AYLESWORTH, Ben (William Herbert) Passed away peacefully on July 14, 2004 in Nanaimo Regional General Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. Ben will be sadly missed by his loving wife "Mikey" (Olive), daughters Crystal (Doug) and Katherine (Steve), son Rob (Mary), stepson David (Di), stepdaughter Donna (Dave), 10 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. In addition, there is an extensive number of extended family and friends who share Ben's family's sorrow. Ben was born in Kingston, Ontario, on September 12, 1930. He joined the Canadian Navy ("our side"!) in 1953 and served for 10 years. Leaving the navy, Ben joined the staff of Stockers Moving and Storage in Victoria in 1963 where he worked and advanced until ultimately taking over the business as co-owner with his partner Russ Morgan in 1981. During his years in Victoria, Ben joined the Gorge Vale Golf Club and remained an active member for over 30 years, including extensive time on the Board of Directors and as Club Captain and President. Ben and Mikey left Victoria in 1998 when they retired and moved to Qualicum Beach. As his family and friends will attest, Ben had an incredible sense of humour. This served everyone well during his fight with cancer where his gentle humour and compassion supported the family and allowed him to deal with his illness with dignity and grace. As an example, Ben used to say to Mikey that he wanted to write his own obituary "but I don't have a date!" Ben was never without a new joke or a comic twist on current affairs and this will be extremely missed. Ben also had a passion for music and an incredible singing voice. He entertained professionally with Mikey for a period but perhaps took more pleasure in singing at family gatherings and special occasions. There were many times when Ben's wonderful voice and heartfelt song added just the right touch to make a special gathering even more memorable. There will be a memorial service at St. Stephen's Church, 150 Village Way, Qualicum Beach, on Saturday, July 31, starting at 11:00 a.m. and followed by a reception at the church hall. A wonderful husband, father and friend has gone looking for new golf courses to play and songs to sing. May he always shoot par and sing with angels. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to the BC Cancer Agency (Vancouver Island Centre).
YATES FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORIUM (248-5859) in care of arrangements.