Dear Joyce,
So sad to find out Benny had passed away,and your daughter also,was wondering why we hadn"t heard from him and tried to call but no luck.We had so much fun and good chowder with you two,great memories.Chris sends his condolences along with mine and Sharon,hope you are doing ok.Benny was a character and couldn"t help but love him,will be missed.
Ben and Joyce were very good friends with my in-laws George and Shirley Maudsley. I got to know Ben because when Joyce and he lived in London, they made sure to visit George and Shirley for tea weekly. Ben was a kind and giving dad and friend, always talking about his family and asking about mine. He quite often would say something funny or with a Down-Home wit completely straight faced, just in case you didn't understand. Once he saw your reaction then there would be laughter. I have adopted quite a lot of his sharp humor to my daily affirmations. He was spry from biking so much and would always be lending a hand or some wisdom. Last time we saw he and Joyce in Kitchener he was teaching himself how to play guitar! I hope I'm like Ben as I get wiser, he taught me a lot about being a good person. I am sorry for your loss Joyce and to your family as well.
Jim and Ginette Perkins
What adventures we have had with Ben and Joyce.
Ben was an extraordinary person. Tough as nails. Smart as a whip. With a heart as big as the Great Lakes.
When hiring crew on the ships he would take a chance on anyone who wanted to learn. His motto, “None of us would be where we are today if someone didn’t give us a chance.” Has stuck with me.
Ben lived life to the fullest. We are honoured to call him friend.
I was saddened to learn of Benny's passing. I knew Benny as a resident of Burin, however, we made a real connection when I worked with him on the Great Lakes. He was fantastic to work with. We had some great conversations and great laughs.
Joyce and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Pop,
You accepted me as if I were your own grandson. You tought me the meaning of determination and grit. You taught me that it's not about where you start in life, it's what you do with the time that you have, and you did great things in your time.
There's no word or phrase adequate enough to explain my gratitude. All I can do is pass on all the good you have shared with me. Your love, wisdom, and memory, will remain constant in my heart.
Smooth sailing, Old Fella.
Ben and I worked together for more than 20 years and became the best of friends. We spent many great times and memories over the years with him and Joyce. He was a man that always willing to help anyone at any time.
When my wife came to Canada he and Joyce were the first to welcome her and help her become part of a new country.Luz has always appreciated that and has told many of her friends about Ben and Joyce. Ben daughter Donna took the time to research different things to help her get established to learn a new language etc. An amazing family to have as friends. He will be missed.
To Richard,and Joyce and family our deepest condolences
Craig and Luz
I don’t think I can describe in words how grateful I am to have had you as a grandfather, Poppy, but I’ll try. You lived an incredible life and it’s no surprise you made friends every place you resided, on land and sea, with your generous heart and playful sense of humour. Sailing required toughness though you never lost your soft side, as evidenced by your love for animals. I’m sure I’m not the only one who learned many lessons from you, like how we are never too old to explore a new hobby. You are such an inspiration to me.
While it broke my heart to say goodbye, the countless tears I shed this past week felt more like an expression of love and gratitude than sadness. I know you are resting in peace, though the wisdom and memories you shared with us all will live forever.
I miss you deeply, and always will.
Jennifer
Ben and I first met on the deck of the Maritime Trader nearly 20 years ago and remained like family ever since. Always enjoyed his company and listening to a never-ending list of sea stories from years past. Rest easy my friend and take it easy on the contractors up there.
Joyce, Richard and Family, know that our love, thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Vaughan and Cait
Ben . Ralph and I were so lucky to have met you and Joyce in Port Stanley. We will always remember the coffees we shared in your backyard. We shared lots of stories and laughs. Ben you were one of a kind.We will miss you. Lynn and Ralph
Our hearts are heavy with hearing of the passing of Uncle Benny, he was one of a kind and all our times that we spent with him were memorable, our last time together was at Karla’s wedding in 2019, the best time ever!! Rest easy uncle Benny, you lived a very full life, and will be missed by all who knew you! Love Sherri, Mark and Ryan xo
Dearest Uncle Benny, as a little girl, I couldn’t wait to wake up on Christmas morning, pack up, and drive to St. Catherine’s to spend the holidays with you, Aunt Joyce, and of course Benji and Cassy.
Thank you for giving our family the pleasure of accompanying you on your ship, what an experience. When the butterfly flew into your office, and you said, it was Poppy (Kitchener) Anderson, without a doubt, I believed you. What a reunion it must be up there in heaven.
Rest easy, in paradise Uncle Benny. You will be missed but your incredible memory will live on through your beautiful family.
Love always, your niece Tara
Our deepest condolences to Joyce and family on the loss of your family leader and a legendary man in the shipping industry on the Great Lakes. Ben, I took these photos of you and Dad (John Shelley) while staying at the NYC dry dock on the J.W.Shelley. Not only were you someone Dad looked up to himself, you were a cherished friend of both him and Grandpa John. To think you left us as well, hits hard. However, you’ll be up there with many of our angels, sharing stories, crackin a few good comments as you always did, making others smile, maybe causing some trouble all while sending strength and love to us here below. Another soul who I will forever think of as I sit by the waters edge watching the waves and ships roll by. Much love to your family in this difficult time. You will be missed Ben xo Jessica (Shelley) White & Family
Ben, thank you for being a father to me. I know you were my father in-law but you treated me like a daughter and for that I will always be grateful. I miss your daily pokes at me and your little grin. I will love you forever. Rest in peace. Xoxo
Dad,
As this is a tough time for all of us we will miss you. You were a great father and mentor to me. I did and will always look up to you. You always guided me though anything I did and was always grateful for all the support you gave me. You created the best family I could ever wish for.
I love you dad and will never forget what you meant to me.
The family of Benjamin Taylor Broydell uploaded a photo
