Ben McKillican was a quiet, behind-the-scenes organizer and leader who exemplified Rayjon’s focus on establishing strong relationships with partners and communities in the Dominican Republic. Despite his limited Spanish, Ben had an extraordinary ability to communicate through his actions and unwavering commitment.
In Canada, Ben and his wife Dianne filled numerous roles, organizing, supporting, and overseeing Rayjon’s work at home and abroad. He inspired volunteers, guided projects, and fostered a community committed to humanitarian and social justice causes.
A strong advocate for humanitarian and social justice causes, Ben’s trips were a catalyst for many to continue working and volunteering in those areas. He led numerous awareness trips to the Dominican Republic, bringing hundreds of young and not-so-young adults to learn about life in the DR. Through these experiences, he introduced Rayjon trip participants to “caregivers” – people who demonstrated deep love and compassion for Dominicans and Haitians living in marginalized communities.
Ben himself was one of those caregivers. Through his actions and solidarity, he showed a genuine and enduring love for the people of the Dominican Republic. After going on his first Rayjon trip with his wife Dianne in 1993, he committed to returning again and again leaving a deep and lasting impression on the organizations and communities he visited.
As George Tertullian, Founder of the PLADESCUBA, shared, “I am very grateful to Ben. He trusted me and supported me with the foundation in Consuelo.”
Ben’s leadership, compassion, and steady presence shaped countless lives. He will be deeply missed by the Rayjon community, partners in the Dominican Republic, and friends and families in Canada, but his legacy of hope and service will continue to inspire for decades to come.
Visitation details can be found here: http://www.knightfuneralhome.ca/obituary/ben-mckillican/