Ben Viccari

Benedetto George Silvestro (Ben) Viccari (named for father Benedetto and his Italian and English nonni) was born in London, July 2, 1918. Served in British Army with the Allied Commission's Military Mission to the Italian Army in Italy, worked in British film industry after World War II, migrated to Canada on retrofitted midget aircraft carrier Empire MacDermott, disembarking at Pier 21 December 15 1947.

Voyage was eventful since Viccari broke a blood vessel in his nose and bled copiously for five of ten days, arriving at Halifax in a weakened but blissful condition.

Became Canadian citizen in 1953. Active in communications as consultant, freelance writer, television broadcaster. Published an Italian language weekly. For 15 years, was managing editor of Canadian Scene, non-profit, multilingual service for Canada's ethnic media. Currently publisher/editor of Canscene -- Canada's Multicultural Scene, a voluntary web service promoting Canada's diversity carrying on the work of the now defunct Canadian Scene, championing Canada's diversity (although only unilingually, unfortunately.) Full career listing in Canadian Who's Who. Currently broadcasting commentaries on CFMT-TV, Toronto.

President Canadian Public Relations Society (Toronto) Inc. 1961-62. President Toronto Press Club 1981-82. President Canadian Ethnic Journalists' and Writers' Club, 1997 ---. Member Celebrate Canada Committee for Ontario 1999.

Married to former Anne Elizabeth Welch. Four children, seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Extended family includes Dutch, English, German, Irish, Italian and Mexican roots.