Martin, Benjamin (“Ben”) Jack

 In Obituaries

MARTIN, Benjamin (“Ben”) Jack – March 13, 2004 – Jan. 15, 2025
With hearts full of love and sorrow, we share that Benjamin “Ben” Jack Martin, 20, peacefully embarked on his next adventure in the early morning of Jan. 15, 2025, surrounded by the deep love of his parents, Chris Martin and Katie Dawson, sister Rosalyn, brother Daniel, “Nana” Eileen (“Papa” Bob, predeceased), and his “best buddy” Mac.
Ben is lovingly remembered by his family in the United Kingdom, “Gran” Jocelyn Dawson, “Grandad” John Dawson (Sue), Uncle William and Auntie Shula, who all cherish family vacations spent laughing with his cousins Skye and Summer. Ben loved his friends like family and his physical presence will be missed by many in his far reaching communities across the province, country, and globe.
Ben grew up on the family farm in Glencairn, Ontario, learning how to grow plants, care for animals, drive tractors, and appreciate all forms of life, big and small. He was well known in the community, helping with the family businesses both at the farm and Creemore Farmers’ Market, as well as at clients’ properties around the region.
Ben’s mischievous yet mature demeanour was evident, even in childhood. He loved spending days with his Nana, running errands around Creemore and taking out as many library books as he could carry. He and his Mum were active members of the Rosemont Playgroup, where he formed lifelong friendships. He cherished Saturday morning gymnastics with his Dad. His favourite activity, however, was following his brother and sister wherever he could. He was a master of playing pranks on his siblings, friends, and (very patient) babysitters, but carried a deep sense of empathy and softness only a big heart could hold.
Well travelled for his age, Ben sought adventure wherever he went. Both calculated and spontaneous in his travels, his favourite trips included climbing an active volcano in Iceland, driving through a river in Costa Rica, planning his first solo trip to Edinburgh and Derbyshire, and sitting on the edge of BC mountains with his siblings, taking in the beauty before skiing down every black diamond he could find. Ben’s love of nature shone through in his joy for camping and hiking, both locally and across the country, with his family and beloved dog Mac.
A wild and infectious spirit, Ben was known for his love of hockey and he loyally cheered for the Ottawa Senators through thick and thin. A respected athlete himself, Ben couldn’t wait to join his siblings on the soccer pitch, running up and down the sidelines until he too could join in the game. He was a leader in and out of sport, but he
particularly loved his time in the New Tec Ball Hockey League, Creemore and Wasaga Beach Soccer Clubs, and playing baseball in Everett and New Lowell.
Ben graduated with honours from Nottawasaga Pines Secondary School, Angus in 2022. His humble ambition took him to Kingston, Ontario, where he was in his third year of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography at Queen’s University. Ben had his sights set on becoming a land use planner, blending his farming knowledge and love for the outdoors into a helping profession.
A hard worker, beloved roommate, and leader on his dodgeball team, friends from university remember Ben as a truly exceptional human whose laugh got the whole room laughing too.
In November 2024, Ben faced an unexpected health crisis with tenacious courage, spending close to ten weeks in the Kingston General Hospital ICU following a hemorrhagic stroke caused by a brain aneurysm. In the last days of his life, Ben’s family read him messages from loved ones around the world – words that exemplified Ben’s deep legacy of compassion, quirky humour, quiet kindness, and love for his people. While Ben’s work in this physical journey is finished, our work of honouring him in everything we do has begun.
Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ben’s honour to the ICU at Kingston General Hospital by calling University Hospitals Kingston Foundation (UHKF) at 613-549-5452 or donating online (kingstonhsc.ca/donate, specify ‘dedicate in memory’, allocate to ‘other funds’, designate ‘ICU’), where he received incredible love and care from his medical team. Alternatively, donations in memory of Ben are being accepted by the Bruce Trail Conservancy (brucetrail.org), where he spent his childhood years hiking the local trails with his family and friends.
A Celebration of Ben’s Life will be held at the family farm in Glencairn on July 26, 2025. All are welcome. To help us plan for numbers, please RSVP before July 1, 2025 to benmcelebration@gmail.com. Details will be shared by email and in the Creemore Echo closer to the date.
May the path ahead be easy, may your pack be light and your boots stay tied, may you always remember how loved you are, and may you never forget where you’ve been. Happy trails, Ben.

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