G. Ben Docktor OBM
January 16, 1940 - McClusky, North Dakota
November 1, 2022 - Scottsdale, Arizona
BEN WAS A DEDICATED GOLFER THAT NEVER LET A LITTLE RAIN, OR EVEN SLEET KEEP HIM OFF THE LINKS.
HE WOULD BE THRILLED TO BE HONOURED IN THIS WAY.
Ben was born to Alvina and Ben Docktor in the small farming town of McClusky, North Dakota on January 16, 1940. After serving in the Army for a brief time, Ben worked as a roughneck in Newcastle, Wyoming. This was the beginning of what became a lifelong passion for the industry. Ben and his family moved to Calgary in 1973, where his business acumen and drive culminated in the creation of many highly successful companies in every aspect of the oil and gas industry and transportation. Ben was a visionary. He had a dream of a world class racing facility in Calgary, and went on to build Race City Speedway, which earned him a place in the Canadian Motor Sports Hall of Fame as a track developer, owner, and driver.
Ben's strength was only surpassed by his generosity of spirit and humanity. He gave to many charitable organizations and was so proud of his fundraising legacy with the B'nai Brith. Ben was a rising tide, lifting-up all those around him. His leadership and mentorship will never be forgotten by the many friends, family, and co-workers he inspired and guided through tough times. He left the world better than he found it and will always be remembered and cherished by those who knew him.
We are proud to honour Ben's memory alongside his loving wife Diane Docktor, their children, Terry OBM, Julie, Bobbie Jo, Mark, and Benjamin, grandchildren Isaac, Katie, Jenna, McKenzie, and Miles, and four beloved great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Ben was a supporter of numerous charitable causes as well as to the everyday man or woman that he met on the street needing assistance. He always took the time to stop, talk, give a pep talk, hope, and listen to their stories. It was all about hope, help, and treating humanity with respect. At the end of the day, Ben always said that to be able to help those less fortunate was a privilege and honour. It is wonderful to give to charities worldwide, but don’t forget the person you pass on the street. This won’t get you headlines in the newspaper, but that feeling you get inside when you help your fellow man can’t be replaced by headlines.
Charities Close to Ben's Heart
- Alberta Champions Society - www.AlbertaChampions.org
- B'nai Brith Canada - www.BnaiBrith.ca
- Chabad Lubavitch of Alberta - www.ChabadAlberta.org
- Hockey Helps the Homeless - www.HockeyHelpstheHomeless.com
- Luke's Wings - www.LukesWings.org
- Project Warmth - www.ProjectWarmth.ca
- Shriners Hospital for Children - www.ShrinersChildren.org
- Tunnel to Towers Foundation - www.t2t.org
- Wounded Warriors Canada - www.WoundedWarriors.ca
Articles about Ben
- B'nai Brith Calgary Lodge #816 – Ben Docktor Award of Excellence
Since its inception in 1993, the Ben Docktor Award of Excellence has been presented to an individual who has contributed to fostering the growth and development of the annual B’nai Brith Dinner. Award recipients lead by example and personify B’nai Brith’s principles of Benevolence, Brotherly Love, and Harmony through volunteer work and dedication in the greater Calgary community
- The Ben Docktor Award of Excellence Recipients - The Speed Docktor - Race City Founder Likes to Go First Class
- Docktor to join Motoring Hall of Fame - Calgary Herald - January 13th, 2012
- Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame Inductee in 2011 - https://cmhf.ca/ben-docktor/
- Ben Docktor remembered as 'first-class' Race City creator, builder of Calgary motorsports scene - Calgary Herald - November 11th, 2022
- "I don't think I can rewrite my script" - On The Road - Calgary Herald
- An earthquake brought Ben Docktor to Calgary - Calgary Sun
- Treeline Well Services, a Leader in the Field for 20 Years - Business in Calgary - June 1st, 2017