McKillican- Peacefully with his wife by his side at Marshall Gowland Manor, Sarnia, on Wednesday February 18, 2026. William Benjamin “Ben” McKillican, age 83 years of Corunna. Devoted husband of almost 50 years to Dianne. Ben was predeceased by; his parents, Muggs and Harriet McKillican; his BBBS little brother, Mike Cannon (2016) and by his brothers-in-law, Allan MacDonald (2011) and Joey MacDonald (2012). Ben worked as a Research Technologist at Imperial Oil for over 30 years but after retiring he found his real passion in volunteer work with both Community Living and Rayjon Share Care. He skied, he golfed, he curled, he loved sports. He and Dianne had the luxury of traveling extensively. He felt he’d lived well-and did until the past few years when Alzheimers disease set in. Friends will be received at the Knight Funeral Home, 588 St. Clair Parkway, Corunna on Wednesday February 25, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with words of remembrance being offered at 12:30 p.m. A celebration of his life will follow at the St. Clair Parkway Golf Course immediately following the visitation. In keeping with Ben’s wishes cremation has already taken place. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to Rayjon Share Care (www.rayjon.org) to benefit the Haitian and Dominican people Ben loved so much. Messages and condolences may be left online at www.knightfuneralhome.ca Knight 519-862-2845
Ben McKillican
Visitation Information
Wednesday February 25, 2026 from 11 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Donations
Rayjon Share Care
Funeral Date
Words of Remembrance will be offered during the visitation at 12:30 p.m.
27 thoughts on “Ben McKillican”
A long time great friend of my husband Ed, since their very early years until his passing in 2000; and for me since my teen years up until yesterday. He was well loved and will be missed. Dianne has been a wonderful wife to him and I extend my deepest sympathy for her loss.
Hi Jackie,
And Edwin as well. A great guy. Hockey, baseball, beer. What a cheerful, generous heart he had.
I rode with him one time in the winter, Sombra to Windsor. The heater in the car wasn’t working. Damn near froze but we had a nice visit, as usual, and added to our list of memories.
I have been battling cancer since 2016. Wasn’t supposed to be still here.
Best,
Rob
Ben and I trekked together on 15 Rayjon awareness trips to the DR. We shared many special moments and many special people. His quirky smile will be fondly remembered. My condolences to Dianne and the Rayjon team.
Very sad to hear Ben passed away.Had a good visit with him in corunna at the Warwick house this past summer.
Still have the wood salad bowl he made for our wedding gift.. He will be missed on the river
Such a gentle soul! His woodworking talents grace my home as he generously helped me with my “projects”! Always encouraging and offering helpful advice.
His presence among us made this world a little kinder and more fair for so many.
My families introduction to Haiti and the Dominican Republic people and cultures was made possible by Dianne and Ben McKillican’s lead trips. Many lives in Canada and in the Dominican Public have been positively changed because of Ben McKillican. Thank you Ben for making a difference and impacting so many lives. Your legacy will live on.
Dianne: So sorry to hear of Ben’s passing. I remember him well from numerous visits to Sombra over the years while we were both growing up; I especially remember those visits to Nantez grocery where each of would splurge on a coke, large bag of Hostess chips and a brick of Neapolitan ice cream ! And swimming off the ferry docks ! Ben had the the neatest set(s) of western cap guns and holsters !
No doubt, the weeks, months and years ahead will be challenging but you can take comfort in all the memories you shared together.
I wish you well Dianne …
Dianne, my deepest condolences. I worked with Ben, curled with him, and golfed with him. He was a great guy with a wonderful sense of humour. He will be missed.
Remembering and cherishing Ben
Dianne, our hearts are with you
Sending our deepest condolences to you and your families.
Janice and Dennis McDonald
So sorry to hear of Ben’s passing…a neighbour and friend for over 37 years, thinking of you Dianne…love Tammy and Jim
Ben and Dianne had been customers of ours for many years. I recall Ben telling me the storey of how their home was moved to it’s present location from I believe Port Huron. Dianne always took care of the business. She advised more than once about a vehicle which Ben had always expected to get back on the road again, I don’t believe that ever happened.
Please accept my most sincere condolences Dianne.
Sending our deepest condolences Dianne. Sincerely Leo and Susan DesJardine
I was saddened to hear about Ben’s passing.
My deepest sympathy, Dianne.
Lee Michaels
Remembering Ben with love
Hugs to Dianne
Our most sincere sympathy on Ben’s passing. He and Dianne were most outstanding advocates for Rayjon.
Rest in Peace.
With love-
Joe and Maureen Donohue
Sending love and our sympathies Dianne at this very sad time. Thanks to you both for being second parents to our “Beth”. Our heartfelt love and prayers will keep coming.
I enjoyed Ben’s company and friendship on various Rayjon trips and to Georgian College to meet with nursing students preparing for their trips to the Dominican Republic. Ben was instrumental in building lasting relationships with the Barrio 41 community in Consuelo DR. Ben participated on eyeglass trips and applied his carpentry skills to build shelving to store the huge inventory of eyeglasses prepared for future eyeglass trips. I admire his achievements as an awareness trip leader who introduced so many Canadians to the community of Consuelo, DR and the life challenges they face.
I have some happy memories of playing baseball with Ben and our Sombra team. He really knew the game.
Dianne, I am so sorry to hear about Ben’s passing. I will always remember him emptying my garage for the Rayjon fallfair.
All my sympathy, Dianne.
Diane we’re sorry to hear of Ben’s passing. We had some great fun memories at our summers end games on the river.
Sending hugs and condolences.
Jeff and Catherine
Our hearts are with you Di,
Our memories of gentle Ben go back to skiing at Black Forest and roller skating with young friends. He definitely made this world a better place with all he embraced. We are so grateful.
Ken, Tracy, Keeg, and Griff Tulloch
The Lord knows knows your pain you feel the grief you carry the tears you cry the memories you cherish the comfort you need the strength you require thinking and praying that the tender ministry of the Lord will comfort you Deepest sympathies thoughts and prayers during this difficult time
Jeff and Sara Karr and Family JEff use to be the accountant for RayJon
I first met Ben when we moved to Sombra. I was 10 years old and felt lost at the school. I remember that Ben was very helpful to me. He encouraged me in baseball and tot me how to play the game. Also, he introduced me to golf.
When it was a time for collage, we shared an apartment. After graduation, we separated. He took work in Sarnia and I went to St. Catharines. I will always remember that he got me started in life.
Our thoughts are with you Dianne. We spent over half our lifetime with Ben and you as friends and River Rats. You hosted forty years of Christmas parties, which were always memorable evenings. We also had several great boating ventures on “Thanks Dad” your boat, from Kingston to Manitoulin, and rivers in between. Always a pleasure to be in your company. Byron
Fond memories come in the form of tears on my face. Barbara.
Dear Dianne,
My sincere condolences. Hoping you find comfort from your lifetime of memories with Ben. I remember that he always had a smile on his face. What a caring heart he had.
Dear Dianne, We are sending our condolences . Ben was a great friend . I started working with him back in 1974. And he encouraged me to join the Ski Club which led to many additional friendships and experiences, that added to my life. Many good times shared with you and Ben over the years. I am sorry that we were unable to attend the celebration of Ben’s life and share in the memories. We are thinking of you. Gary