He graduated from Philadelphia’s Germantown Friends School. At Princeton, he belonged to Court Club and graduated with honors in psychology. He continued his education in Canada by earning a master’s degree at Dalhousie University in 1952, a Ph.D. from McGill in 1955, and a medical degree from Dalhousie in 1962.
He became a psychiatrist in 1967 and then a neuropsychiatrist. Ben served as assistant dean of medicine at Dalhousie and as head of the psychiatry department. He authored many academic papers during his career.
It was no surprise to anyone when Ben became a Canadian citizen in 1957, as his family roots went back to Nova Scotia, where his great-great-grandfather sailed on whaling ships in the early 1800s.
His life went beyond academia. He was an avid bird watcher and a longtime member of the Halifax Curling Club. He also enjoyed carpentry — building a barn and undertaking many projects at the old family home. He took great delight in entertaining family and friends with limericks and stories, which reflected his witty sense of humor.
Ben is survived by his wife of 55 years, Margaret; children Heather and Rod; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.