RIEHL, Dr. Benson A., DMV

Dr. Benson Arnold Riehl, DVM, 85, of Kensington, PEI passed away peacefully at home on January 8, 2021. Benson was the first born of Albert and Catherine Riehl of Goderich, Ontario; followed by Shirley (Norval Smith), Reginald (Helen), Gerald (Elda), Andy (Remy) and twins: Donald and Dougall. Ben graduated from University of Guelph in 1960. Ben first arrived in PEI in 1958 working summers with Dr. Fisher at the Provincial Agriculture Lab. Ben met Faye in 1959 and married her before calving season in 1962. Ben stayed in Kensington working with Dr. Clark and Dr. Furnice until 1965 when he received employment with the Ontario Breeders Association in Woodstock, Ontario. Ben joined Agriculture Canada in 1972 moving to Langley, British Columbia. He moved up the ladder residing in Ottawa, Swift Current, St. John’s and retired in Moncton as the Veterinary Supervisor for Atlantic Canada in 1995. They raised 4 children: Michael (Toronto), Russell (Virginia, USA), Christopher (Dartmouth) and Heather (Kensington). With children grown, Ben & Faye moved to Irishtown, PEI to slow down. In 1999, Ben & Chris opened the first crematorium in PEI and Ben retired again in 2014. Ben was a proud member of the Lions Club, United Church of Canada, volunteered at SPCA and with Canada Guide Dogs. Ben was an avid gardener, carpenter and proud grandpa involved in their extracurricular activities. Ben leaves his beloved wife, Faye of 59 years, sons; Michael, Russ (Brenda), Christopher (Susan), daughter, Heather Grady (Chuck), grandchildren; Paul, Ben, Lachlan (Alyssa), Drew, Erin, Leah and Roen, precious feline companions; Lily and Rosie, brother-in-law’s; Clayton (Georgie), Dana (Heather), Clifford (Ann), Earl (Patricia) Coulson and many loved nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Ben is predeceased by his and Faye’s parents (Lesley & Barbara Coulson), his brothers; Donald, Dougall (infancy) and Reginald, brother-inlaw; Norval, sister-in-law’s, Suzanne Roy Coulson and Donna Coulson (infancy). Resting at the Davison Funeral Home Kensington. A private funeral will be available to watch online on the funeral home’s website after 11am AST Saturday January 16th. Interment later in St. Stephen’s Anglican Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Prince County Hospital or St. Stephen’s Cemetery fund. Thanks beyond words go to Prince County Hospital’s Dr. Steven MacNeil and occupational therapists, our family doctor of 25 years; Dr. Paul Kelly, who still made trapline visits to keep Ben home in comfort, QEH’s Dr. Ed Harrison, Ruth Mills, Unit 7 and physical medicine staff, our current doctor; Dr. Coetzee (following in Dr. Kelly’s footsteps). So many thanks to the ever-smiling and caring team of Home Care ladies who came to our home every morning for 3 1/2 years, even holidays. Thanks also to Valerie & Katelyn and 2 LPNs to give respite. Thanks to Julie Clark, C.O for all her help. We felt blessed. Many thanks to the residents of Brookins Drive, family and friends, Kensington United Church members, Kensington Murphy’s Pharmacy team, Your Independent Grocer’s staff and Davison’s Funeral Home. www.davisonfh.com.