Edgar Benson, former Queen's professor and long-serving member of Parliament.

Flags on campus are lowered in memory of Edgar Benson, an alumnus and former Queen’s School of Business professor.

Mr. Benson earned his commerce degree from Queen’s in 1949. He became a widely respected and distinguished accountant who practiced his profession in Kingston and taught at the Queen’s School of Business.

Mr. Benson was elected to Parliament in 1962 and represented the riding of Kingston and the Islands for 10 years. During that time, he held many roles in the governments of Lester Pearson and Pierre Trudeau including Minister of Finance and Minister of Defence.

After retiring from politics in 1972, Mr. Benson was the president of the Canadian Transport Commission for 10 years. Between 1982 and 1985, he served as Canada’s ambassador to Ireland.

Mr. Benson received an honorary LLD from Queen’s in the fall of 2008.

A celebration of Mr. Benson’s life was held earlier this week. Private interment at Beechwood Cemetery will be held at a future date.

Donations may be made in Mr. Benson’s memory to the Ottawa Humane Society or Amnesty International.