Benjamin Arthur Sawer – February 18, 1947 – June 12, 2023
Our beloved Ben, 76, went home to Jesus peacefully with loved ones by his side on June 12, 2023, at his home in Vancouver.
Ben was born to Brian and Lillian (Fleming) Sawer on February 18, 1947, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Ben leaves to grieve; his cherished wife of 53 years, Cathy; his children David (Johanna) and Andrea (Brad); son-in-law Neil and his grandchildren, Quinn, Kate, Gabe, Emily, Max, Bree, Molly, and Charlie; his brother Graham (Shirley) and sister-in-law Adele. He is predeceased by his daughter Rachel Barkey and brother David.
Ben's Christian faith infused everything he was and did. Inspired by his grandfather, Dr. Fleming, Ben pursued a lifelong career as a general surgeon. Known as 'Dr. Ben' to one and all he was a man full of grace and love - an example of Col.1:27 "Christ in me, the Hope of Glory."
Upon completing his surgery training at Western, with thoughts of becoming a missionary, he took his young family to Africa for two years, where he was the only surgeon in a 1,200-bed hospital.
Upon return to Canada, he practiced surgery in Chilliwack for 20 years until his children were grown. Ben then spent eight years working overseas in Saipan and 11 more years in the Arctic before retiring. All the while, Ben continued giving through his volunteer work with Samaritan's Purse, most recently in Kapsowar, Kenya, where he helped establish the Kapsowar School of Theology.
Friends and family are invited to meet at Midtown Church (6060 Culloden St, Vancouver, BC V5W 3S4) on Monday, June 26 at 11:00 a.m. for a memorial service and reception. The service will be recorded and shared afterward for those who cannot attend in person. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Kapsowar School of Theology through the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Yellowknife. E-transfers can be directed to [email protected] with a note that the donation is in honour of Dr. Ben Sawer.
Funeral arrangements at Midtown Church are entrusted to Kearney’s Funeral Services (450 W 2nd Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1E2). Please visit www.kearneyfs.com to leave a condolence message as a keepsake for the family.