In memory of Benson (Ben) Madill (1915-2013)

In his 99th year passed away peacefully after a full and rewarding life on October 30th, 2013 at Groves Memorial Hospital, Fergus, Ontario. Ben leaves behind his beloved wife of 66 years, Marjorie (Tipping). He will always be remembered by his daughters Bessie (Alan) Harriston and Shirley (Jim) MCFarlane, Guelph and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice. Friends may visit at Graham Giddy Funeral Home, 280 St. David Street, S., Fergus on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and Saturday 10-11 a.m. Celebration of Life Saturday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Reception to follow. Family burial at Britannia Cemetery immediately following the reception.

Ben Madill epitomized a lifetime of giving and is fondly remembered and well respected in Mississauga’s heritage community. He regaled generations with his stories and knowledge of the “old days” of Britannia, of farming, of life in a one-room schoolhouse in the midst of what is now the City of Mississauga.

Ben’s extensive knowledge of farming techniques, including rope making and woodworking, were exceptional – equalled only by his love for sharing his knowledge with young and old. His passion for clocks – his former home at Britannia was literally filled with clocks – was a source of interest and humour for all who visited him. Ben was a long-time supporter of local history and heritage, giving tirelessly of his time, energy and enthusiasm over the years to the Friends of the Old Britannia Schoolhouse, Heritage Mississauga, his beloved Britannia United Church and Cemetery, and the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA), amongst many other organizations. From blue potatoes and hand-made toys to his wooden bicycle, Ben shared his enthusiasm for the world around him with all who knew him. Over the years at Heritage Showcase exhibits Ben could often be found assisting the Friends or displaying his own clocks, much to the delight of visitors.

Always humble, Ben has been honoured twice with awards from Heritage Mississauga (1999 & 2007) for his involvement in the community, and in 2010 Ben recieved the Lieutenant Governor’s Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Ben’s memories of growing up and raising his own family in Britannia and of attending the Old Britannia Schoolhouse are recorded for future generations of Mississauga residents in three books:

Britannia School and School Farm … and my school days
Family History and Memoirs of Benson A. Madill
Memoirs and Refelections of Benson A. Madill, Volume 2

Ben will be truly missed by all who knew him in Britannia, in Mississauga, and beyond.

“Live for to-day, but plan for to-morrow” – Ben Madill