BENSON Edward James

In Toronto, August 21, 2016 of Edward Benson, age of 77 years. Survived by his wife of 47 years, Beverley FitzGerald Benson, predeceased by his sister-in-law, Willa FitzGerald Sinnott, and her husband, Dr Cyril Sinnott. Survived by six Sinnott children, Pat, Maureen, Sheila ,Marylou, Bethany and Leah and families. Also survived by brothers Chris Mullaley (Isabelle) of NS, Brian Mullaley (Patsy) ON, and sister Judy Riley (Bruce) of NS and their children Geoff, Eric, Shelly, and Shannon and families. Born in Halifax, Ed grew up in Nova Scotia, and graduated from St. Dunstan’s University, in PEI in 1962. He received his Master of Library Science degree from the Catholic University of America in Washington DC. and was appointed Director of St Dunstan’s University Library in 1965. Ed studied law at Osgoode Hall, in Toronto, graduated in 1971 and practiced law in Toronto for 35 years. In retirement, Ed and Beverley split their time between Toronto and PEI. An avid bridge player in both Toronto and on PEI, Ed enjoyed the competition. A tireless volunteer, who enjoyed people and helping the less fortunate, Ed established in Toronto in 1974, the Parkdale Golden Age Foundation, a non profit charitable organization to improve the lives of seniors - which is still operating today. Ed was a voracious reader his entire life and always enjoyed debating, and challenging discussions on politics and current events. He will be sadly missed by family and friends in PEI, Nova Scotia and Ontario. Visitation Sunday, August 28, 2016 from 5-8, Hennessey Cutcliffe Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St Pius X Church at 10 am, Monday, August 29, 2016. Interment will follow in the Roman Catholic Cemetery. If so desired donations may be made to The Upper Room. On-line condolences may be made at www.islandowned.ca.