Edgar Benson

BENSON The Honourable Edgar John, P.C., (LLD Queen's University at Kingston; Royal Military College at Kingston, [Honouris Causa]), B.Comm. FCA. (May 28, 1923 to September 2, 2011). Beloved husband and very best friend of Mary Jane Binks, Q.C. Beloved father of Robert Benson (Maureen), Paul Benson (Brenda), Peter Benson (Doris), and Nancy Benson (Bill Stanyar). Beloved grandfather of Shelley Skura (Chris), Sarah Mignault (Charlie), Jamie Benson (Andrea), Robbie Benson, Michael Benson, Andrew Benson (Karyn), Cynthia MacLeod (Ian), Kimberley Landry (Tony), Mathew Benson (Katherine). Beloved by thirteen great grandchildren. Beloved friend of his "little buddy" Pamela Najac, his excellent caregiver for these past years. He is predeceased by his older sister, Muriel Campbell, of whom he thought the world of and his brother, Milton. He is survived by his former wife, Marie Louise Benson, of Kingston, Ontario, the mother of his children, to whom he gives full credit for raising four wonderful children. A man of truly easy grace, wit and charm. An exemplary individual who loved life and served his country to the fullest extent of his abilities; A provo sergeant and a flash spotter in the first Canadian Survey Regiment during World War II, serving in Britain, France, Holland and Germany; A widely respected and distinguished accountant who first practised his profession in Kingston and was elected to Fellowship in the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario. An esteemed professor of the School of Business at Queen's University. A distinguished Parliamentarian who diligently served the riding of Kingston and the Islands for a decade, renowned in his many roles in the governments of Lester Pearson and Pierre Trudeau. Canada's first president of the newly-created Treasury Board; responsible too, for Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation; appointed Minister of National Revenue at an uncommonly young age, eventually serving the Cabinet as Minister of Finance and then Minister of Defence. Revered as a visionary of exceptional ability, varied experience and solid achievement, known to be extraordinarily wily and wise with numbers, skilled at reading between the lines, saying "no" and eliminating red ink from federal budgets. Farsighted in anticipating and putting forward legislation to regulate financial institutions. A determined and principled man whose two main objectives were realized in parliamentary life as he helped to shape a fair and revised tax system for Canada and a national medical plan; and who, along the way, tackled the issue of federal-provincial relations and introduced supplementary Old Age Pensions, Registered Retirement Savings Plans, capital gains taxes and financial tax incentives to help mothers enter the work force. After leaving politics, he continued to serve Canada as president of the Canadian Transport Commission and then as Canada's 11th Ambassador to Ireland. His heroes were the truly kind people you meet from all walks of life and those who refuse to ever take themselves too seriously. His favourite music was the joyous Methodist anthem "The Battle Hymn of the Republic". Very special thanks for the wonderful care and attention from Dr. Donna Shore, Dr. Gunnar Kraag and the Elisabeth Bruyere Hospital Palliative Care Unit, Pamela Najac, Ameritessa (Tessa) Lopez, his driver, Abbas (Alex) Hamed, and the nurses of CLSC of Gatineau (Hull). There will be a commemorative reception to honour and celebrate Edgar's life at Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street (at O'Connor) on Wednesday, September 7th, 2011 from 3 - 7 p.m. Private interment at Beechwood Cemetery to be held at a future date. In Edgar's memory, donations may be made to Ottawa Humane Society or Amnesty International.