Obituary of Benjamin Miedema

Benjamin Miedema passed away peacefully on April 8, 2024 at the age of 80, surrounded by his wife and children. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Despite the pain, Ben stayed strong until the end.

As a child, Ben was an avid Boy Scout and continued enjoying the great outdoors throughout his life, camping all over the States with Carla before their 5 children, and then camping all over North America with 5 kids in tow throughout their childhood. In retirement, Ben and Carla travelled extensively around the world and wintered in Florida, camping again nearly full time in the warmth of the southern States and often taking cruises to even more sublime destinations. 

Ben met the love of his life, Carla, while attending a car rally in the early 60s. It was love at first sight, and they supported each others’ pursuits, education for Ben and fine arts for Carla, every step of the way.

Ben began his teaching career in Belleville and Galt before moving to north-eastern Ontario to teach at a tiny school in Kaladar and then at North Addington Education Centre in Cloyne, Ontario where he taught for over 30 years, touching the lives of many students, often teaching even the children and grandchildren of some of the students he’d had earlier in his career there. He was both feared and revered as a teacher, having a knack for bringing out the best in even the most unwilling of students. Not to miss out on any outdoor time even in winter, he led the North Addington Ski Club, organizing trips to the northern ski hills every winter weekend for the entire community. He also managed the running team, in efforts to get more kids enjoying the great outdoors.  He was well-respected and often recognized by students long after his retirement.

Ben is survived by his beautiful wife of 57 years, Carla (nee Oosten). He was a proud father to three daughters and two sons: Denise, Emily, Felicia (Julius), Geoffrey (Heather), and Ian (Rebecca). He is also survived by many grandchildren: Aiden, Benjamin, Kameryn, Kennedy, Bree, Heidi, Malin, William, and Patrick. Brother of Wilma (Paul), predeceased by his brothers Cesar and Piet (Donna). Ben will be missed by an extended family including many nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.  His cheerful attitude and bright smile will be missed by all.  

A short graveside ceremony will be held on Friday, April 12th at the Cataraqui Cemetery, followed by a reception at Ben and Carla’s home. 

As an expression of sympathy, donations made in Ben’s memory to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, the PKD Foundation of Canada or BeaDonor.ca would be appreciated by the family.