Colin Benjamin
elevated pKqqx March 20, 1936 – November 8, 2021
elevated pKqqx Visitation
Tuesday, November 16, 2021 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
elevated pKqqx Due to Covid-19 capacity restrictions, friends may have to wait to pay their respects during the visitation period. We are inviting family and friends to a walk-through visitation only to pay their respects, offer condolences and then kindly exit the building to allow for others to enter.
elevated pKqqx Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated pKqqx Private Funeral Mass
A Private Funeral Mass will be held in the Chapel of St. Joseph within the Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 16, 2021. If you wish to view the mass on our livestream, please click on the link below.
elevated pKqqx The link will become active just before at 1:30 pm.
elevated pKqqx https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1636527334761213
elevated pKqqx Colin Benjamin Obituary
elevated pKqqx We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Colin James Norbert Benjamin in his 85th year, peacefully on November 8, 2021. Born in Parrylands, Trinidad on March 20, 1936 to parents Eworth and Nellie Benjamin, Colin was the 4th born. Dear brother to Louisa (deceased), Hollinsworth (deceased), Leonora, Griffith (deceased), Sybil, Earl, Eastlyn (deceased), Monica and Leroy. Devoted husband to Iscenty Gloria Benjamin (nee Soares). Beloved father to Frank (deceased), Coleen (Ron), Andrea (Paul), and Nicole (Joel). Proud grandfather to Shiloh, Immanuel, Makedah, Sydney, Quinn, Tephillah, Noa, and great grandfather to Kane.
elevated pKqqx In his youth, Colin was very active in sports and excelled academically. He attended Presentation College in San Fernando where his good grades earned him a scholarship to United Oxford Hospitals in Oxford, England where he attained the Fellowship of the Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences at the Dunn School of Pathology. He represented the United Oxford Hospitals soccer team (as captain in 1959) as well as their field hockey and cricket teams.
elevated pKqqx Colin was Medical Laboratory Superintendent at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica, at which time he met his beautiful wife and together they would share 57 years and raise 3 daughters. In 1964 he was awarded a World Health Organization Fellowship to the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology at the Walter Reed Army Medical Centre in Washington D.C. He then accepted a research appointment at McGill University in 1968, and subsequently moved his family to Quebec. The family moved to Toronto when he accepted a position at Toronto General Hospital. He was later appointed Assistant Vice President at the University Health Network (Toronto General, Toronto Western and Princess Margaret Hospitals) and he held this title until retirement in 1999. In 2006 Colin was named to the Board of Directors of the provincial government’s Central Local Health Integration Network. Most notably, he was co-author of “Historical Staining for the Diagnosis of Mesothelioma”, published in the American Society of Medical Technology in 1982 which was an instrumental piece of work in diagnosing mesothelioma.
elevated pKqqx True to form, Colin was as active in retirement as he was during his career. He was President of Care Watch Toronto, a voluntary network dedicated to ensuring the quality of community-based long-term care, specifically home care. Colin also sat on the Board of Directors of P.O.I.N.T. (People and Organizations in North Toronto) and served on the North York Board of Health. He was active in promoting Trinidad and Tobago culture in Toronto, as noted by his involvement as a founding member and President of the Trinidad and Tobago Legacy Association, and President of the Organisation of Calypso Performing Artistes. Colin was an officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Ontario. He was Chair of the Yorkgate FMC Scholarship Committee assisting secondary school students pursue their education at Seneca College, and acted as a parade judge, committee chair and Caribana Lime event coordinator for the Caribbean Cultural Committee.
elevated pKqqx Of all the titles he held, the ones dearest to his heart were that of being a husband, father and grandfather. Colin’s sole purpose was to enjoy his family, his life, and all the experiences that were dear to his heart including travelling with his wife, volunteering and being a role model and mentor to the next generation. He had an unbelievably big heart and never forgot the sacrifices his parents made, which guided his every interaction in life. We will continue to honour his legacy by finding pleasure in the simplest of things and living life to the fullest.
elevated pKqqx We would like to extend sincere thanks to the caring team of Toronto General Hospital and Scarborough General Hospital ICU staff, and to all those who cared for him during his final days. His recent health issues showed his courage in facing life’s challenges with a smile and a great sense of humour. A gentleman and a scholar, he will be forever missed and cherished.
elevated pKqqx He is resting at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home at 211 Langstaff Road East, in Thornhill, Ontario. Visitation will be held from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm on Tuesday November 16, 2021. A private funeral mass will follow for immediate family only (due to Covid-19 restrictions).
elevated pKqqx All family and friends are graciously invited to a repass to celebrate Colin’s life at Tropical Nights Restaurant & Lounge, 1154 Morningside Ave, Scarborough, ON M1B 3A4 at 4 pm.
So saddened to hear of his passing.
Comforting you all with our prayers during this time.
Love you all
It Saddens me ToHear Of The Passing Of Such A Wonderful Person Always So Honest And Respectful,My Deepest sympathy To His Wonderful Wife 🙏 And Family
There is radiant joy and delight experienced in the currents created by a life well lived. They most assuredly provided buoyant moments and uplifting emotion during the days when Colin studied, taught, loved, laughed, worked, guided, carried and commiserated with those privileged to have met, known and loved him. And yet, the powerful swell of his commanding and beautiful spirit is undiminished by his passing to the Kingdom of Unconditional Love & Peace. Rather, Colin’s spirit continues to bless others immeasurably through the purposeful influence he clearly had on his children’s lives for good to benefit the destiny of people he never knew. I am one of those.
Thank you, Colin. Rest in Peace.
To my very wonderful and dear uncle Colin. You always had a warm comforting way about you that provided safety to all who came into your life. My aunt Susie, my cousins Coleen, Andrea and Nicole had the best husband and father. Your are a role model for family life for generations to come. Now you are with the Mighty comforter. Your warmth will continue to bless us and your leadership will inspire us all as we remember you always.
Your niece Heather
Again my deepest sympathies.
Uncle Colin will always be treasured in my heart. He always cared for me like a father would. He was very involved in my life from childhood to adulthood, and has helped me to become the person I am today. I will miss him dearly…
To Aunty Suzie and the rest of the family, Dave and I wish you God’s strength and divine peace as you adjust to life without our dear Uncle Colin. May the memories of his life and great accomplishments encourage all of us to make a positive difference in the world.
Love,
Dave & Wendy
My deepest condolences to aunty Suzie and family may God continue to strengthen and comfort you all
To Suzie, Coleen, Andrea, Nicky and the rest of the family.
On behalf of Grace and myself accept our deepest sympathy
on the lost of your beloved Colin. Our friendship extends several decades and so we do regret that because of circumstances beyond our control we were unable t be their in person today to be with the family. We do know that with the help of your faith you all will find the strength to get through this tough time.
So sorry for your loss. Sending love and well wishes in this most difficult time. May God provides you all with the peace that surpasses all understanding.
My deepest sympathy to the Benjamin family.
And may God shine his light upon him and give him piece.
Mike and family would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Benjamin family on the loss of a husband, father and grandfather. Colin’s demise represents a huge loss to the Caribbean community, his level-headedness and captivating smile brought calm to any situation. Gone too soon but go brave brother- the all mighty has reserved a special chair for you at his table.
The Marcellin Family
Condolences, A recipient of his training at Pathology Lab. ,UHWI.
A gentleman. Prayers for the family, we are blessed.
To the Benjamin Family Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your loved one, be strong, be safe, and be of good faith.
‘”It is well with his soul” Collin Benjamin is resting in peace.
“Gone but not forgotten.”
My condolences to the family and “Nuff Respect” to Mr. Benjamin on his life’s work . I will always remember his diplomatic answers to my questions. SIP Collin.
Michael “Redman” Thomas
My condolences to the family and “Nuff Respect” to Mr. Benjamin on his life’s work. I will always remember his diplomatic answers to my questions. SIP Colin.
Michael “Redman” Thomas