+Br. Ed Benson, CR

The Congregation of the Resurrection announces the death of Brother Edward Craig Benson, CR of Resurrection Manor, Waterloo on May 1, 2023.  He was 78 years old, in his 60th year of religious life and 57th year of profession of Perpetual Vows.

Br. Ed is predeceased by his parents Palmer and Mary (nee Wentzell), nephew Craig Christopher Benson and brother-in-law Tim Athey. He is survived and lovingly remembered by his brothers Robert P. Benson, Jr (Donna) and David Benson, and sisters Kathleen Zurkuhlen (Leo), Marilyn Athey and Connie Tyler (Dennis); ten nieces and nephews, many great and great-great nieces and nephews, as well as several God-children and many friends. 

Br. Ed professed his first vows in the Congregation on February 15, 1964 in Dundas, and professed his perpetual vows on February 15, 1967 in North Bay.

Br. Ed’s ministry focused on teaching. For over 23 years (combined) Br. Ed served at Scollard Hall in North Bay, teaching Religious Education, Phys Ed, acted as a Guidance Counsellor, Chaplain, and Assistant Religious Education Department Head. He was the Vice Principal of St. Hubert Catholic Elementary School in North Bay for 1 year and while in North Bay also taught at Nipissing University Faculty of Education for 7 years.  From 1980-1990 Br. Ed taught Religion and was the Guidance Department Head of St. Jerome’s Catholic High School in Kitchener.   Br. Ed became Director for Resurrection Centre for Life Long Learning from 2002 to 2007 along with acting as Small Group Facilitator for Celebrating the Word.  He was an instructor and curriculum writer for The St. Joseph Faith Development Program for one year. Br. Ed served as Diocesan Director of Youth Ministry for the Hamilton Diocese in Bermuda implementing the Comprehensive Youth Ministry Framework for 3 years.  In 2011 Br. Ed moved to Resurrection Manor, Waterloo where he played a supportive role in caring for other members at the Manor along with being on the Religious Brothers Conference Board of Trustees. Br. Ed served on a number of committees within the Congregation.

A man of deep faith, hope and love Br. Ed’s life of faithful service touched the lives of many followers in his ministry, his brother religious, and family during his life of dedicated ministry. Br. Ed’s focus was on the youth, acting as a supportive and encouraging mentor. He enjoyed coaching basketball and was generous with his time is assisting Manor members with their needs.

We wish to express our gratitude to the 6th floor north staff at Grand River Hospital for the compassionate care they provided to Br. Ed.

Visitation of Br. Ed will take place at Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick St. Kitchener ON, on Sunday May 7 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Vigil Prayer Service will be held at 7:45 pm.  The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Louis Parish, 53 Allen St. E. Waterloo, ON on Monday May 8 at 10:00 am. Reception to follow at St. Louis Parish Hall. A Memorial Service and Interment will take place at a later date in Louisville, Kentucky. 

Donations in Br. Ed’s memory may be made to the Congregation of the Resurrection for the care of their retired members and forwarded to 265 Westmount Road North, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G7 or on our website www.resurrectionists.ca or arranged through Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick St. Kitchener ON, 519-749-8467, www.henrywalser.com.