April 12, 1926 – September 17, 2015
Passed away in his 90th year on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at Amica Retirement Centre, Dundas, Ontario. Joseph was predeceased by Arline, his wife of 61 years. Survived by three children — Susan Ban (Bob Rutledge), David Ban (Dee Mehl), and Deborah Ban (Craig Rumble) as well as grandchildren, Samuel (Taylor), Michael, Aaron (Caroline), Jacob (Grady), and Braelyn, and four great grandchildren; dear friend of many, especially Virginia Bontje. Joseph was a man of deep Christian faith, profound hope and generous love. His passion for learning and teaching led him to author numerous books, including Education for Change, Facing Today’s Demands, and Jesus Confronts Life’s Issues. An ordained minister in both the American Baptist Churches USA and Canadian Baptist Churches of Ontario & Quebec, he, along with his wife, Arline, travelled and taught internationally. Dr Ban was a pastor and served on the denominational staff of ABC USA. He guided students as chaplain at Penn State University and also served as chaplain and professor of history at Linfield College, Oregon, moving to Canada for his appointment as professor of Christian Education at McMaster Divinity College. Upon his retirement he received the honour of Emeritus Professor. The family expresses great appreciation to Dr J. Williams of Dundas for nearly 40 years of exceptional medical care. A Celebration of Joseph’s life will be held Monday, September 21 at 11 am at the Cattel, Eaton & Chambers Funeral Home 53 Main Street, Dundas, reception to follow. The family will gather on the west coast for a private service and interment.
On behalf of the Dundas Probus Club, we extend our deep sympathy to the family of Joseph Ban. We knew him as an active member of the Dundas Probus Club. He will be missed.
Norm Grey,
Secretary
Dundas Probus Club
Our condolences to Joe’s family on their loss. It was a great pleasure to know Joe during his time at Amica. He was a kind and gentle man.
Met Joe at McMaster seniors. His basic decency and strong sense of values were obvious as well as his love
for Arlene and family. Our friendship was enhanced by our shared love of The NEWYORKER.
Joe & Arline were dear friends to me and my “American husband,” David, after they moved to Canada.
They always talked so lovingly and with great pride about you all, their family.
In my mind and heart I am encircling you with a warm hug, and sending prayers and wishes for strength and comfort and love surrounding as you flow through the grieving that comes naturally when we experience the death of a loved one.
May the love and comfort of God be very deep and close to you now and always.
Mary Morgan McKnight
Bobcaygeon, Ontario.
I remember when Dr. Ban used to conduct worship services at Dundas Baptist Church on Park Street in Dundas, Ontario when my first pastor Gary Caldwell and his family went on summer holidays back in the 1980s. He always made his presence known at the church and I remember his wife, Arline as well. I would like to thank Gary for letting me know of Joe’s passing. My thoughts are with my friends at DBC and with Joe and Arline’s family.
Susan,David and Deborah,
We were so sorry to read of Joe’s death. We have been friends of your parents for many years particularly me ,Frances, with Arline, through our involvement with the Pastoral Counselling Centre and also in the small prayer group she and I and Jo Conlin and Mary Gibson met with for several years. Joe was an amazing Christian man and a source of inspiration to so many people.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of your family as you adjust to life without your loved ones.
Deborah: We did not have the opportunity of meeting your siblings, but extend our condolences to all of you. Both of us were deeply touched by our associations with your parents who were mentors to many of us. We were not students of Joe at Mac, but learned much from him and your mother in our associations with them both while in Beamsville and Brantford. We have lost a great soul among us. Blessings to you all
Fred and Elizabeth, Ottawa
Dear Deborah: Joan and I send our sympathies to you on the passing of your father – he and your mother Aline were friends for many years, have preached In our church, and their friendship has brightened our home and our lives and our College. May the God of peace comfort you and Craig and your families, and may your parents’ graciousness continue to shine in your lives.
Joan and Bill Wood.
On behalf of Wayne and I we extend our condolences to Joe Ban’s family. Joe and Arlene lead many bible studies and discussions at DBC which I thoroughly enjoyed. Many great memories!! God Bless Sheri
Deb and Craig,
The news of Joe’s passing brings to mind cherished memories of our time together at Mac. I wish you and your family God’s comfort as you grieve the loss of this gentle man of lasting faith and influence.
Peace, Dave
Our condolences on the passing of your father, Deb. We remember him as a kind and gentle man amongst us. Although we didn’t see him, he always greeted us warmly whenever we met.
This is the time of life when your classmates obituaries appear. We were classmates with .Joe and Arlene at Colgate-Rochester Divinity School. He was a serious student and a warm friend. While we had not seen him for some years, we maintained connection.
We rejoice in the teaching ministry he and Arlene had. He leaves a legacy of students and family who remember him and are grateful for his influence.
w
I too, like another respondent, did not have the privilege of sitting under Joe’s tutelage as a McMaster Divinity College student. I had graduated from that Institution before Joe arrived. Later, I did have opportunities to be a participant in seminars led by Joe (at least one along with Aline). Their presence was an encouragement and a gift. My thoughts go to Deborah (and Craig), along with other family members. John Furry (Woodstock, ON)
I definitely remember Prof. Ban. He was also the chief Chaplin when I was at Linfield. I accepted Christ into my life in (Feb.) 1971 and he was a history professor back then. He was a good man and being a follower of Christ – he is now in a BETTER place.
What a great Uncle you were! I will keep you in my memories.