Harold Benjamin McEwen of Edmonton, Alberta was born December 22, 1929 and passed away peacefully April 3, 2021 at the age of 91.
Ben’s love of family knew no bounds. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 64 years, Jean; four children – Don (Debbie) McEwen, Murray (Julie) McEwen, Anne (Kerry) Checkwitch and Lynn Bellissimo; nine grandchildren – Keith (Jen) McEwen, Leigh (Dana) Macumber, Mike (Santyna) McEwen, Sean and Jack McEwen, Christopher and Adam Checkwitch, Samara and Tessa Bellissimo; five great-grandchildren – Zach and Callie McEwen, Emma and Reid Macumber, Charlie McEwen; and, last but certainly not least, sister Ruth (Denis) Doll. Ben was predeceased by his parents, Edwin and Merle McEwen, and brother Leslie (Violet) McEwen.
Ben was born in Carsonby, Ontario and raised on a busy dairy farm. Following high school, he graduated from Teacher’s College and was employed as a principal for two years before attending university. Ben earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph.
Ben began his career with the United Co-operative of Ontario, followed by the Genstar divisions of Brockville Chemical and Inland Cement. After working in the private sector, Ben enjoyed 17 years of distinguished service with the Government of Alberta; most notably 11 years as the Deputy Minister, Department of Agriculture. Upon his retirement in 1992, Ben launched a successful consulting business, furthering the development and competitiveness of the agriculture and food industry in Canada.
Once Ben was fully retired, he and Jean enjoyed years of travelling the world and later, annual extended vacations in Palm Springs. In his prime, Ben was an avid jogger, swimmer, golfer and curler. He could be found working out daily at the local YMCA well into his 80s.
In addition to being a wonderful husband and father, Ben spent 25 years volunteering with Edmonton Meals on Wheels, both as a board member and meal delivery driver. He also served on the board of the Canadian Hemochromatosis Society.
We are extremely grateful to the nurses and doctors of Grey Nuns Hospital, Units 43 and 52, for the compassionate, respectful care Dad received.
Due to current restrictions, attendance at the April 15 funeral service to be held at St. Paul’s United Church will be limited to immediate family and live-streamed via Zoom.
Those wishing to make a donation in Ben’s memory may do so at mealsonwheelsedmonton.org
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de MCEWEN Ben April 3 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Edmonton, Province: Alberta