We Remember
O’FLAHERTY, Benjamin John
May 1, 1993 — January 1, 2015
It is with sad and heavy hearts that John, Sharon and Olivia along with all of our families announce that our “Little Benny” has passed on to his next journey beyond on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 9:40 AM.
Benjamin was born May 7, 1993 in Kenora ON. Born full of life he was on the move as soon as his little legs would let him go. Ben’s life and our lives changed when he was 3 years old, diagnosed with Burkitts Lymphoma, he received a Bone Marrow Transplant from his beautiful sister Olivia, which ultimately saved his life.
Although Ben had many obstacles along these next 18 years – never once did he let any of this keep him down, he just moved through everything with positivity and teaching people along the way.
October 2014 our lives changed again as Ben was diagnosed with a secondary terminal cancer which took his life on January 9, 2015 at age 21. Benny your beautiful smile, big brown eyes and gentle soul will always be close in our hearts forever – you have been a true inspiration to us as a family and too many others along your life journey.
Ben is survived by his parents John and Sharon and sister Olivia and Peter; grandparents Erwin and Rosalie Wolfe; Aunts and Uncles; Jojo and Dennis, Cathy and David, Mary, Scott, Anne, Donny, Jane, Paul and Joanne, David and Laura, Richard and Tobi, Arlene and Bill; as well as cousins: TJ and Brie (Micheala), Shaun and Kim (Ryan and Alexis), Brenden and Wynter, Ali, Jamie, Megan and Curt (Addyson and Kash), Abby and Kyle (Kenzie), Caitie, Erin and Will, Stephen, Joshua, Ryan and Natalie, Andrea , Allyssa and Zach. Ben was predeceased by his grandparents Tom and Taise O’Flaherty who will be there to greet our little Benny, along with Aunty Colleen.
Special Thank you first and foremost to you Olivia the best sister and daughter ever, that gave Ben life and we were truly blessed to have these last 21 years with this beautiful young man. To all of our families who have stood by us with your love and support over the years through this difficult journey. To all of his wonderful friends – too many to mention, but you know who you are, thank you for your friendship – he loved every one of you. Dr. Schroeder, Dr. Yanofsky, Debbie Hansen and all the Winnipeg Team at Cancer Care Manitoba – thank you for you love and support over the years. Dr. Khoo, Christine and all the team at Cancer Care Kelowna, Thoracic Team Kelowna, thank you for all your efforts and support during this past difficult year. Hospice House Kelowna, who helped Benny die peacefully.
A service will be held for our Benny in Kenora early summer, will post details as we have finalized them.
“Love you to the moon and back.” Till we meet again little buddy. Love and miss you tons. Mom, Dad and Olivia XO
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
A service will be held for our Benny in Kenora early summer, will post details as we have finalized them.
I did not know Ben but I read his beautiful obituary and it truly touched my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. God bless you all
Sharon, John, Olivia and family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Ben. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Heaven has a beautiful angel ! Thinking of you at this very difficult time , My love and prayers to you all !
Family never goes away,
Ben is not alone,
He’s been greeted with open arms by generations of family gone before him.
My sincere condolences Sharon, John and Olivia
So so sorry for your loss. Beautiful obituary. Thoughts and prayers to all the family
We are saddened to learn of your loss. Although we did not know Ben personally we certainly knew the bravery and strength your family endured. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
My family and I were very sad and very sorry to hear about Bens passing, but we are glad that he and his family will no longer have to suffer. Our love goes out to Sharon, John and Olivia. May Ben rest in peace, and keep on smiling.
Sending our love and support to you all. He truly did bring a special light to this world that will continue to shine.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He was an inspirational young man and will be missed.
Thoughts and Prayers to the O’Flaherty family. Interacted with Ben when he was young guy on the MS Kenora. Great kid full of life and energy. From what I heard from friends and family back in Kenora, he was also a soldier in his heroic fight. God speed Ben!!
So very sorry for your loss. Ben was such an amazing young man who was loved deeply from anyone who had ever met him. I had the privilege of getting to know him and was always in awe of his positivity and zest for life! He will be greatly missed by the whole community…you are at peace and free from all your pain now sweet Ben.
John, Sharon and Olivia we mourn with you. Your son, Olivia your brother, touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with.
My heartfelt sympathies go out to your family. You all will be in my prayers.
Dear John, Sharon & Olivia,
I never had the pleasure of meeting your Ben but knew of course of his journey. May the joy he brought to all of your lives, help soften your sorrow at this time. Hugs & love to each one of you. Heather Adams (rule)
my family wishes to share our sincerest and most heartfelt condolences, we are all saddened to hear about Ben’s passing away. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
the adamopoulos family in victoria bc
Will miss everything about you my little cousin! Love you so much. This is a very hard loss for our family. Benny was a very special kind of person. There was nobody like him. You will forever hold a place in my heart. Rest in peace Benny Boy xoxo
John,Sharon & Olivia
We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you and both family’s.We are there for all of you. Please contact if you need anything. John and Laurie
His long fight is over. At last, he can rest. My sympathies and prayers to his family.
Dear John and family. I am very sad to hear of Ben’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincere condolences,
Phil Markham
John, Sharon, Olivia and Family so sorry for the loss of your son and brother, friend, cousin… I hear all the kids talk about your Benny and how utterly amazing he is, my thoughts are with you all at this most trying and difficult time. sincerely Kelly C
John,Sharon and Olivia,
My heart is breaking for all of you.My favourite memory of Ben is when he was piloting the shuttle to Coney.He was always so cheerful it was a joy to ride with him. May all your very special memories make the grief bearable. Sincere sympathy.
Linda Hyslop
Sharon, John, Olivia and all of your family. We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Benjamin. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you. He was in incredible young man who inspired to many. God Bless.
Sharon,John, Olivia and families. Our heartfelt condolences. Sharon and Kirk
Sharon, John and family, so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our sympathy and hope that time and family and friends support bring you comfort and peace.
Kelley & Gary Abrams
Dear Sharon, John and Olivia: few words will lessen the heavy hearts you all have right now. Sharon, we’ve shared many stories of past challenges and understand so much of what you’ve been thru. Be so very proud of the beautiful, respectful, (seize the day!) young man that Ben grew up to be. So many times, we enjoyed his tales, helpfulness AND kabitzing down at the Harbourfront,or bumping into him around town. We know many people are thinking about you all. Our thoughts and hugs are sent your way. Deb Wray
John, Sharon and Olivia, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son Ben. Your family is in my prayers. God bless!
I am so sorry to hear about Ben, I can remember him as a Child having his treatment in Winnipeg and Jim bringing him ju jubes. Ben called him Mr. Ju Jube. Be strong John, Sharon and Olivia. Thinking of you at this time. My deepest sympathy.
My condolences to all of you. Benny will live on in your hearts forever.
My upmost condolences John and Sharon. I will be thinking of you in my prayers. Take care…..Lorin.
Our heartful condolences go out to you & your family. We have followed Ben since he was born. He was an amazing boy who never allowed his battles with cancer to put him down. An inspiration to all of us.Rest in peace, Ben, you have earned it.
Dear Sharon, John and Olivia. We are so sorry for your loss. Ben was a lovely young man and a great friend to Kevin. We know that he is a special precious person and may those who had the pleasure to know him and watch him grow up take heart in the knowledge that they had been touched by his beautiful smile and warmed by the sound of his laughter. You have been wonderful parents and a sister to Ben, it showed in the legacy of his enduring love and friendship. Be well. Gail Clark and Kevin and Julia Lovett.
To Sharon, John and Olivia, I am so sorry for Ben’s passing. I taught Olivia at Evergreen School when she gave a bone marrow transplant to Ben. I remember his bright, smiling face. I am shocked and in disbelieve. My thoughts and prayers are with you now. Miss Kubera- Keri Willis.
Sharon, John and Olivia: my heart breaks for all of you. Ben was a wonderful young man and truly would have done great things in his life. He will be missed by so many.
I remember the first time I met Ben. He was the cutest kid with the brightest smile. He lit up a room with that contagious smile. If one thing I learnt from him; it would be even if life gets you down just remember to smile. God has called his angel home. Thanks for the memories!
Sending our prayers and sympathies to your family. So very sad to learn of Ben’s passing. I know the memories you have all shared will bring you comfort. Hugs
John, Sharon and Olivia
0ur prayers for him, you and all your family.
God’s blessings for you all.
RIP
Dear John, Sharon, Olivia, and O’Flaherty and Wolfe families
My deepest condolences on your loss of Ben. I remember Ben as a young boy, always with a wonderful infectious smile on his face. His beautiful life must have touched so many others in 21 years. May God hold you close.
I cannot imagine the pain of losing a child. I did not know Ben, but I have heard wonders about him. My sincere condolences to all his family. May he rest now and loved ones begin to heal.
We can’t imagine what it is like to loose a son in his” prime”.We only knew him as a wee boy but have heard wonderful things about him. He was loved. Our hearts are breaking with you.Please know that many people at Lakeside have been praying for you in these past weeks & will continue.In some miraculous way ..may God touch your hearts with His comfort.
John, Sharon and Olivia
I am so sorry to hear about Ben. He truly was one in a million. Heaven has gained another angel. Thinking of you at this time and will see you in Kenora in the summer. God bless
Dear Sharon John & Olivia . My heart goes out to all of you. In friendship Joy
I am so sorry to hear about Ben. His positive attitude on life was a blessing to anyone that came into contact with him. I cannot imagine as a parent what you are going through but my thoughts and prayers are with both of you,Olivia and your family.
sorry for your loss. Ben was such a brave good humoured young man. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
So so sorry for your loss Heaven has another Angel ❤️
My deepest condolences to you and your family Sharon . I never had the pleasure of meeting your son, but he sounds like he loved life and touched many people with his positive outlook . God bless you all during this difficult time .
No words can express our thoughts for your loss…I truly enjoyed every minute I was in Benny’s company, what a brave and strong person he was. So sorry for your loss, may your memories stay close at heart.
Sharon, John and Olivia;
Our deepest condolences go out to you and your family. Words can not do justice to the inspiring young man Ben was. Our family loved the times we shared with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you forever.
Sharon, John and Olivia,
We are saddened to hear of Ben’s passing. You are in our thoughts, hearts and prayers.
I am so sorry to hear about Ben. He was always such a great person to have in my class growing up. This is absolutely beautifully written. Many many thoughts and prayers are sent your way.
Our condolences to you John and Olivia
John & Sharon,
I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved son. Through his Auntie Jane, I came to ‘know’ him and he was truly a beautiful soul. You,your daughter and all of Benny’s family and friends have suffered a tremendous loss. You are all in my thoughts at this sad time.
Sincerely,
Lynn
Sharon, John & Olivia…so very sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of meeting Ben with Q104 when he was working the Coney boat. His spirit was contagious and he IS such an inspiration. My thoughts are with you all, I wrote you this poem…xo
~Rae Anne
His time here was short
But his life will live long
In our hearts he’ll remain
He will never be gone
For his family and friends
I know it’s hard to let go
but hold onto your memories
from above feel his glow
I know it seems hopeless
His passing unfair
But Benny was chosen
His purpose he’ll share
Be proud of your son
Your brother, your friend
His life will live long
His spirit won’t end
Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Benny was a treasure on earth and now a special angel.
Sharon,john, Olivia and family,we are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with u.
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your son, Benjamin. May he rest in peace and may God give each of you strength for the days ahead. Art and Barb Peters
Dear Sharon, John & Olivia. Beautifully written obit. I am sending hugs and my deepest condolences across the miles. We are all saddened for your loss. My heart breaks for you.
Dear Sharon, John & family – we are so sad to get this news. Please know that we will be keeping you all in our prayers.
John, Sharon & family: we didn’t know your son, Ben, but our hearts go out to you all at this difficult time. From all accounts he was a wonderful young man.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family, John. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting your son, he sounds like he certainly loved life and was an inspiration to everyone around him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
We are so very sorry for the loss of Ben. I only remember him as a little boy who lived down the street and remember the trying times you all went threw. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Condolences to you and your family.we are so saddened from his passing. He was a wonderful person who will be missed. He was truly one of Kenora’s sons. We all grieve as a town – missing his friendship!
Dearest John, Sharon, Olivia and families,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your Benny. We cannot begin to imagine the deep loss you are feeling at this time and it is our prayer that you will know the peace and comfort of God as so many are praying for you. Ben was a wonderful young man and as a community he touched everyone he came into contact with
… his wonderful smile and warm disposition as he greeted everyone he met.. He truly will be missed! God bless you as you say your goodbyes until you meet again.
I am sincerely sorry to hear the loss of your son Ben. All my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family John.
John, Sharon and Olivia, when I think of Ben, I think of a respectful, polite, energetic, compassionate young man who always had the time to talk and share. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Darryl and Norma Michaluk
Sharon, John, Olivia & Peter
Our most heartfelt sympathy to you and your families. May you gather strength from the memory of his beautiful smile, his strength and the love he had for you.
Drew and Cheryl
We got to know Benny as he went through high school with our son Mack. His bright spirts and outgoing personality always seemed to make everyone’s day just a little better. Mack and his buddies will miss him. We all will.
Lloyd, Dawna, Mack and AJ
Although we never met Ben in person, we have known of his struggle with cancer, and admired his brave and courageous attitude. No parent should have to face losing a child! We pray you (and your extended family) will all be comforted in the knowledge that Ben loved (many) and was loved! Rest in Peace young man.
To Sharon, John and Olivia – we are so so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Ben. Our prayers are with you and your family.
John, Sharon and Olivis
We are heart broken to hear of Ben’s passing. Such a beautiful boy, such a fine young man. We are thinking of you.
Nancy and Hector
Dear Sharon, John and Olivia, I just heard your tragic news. I remember Ben so well and was so impressed with his humour and boyish strength. I remember too your determination to get him through this thing. I am so sorry for your loss. Peter
Dear John, Sharon and Olivia,
Please accept our sympathy at the loss of dear Ben. I remember him as a little lad; happy and running around. You are in our thoughts and prayers every day.
May the love and support of those who have known and been inspired by Ben surround you, and give you strength. Our deepest sympathies and biggest hugs.
What a handsome and brave young man! I feel so fortunate to have met him and your family. He will always be remembered…
With sadness in your loss,
Barb
So sorry to read of the passing of Ben,you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear John, Sharon, and Olivia
We were deeply saddened to hear of Ben’s passing. He was a wonderful young man – full of life, happiness, and determination. Although we know there are no words we can express that are adequate to ease the feelings of loss you are experiencing, please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Marty and Lori Laffin
Dear John, Sharon and Olivia,
I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Ben. This past year must of been a nightmare for you all. As I thought about you and what Ben was going through I have often remembered the good old days on Ocean Ave. and the sounds of kids having fun. I know that there are no words that can heal the loss and the hole in your hearts. I hope we can get together in the summer. Take care of yourselves.
Lynn Bergman
Dear John, Sharon and Olivia:
Your Ben was loved out here in BC… With love one of many nurses xo
John, Sharon and Olivia,
Words could never be enough to say how much Ben touched so many lives in such a special way. He always had a smile that melted your heart and always time to stop to talk to you. His spirit will continue on in all of his family and friends!
Dear Sharon, John, Olivia, Aunty Rosalie and Uncle Erwin;
Our deepest sympathy, and prayers for continued strength and peace to you all. Your strength and support for young Ben over the years has been amazing. Love from all.
Ed, Inge, Madeline and Thomas
So sorry to hear of Ben’s passing-stay strong and remember the good times.
Dear John, Sharon and Olivia
I remember meeting Benny several years ago and was always kept apprised of his progress via my parents. I am so sad to learn of Benny’s passing, what a wonderful young man. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I am certain heaven now has a very special angel who will watch over you until you are together again. Brenda
John, Sharon and family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy. Ben was a terrific young man who brought joy and happiness to everyone who was blessed enough to meet him. Thank you for raising such a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
We cannot begin to imagine the insurmountable grief of losing your beloved child and brother. Olivia, you are a very brave sister and truly a lifesaver… I know your heart is aching. John & Sharon; the charismatic & inspirational young man Ben grew to become is a testament to your family, your love and the values that you instilled in him. May you find strength in each other and know that his fight is over, his pain is gone and the good Lord will forever keep him safe in his arms. Take care of each other. Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Tommy Neniska & Linda MacLean
Sharon, John and Olivia, many years have passed between us and I never had the pleasure of meeting your Ben. I am so very saddened to hear of his passing. I wish you peace in the days ahead and know you will again smile with all the beautiful memories shared.
Sincerely,
Krista
So sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers to all the family.
My condolences. He will be in all of our lives forever as he touched everyone in his own special way. When I talked to him, it was he who cheered me up. Thinking of all of you.
Dear Sharon and John and Olivia, I just found out about Bens death. I wanted you to know how deeply he affected me as a nurse who experiences death and tragedy all the time. He was such a bright light, I looked forward to seeing him. I could never do much for him but he made me reflect on my own life in a different way. I often loose sight of what is important: to be grateful and appreciate the value of a smile and a hug and a genuinely positive outlook. I believe Ben had a gift in this regard and I for one was the recipent of that gift every time our paths crossed. I will always be grateful to have met him and feel blessed that God gave me that opportunity. There are no words to express the terrible loss you must be feeling but please be consoled by the fact that Ben made a big difference in my life. xo sincerely Anne RN in diagnostic imaging.
Dear John Sharon and Olivia,
My sister-in-Law in Winnipeg told me of Ben’s passing.
I was shocked and saddened. My heart goes out to you.
The summer I was at my cottage on Coney and used the Shuttle a lot, I met Ben.
He was personable, cheerful smiling and very helpful. Such a wonderful young man.
I was not aware of his struggles with cancer.
I hope to be at Coney when you have the service.
My Sincere Condolences,
With Love
Donna McCormick. Calgary
I only only met Ben maybe once or twice, we didn’t know each other personally but i feel like i knew him from all the amazing stories his parents have told me.
John and Sharon we know each other only from the lunches and dinners that you enjoyed ( i hope ) at my work and were so gracious to let me crash in on your dates, you are such a lovely couple with so much love and spirit pouring out of you.
I am blessed to have met an amazing family, as i also met your daughter and parents.
My heart breaks when I think about the absence from your family as i can tell only over the few conversations we’ve shared together just how much he is and will be missed.
Im sure he is not far and with you everyday, Im positive he is proud of the both of you, b.c. if you were my parents I would be,
And as a friend I am.
Your strength is incredible and inspiring.
Ben had a special shining light within him that shines through the both of you.
I am honoured to have met all of you
and I thank you from my own personal experiences for conversing in deep conversations that I feel sometimes we both needed to share.
Your family is an inspiration to me
and Im very grateful we crossed paths.
Keep your lights within shining, b.c. you are beautiful ppl and I think your doing a great job, and you need to know that.
There is no right or wrong way to deal with this magnitude of overwhelming grief that we have to face.
My condolences to the whole family and Bens friends back home in Kenora.
I believe everything happens for a reason,
and I believe meeting you and Ben was for a reason, to show me how great of ppl are in this world and that we are all in it together.
Thank you for your stories and i look fwd to hearing more of them.
My condolences and love to Ben and the family.
Jamie Florence.