Suddenly, at home, on Monday, April 6, 2015, Benny Negridge, at the age of 59 years, beloved husband of Diane Voralek. Cherished son of the late Peter and Georgette. Dear brother of Rose Negridge and Lynn Beynen (deceased), brother-in-law of John and Wendy Voralek, Brandon Woods, and John and Susan Beynen. Ben will be fondly remembered by his cousins including the Rheault families in Belle Vallée, Timmins, Ottawa, and Montreal; the Miville family in Whitby; the Vivaida family in Toronto, and the Ste. Marie family in Cobourg. He will be missed by his many nieces and nephews including Mitchell and Alex.
Ben was an intelligent man, knowledgeable and curious about many things, always giving his two cents worth, quick witted with a corny comment or a joke. He loved his cats, he loved to whistle, he loved to tinker, and he loved Diane. Although suffering with Crohn’s disease and severe arthritis for many years, he pushed himself to do yard work and home maintenance and always had a project (or ten!) on the go. Prior to becoming ill, he was an industrial maintenance millwright for J.M. Schneider in Etobicoke. Special thanks to the care received from his home care nurse, Jennifer. He is sorely missed by all who knew him.
Cremation has taken place.
Arrangements Egan Funeral Home, Bolton (905-857-2213).
If desired, memorial donations may be made to Crohns and Colitis Canada, The Arthritis Society or charity of your choice.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Maureen Bruce
Oh Diane, how sad it was to read Benny’s notice today. I have many fond memories of him working around the yard and talking over the fence. You and the cats will surely miss him, he left this world far too soon.
Nancy Rick
Sweet Diane, wholeheartedly sorry and sad to hear about yours and your family’s loss. I’m so glad I got to meet Ben at Renee’s house parties – where we shared stories and some wonderful laughs. Such a dear and knowledgeable man – it’s no wonder the two of you fell in love. Cherish the memories and lots of hugs to you, Nancy
Adriana Gatto
Dear Diane,
I always knew that Ben was suffering for years but never expected this news. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Please stay strong like you always have. I Will be in touch soon. Our sincerest sympathy.
Adriana and Lou Gatto
Mac Shaw
Dear Diane, Although I only met Ben a couple of times I could tell he was a person of quality, a nice personality. A very good fit for you. As we had worked together so closely on such complex matters, I found your patience and demeanour would be a probably link with someone like a millwright, a person who has many abilities, a person who can fix almost anything. I am so sorry to hear this news and like many folks, I have always wanted to visit with you and Ben, but the years have flown by and now that opportunity is lost, and for that I am also sad. Words become meaningless at this point, I am sure. It is easy to say if there is anything I can do….but you are always welcome at our new home in Alton… no call is necessary, just come by for a minute, an hour, or an afternoon and we would be happy to visit with you. I am almost sure we could talk forever, knowing our past working relationship….in other words please come and visit whenever you are ready…..with our deepest regards …Mac and Bev Shaw.
Jean Wong
Dear Diane, I am so sorry and sad for your loss. I remember you telling me about all Ben’s projects that he had on the go. It ‘s been so long that we have gotten together – where has the time gone? I am here for you if you need to talk or whatever.
Jean Wong
Caroline Harris
Dear Diane:
Ben’s story, the way it’s written above, is so “spot on”!! He was such a lovely, smart, funny man – but he was hurting. I hope he will look down and supervise the trimming and cutting of the huge maple tree in our back yard!
There is a huge empty spot at your table now, and hopefully the funny stories and the good memories will help you get through the next little while.
Caroline (Ottawa)
Dorothy Doyle
Eccentric Ben, the modern Renassaince man with a kind heart, a kindred spirit for fun and adventure, the only person who will ever get away with calling me “Dottie”, and who seemingly had anything you might possibly need in his pocket, car or stashed somewhere, holds a special place in my heart and will be greatly missed. Be at peace now my friend.
And Diane I hope you also find peace and comfort in knowing that God takes care of all his children. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Dorothy and John
Susan Asunmaa
Hi Diane,
Just wanting to let you know that you are in my thoughts. There are no words that can truly bring comfort at this time but may the days ahead be made easier with the love and support of friends and family. Sending you hugs!
Susan Asunmaa
Ruby
Hi Diane I am so sorry to hear. I never met him Ben but I can imagine how lucky he felt to have you by his side and all the memories you will cherish, Sending you hugs.
Mike and Ruby
Jennifer Lucas
Diane,
I am so sorry to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. It has been so long and so unfortunate that this sad news is what gets us back in contact. Wishing you strength during this time and the days ahead.
Jennifer Lucas
Lorrie Cooke
Diane,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I never had the opportunity to meet Ben, but I recall the times you would speak of him. Cherish the time you had and take solace in the comfort of your friends and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lorrie Cooke
Sherry Good
Diane…Words seem inadequate to express the sorrow you must be feeling at the loss of Ben. My heart and thoughts are with you.
Sherry
Kristine Mathiasen
Dear Diane,
I am so sorry to hear the news about Ben. I will always remember his tour of the garden and his willingness to share plants and expertise.
My sincere condolences – you are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope we can get together sometime this summer when we’re in Ontario.
Kris
The Travica Family
We are all very saddened by the news of Benny’s sudden passing. He was a wonderful neighbour for many years and he will be missed. Our thoughts are with you Diane and please let us know if you need anything.
Susan Llanos
Dear Diane
I am so sorry to hear of Ben’s passing. I remember when you would tell me about his illness and also his many projects.
There are never enough words to bring comfort or to express the feelings you must be experiencing at this time.
Although it has been a while since we connected please know that I am thinking of you at this time and if you feel the need to chat or reach out I am here for you.
I am sure you will find solace in the comfort of family, friends and the many lovely memories .
Regards,
Maureen Kowal
Diane
So sorry to hear of your husband’s passing, peace and God’s blessing to you
I work at the Pharmacy, he was very nice to talk to. I let Amira know and she also sends her sympathies to you
Maureen Kowal
Deb Gair
“Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.” Psalm 37:37
Diane – from long ago conversations Ben was your perfect man, I am so sorry for your loss.
Shirlee Schacter
Dear Diane and Family,
My sincere sympathy as you go through this difficult time. While death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
My thoughts are with you,
Shirlee
Catherine Malaquin
Dear Diane
I am so sorry to hear. I met Ben once and I remember his bilingual sense of humor and the complicity the two of you shared. You are in my thoughts and I wish you strength in this difficult time.
Take care,
Catherine
Rookmoney Pillay
Dear Diane
So sorry to hear about Ben,my sincere condolences – you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ruki
Emilia Abram
Dear Diane
So sorry to hear about the loss of your husband.
Our deepest sympathy.
Emilia and Toni
Mike & Eilfan Campbell
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike & Eilfan
Kelly Burnett
Dear Diane, so sorry to hear of your husband Ben’s passing. Taken from you so soon. My thoughts are with you.
Kelly Burnett