable. You came away feeling that you had been granted a private performance at a famous comedy show as his stories, sense of humour and laughter were purely entertaining and seemingly boundless. Whether relating a story about a crime scene, Benji, or a bus ride, he told it with a light-heartedness and wit that kept you laughing - even at times when you suspected you shouldn't be laughing. He, like all his siblings, had an effortless ability to talk, laugh and make you feel totally comfortable and at ease in his presence.
Another memory of Uncle Ben had to do with his visits to my mom in Newfoundland ("Sister Nell" as he always referred to her.) They would sit at the end of the kitchen table and converse for hours on end. What was memorable and striking was not the conversation but the lack of it because they were forever going off into gales of laughter, neither being able to speak a word. Each and every time after finally settling down, one or the other would mention a few words about some former memory or recent occurrence and that would send them off into peels of laughter again. They intuitively knew what the other was going to say and both shared the same sense of humour and quick wit.
It would be remiss in this message not to mention his passion of later years: his love of wildlife and, in particular, birds. In some ways he was like St. Francis of Assisi who was a lover of birds and animals and who found and followed God after a youthful period of sowing his wild oats. There is a legend of St. Francis that tells of when he saw a young boy with caged birds. He convinced the boy to give him the birds and brought them back to the monastery where he built nests for them all and fed them everyday. They were free to fly away but always remained in their sanctuary. Like St. Francis, Uncle Ben created his own sanctuary and for years travelled to High Park to feed his creatures. We are pleased and proud that two summers ago we got to visit Uncle Ben at his sanctuary although we had to share our time with the birds, squirrels and chipmunks! St. Francis also left the crowds to talk to his "little sisters, the birds." Uncle Ben regularly left the hustle and bustle of the city for the quietude of his sanctuary and to talk to his feathered friends. One can only imagine the conversations carried on there!
In a "Sermon to the Birds", St. Francis wrote, "My sweet little sisters, oh, birds of the sky, you are bound unto heaven, to God, your creator...." Uncle Ben has now found another sanctuary where is no longer the caretaker but the cared-for and, like "the birds of the sky, is bound unto heaven" with his creator. Rest in peace, Uncle Ben.
Linda and Dennis Lush
September 10, 2014
To the Holloway Family,
It was with sadness that we learned of the passing of Uncle Ben. During our trips to Toronto over the years, our visits with Uncle Ben were always memorable. You came away with the feeling that you had been granted a private performance at some famous comedy show as his laughter and sense of humour were purely entertaining and seemingly boundless. Whether relating a story of a crime scene, Benji or a bus ride, he told it with a light-heartedness and wit that kept you laughing - even at times when you suspected you shouldn't be laughing. He, like all his siblings, had an effortless ability to talk, laugh, and make you feel totally comfortable and at ease in his presence.
Another memory of Uncle Ben was his visits to my mom in Newfoundland ("Sister Nell" as he always referred to her.)They would sit at the end of the kitchen table and converse for hours on end. What was memorable and striking was not the conversation but the lack of it because they were forever going off into gales of laughter, neither one being able to speak a word. Each and every time they finally settled down, either one or the other would mention only a few words of some former memory or recent occurrence and that would set them off into peels of laughter again. They intuitively knew what the other was going to say and both shared the same sense of humour and quick wit.
It would be remiss in this message not to mention his passion of later years: his love of wildlife and, in particular, birds. In some ways he was like St. Francis of Assisi who was a lover of birds and animals and one who found and followed God after a youthful period of sowing his wild oats. There is a legend of St. Francis that tells of when he saw a young boy with caged birds. He convinced the boy to give him the birds and brought them back to the monastery where he built nests for all of them and fed them everyday. They were free to fly away but remained always in their sanctuary. Like St. Francis, Uncle Ben created his own sanctuary and for years travelled to High Park to feed his creatures. We are pleased and proud that two summers ago we got to visit Uncle Ben in his sanctuary although we had to share our time with the birds, squirrels and chipmunks! St. Francis also left the company of crowds to talk to his "little sisters, the birds." Uncle Ben would regularly leave the hustle and bustle of the city for the quietude of his sanctuary and to talk to his feathered friends. One can only imagine the conversations carried on there!
In a "Sermon to the Birds", St. Francis wrote, "My sweet little sisters, oh, birds of the sky, you are bound unto heaven, to God, your creator...." Uncle Ben now has another sanctuary where he is no longer the caretaker but the cared-for and, like "the birds of the sky, is bound unto heaven" with his creator. Rest in peace, Uncle Ben.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Tara & Rodney Blandford
September 10, 2014
Aunt Pheobe and Family,
I was saddened to hear the news of Uncle Ben's passing. We had shared so many memories and happy times. To realize last summer was the final time I will see his smile, hear his laughter, hold his hand and make memories on earth makes my heart heavy. I am happy though, my husband and most of all our four children got to spend time and make memories with their Great-great Uncle. Not everyday people can say that! But I know we will meet again in Heaven and that makes my heart sing! He will be greatly missed and forever loved by so many. Aunt Pheobe I will visit you again soon, remember God is your rock, He will see you and your family through this difficult time. I love you and I will be praying always. Love, hugs, Kisses and most of all prayers.
Love Tara, Rodney, Brianna, Brandon, Lacey and Lily xxxxx
Tara & Rodney Blandford
September 9, 2014
Aunt Pheobe and Family;
I was very sad the day I got the news of Uncle Ben's passing. I looked on the internet to find words of sympathy but nothing could relay the love I felt for him. He made me laugh so many times with our "foolishness" as Mom would like to say. Last summer was the final time I would hold his hand, see his smile, hear his laughter and just get to spend time with him. I will forever hold our memories close to my heart. Brianna, Brandon, Lacey and Lily got to be apart of their Great-great Uncles life. Which is rather amazing. I love you with my whole heart, Until we meet again in Heaven. Aunt Pheobe, I will continue to pray that God will help and strengthen you in your hour of need. I love you too and I will see you the next time I am in Ontario. All my love, kisses, hugs and prayers to you and the family xxxx Love Tara-Lynn, Rodney, Brianna, Brandon, Lacey and Lily
Joshlyn Murray
September 9, 2014
Dad RIP I love you and miss you very much until we meet again love Joshlyn xoxoxo
Gary, Karen, Danielle & Adam Saunders
September 9, 2014
Gary and I are so very sad to hear the passing of Uncle Ben. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. I never thought when I met this gentleman 35yrs ago, that he would be part of my life for years to come. I am so glad for the memories. Especially the trip home to Nfld when you met our children ,Adam, and Danielle who was about the same age as when I met you and your family. We have had many good laughs with you that's for sure. Gary calling every so often to see how you and Aunt Phoebe are doing and the family. You will be missed, but never forgotten Uncle Ben. May God Bless you all, and be with the family at this time of loss. May you all be blessed with wonderful memories of your father, and husband. "The High Park Bird Man"
September 9, 2014
To my dearest dad..thank you for being exactly who you were. I will love you and miss you forever! Love your daughter Sandra and Jèsse??
Joshlyn ( Holloway ) Murray
September 9, 2014
Dad I miss you very much until we meet again love Joshlyn xoxoxo
Sandra, Scott, Kenadee and Melanie Thomas
September 9, 2014
Poppy we are missing you so much, but you would be so proud of your family we are all sticking together but most of all we are taking care of Nanny. Scott and I promise to take Kenadee and Melanie to explore High Park and your beautiful bird sanctuary. Goodbye for now I'm going to go take care of them 2 beautiful great granddaughters of yours. I love you
September 8, 2014
Love you and miss you uncle Ben, many great memories, we will see you in heaven.
Paul & Deirdre lush
Sister Mae & Brother in law Gary Heathman
September 8, 2014
To Pheobe and the Holloway Family,So sad to hear of my brother Ben"s passing,but so glad he is free from pain, home in Heaven ,with his loved one gone before .I love you Brother Ben and I will see you again until than not good bye but I will see you in the morning ,just inside the Eastern Gates over there. May God Bless you all and I love you.
Gladys & Roger Wilkins
September 8, 2014
To Aunt Pheobe ,and her Family,The day I got the news of my Uncle Ben passing was a very sad one,never expect it. But knowing he is free from pain is so wonderful.The word of God says absent from the body is to be presence with the Lord,if we love Him and serve Him on this earth.What a hope we have the day our faith becomes sight !!We will meet to part no more.Like the song say,no more sickness ,no pain ,no more parting over there,and forever I(we) will be with the one who died who died for me (us),what a day glorious day that will be.Remember Aunt Pheobe the song you always sang to me? When I gone the last mile of the way,I will rest at the close of the day,for I know there are joys that await me, when I've gone the last mile of the way. Uncle Ben just went ahead of us,we have yet to make that journey ,be ready my family,and you know your Uncle Ben is waiting to see you there . God Bless you,God be with you all and give you the strength and peace that you will need in the days ahead. Love from ,Gladys and Roger Wilkins Gambo NL
Bobby Shankles
September 8, 2014
Love and miss you Uncle Ben! R.I.P.
Karen Freake (Pond)
September 8, 2014
Aunt Phoebe and family. Sorry to hear of Uncle Ben's passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hugs to everyone.
Norma Kean
September 8, 2014
Aunt Phoebe and family, we were very sorry to hear of Uncle Ben's recent passing. It's been many years but Wade and I have fond memories of visits to your home . We always felt very welcome there.
Carmen & Margaret Mackie
September 8, 2014
To Jeff, Sandra, Phoebe and the rest of the Holloway family we extend our deepest condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Aunt Marg & Uncle Carmen
September 8, 2014
Jerry and Julie,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Father and Father-in-law. May the memories of good times spent together guide you through the days ahead.
Our deepest condolences from me and my family,
Susanne Corbin
Jeff, Becky and Grace Holloway
September 8, 2014
Poppy, you will be missed. You were loved and cherished. Nothing but sweet and fond memories. All our love always!
Jeffery has put together a video for family and friends to view. Please goto this link to watch it...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J3X9MQXYsQ
xoxoxoxoxoxo
September 8, 2014
uncle Ben was a man who was greatly loved and will be dearly missed by his Nfld family.sending our thoughts and prayers from Millicent and family and his brother-in-.law stewart. aunt Pheobe and family ..take care in knowing that Uncle Ben is resting in peace...lots of love from nfld..
September 8, 2014
To the Holloway family, I am so sorry for your loss. He was such a kind man. He will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him!
Lynn and John Mihailovich
Sharon Jackson
September 7, 2014
My Dearest Uncle Ben,
I will always love and cherish every moment we have had together. Rest in Peace, Love Always. Sharon Kay xoxoxo
Joe & Barbara Wright
September 7, 2014
Joshlyn Murrayand and Family Thinking of you and asking God to give you strength for these difficult days.Know that he will always be with you, as he is part of you.
Wanda Brown
September 7, 2014
Thinking of you and asking God to give you strength for these difficult days.
Ann Mylles
September 7, 2014
I didn't know him, but anyone who loves animals that much must have been a wonderful man. This is a great loss for the world.
Alma & Wilson Francis
September 7, 2014
Our hearts are saddened to hear of Ben's passing. May it comfort you to know that you are in our hearts and prayers.
Alma & Wilson Francis
Becky & Darren Fuller
September 7, 2014
Dear Sandra and Family
So sorry to for your loss. The loss of a parent is devestating, and ground shaking. Know that he will always be with you, as he is part of you.
We are here for you.
Sincere condolences and BIG hugs. With love...
September 7, 2014
Ben, you were one of a kind. outspoken, witty and so nice to sit and talk with when we did see each other. I will treasure those moments and I know when I think of you a smile will appear on my face. Linda Moreton xoxo
Paul Renaud
September 7, 2014
Paul, Heather, Finn and Leo Renaud from Edmonton, AB... R.I.P Benjamin Harold Holloway.
Clayton Holloway
September 7, 2014
Poppy was I kind hearted man with a good soul. You where soft-spoken but had a great presents about you. I did enjoy and cherish the few times we were together. You will be greatly missed.
September 6, 2014
Love and Prayers,May God Be Your Greatest Comforter. Duke and Judy Holloway Glovertown N.L.
Garry Holloway
September 6, 2014
Dad,although many miles seperated us you are always near and dear to my heart.Every phone call ended with "I love you" it will always remain the same,forever loved,forever remembered and cherished.
Muriel Mayo
September 6, 2014
To Phoebe & Family,
Sorry to hear of Ben's passing. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by all who knew him. Thinking of you all.
Love and prayers, Muriel Mayo
September 6, 2014
I didn't know you Ben, but i'm friends with Danielle Saunders. I just want to thank you for talking great loving care of the wildlife in HighPark.You'll be flying high now with your angel wings! R.I.P Ben! From Kelly Sheard.
Michelle Stievenard
September 6, 2014
I'm picturing Ben in heaven, in a park feeding the most beautiful birds anyone has ever seen.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Mae Barnes
September 6, 2014
Bill and I were very sad to hear of Ben,s passing We send condolences from
our family to yours and to let you know we are thinking of you at this sad time
Mae & Bill
Val Lynch
September 6, 2014
Rest in peace Mr.Holloway. .praying for everyone at this very hard time in your lives. Xo
September 6, 2014
Safe in the arms of Jesus.Rest in peace my precious brother. Time May past and fade away But my memories of you will always stay Love always sister May and Gary Heathman and family xx
Luciano Family
September 6, 2014
Our deepest condolences to the family...RIP Ben
Aaron Jackson
September 5, 2014
Uncle Ben, you are a one of a kind and you will be greatly missed. I have a lifetime of memories that I will forever cherish and hold dear and close to my heart. I love you, may you rest in peace with Grandma Janie and Poppy Holloway.
Kathy Holloway
September 5, 2014
You will be missed, thank you for your kindness from you and Phobe when I was a part of your family. Love you both!
Kathy
Jerry and Julie Holloway
September 5, 2014
Dad, we remember not only that you died, but that you lived, and your life gave us memories we will never forget.
Barbie and family Dart
September 5, 2014
Rest in peace Ben you will be dearly missed but remain in our hearts forever !
Angela (Pond) MacInnis
September 5, 2014
Aunt Phobe and Family We are so sorry to hear of Uncle Ben's passing.Please accept our deepest condolences, and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care of each other. Love Angela,John and Family
Jodie Newby
September 5, 2014
Uncle Ben you will truly be missed from all in the states. Our love to you and your family!
Roy Pond
September 5, 2014
Linda and I are so sorry to hear of Ben,s passing. Please accept our
condolences to you and all your family. Roy & linda
Dan Holloway
September 5, 2014
I love you Dad xoxoxo. May your spirit soar forever ?
Showing 1 - 49 of 49 results
2570 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4C1L3
Make a Donation
in Benjamin Holloway's name
How to support Benjamin's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Benjamin Holloway's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
