Ben passed away peacefully on December 26th 2013 at Bastion Place at the age of 86 years.
Ben was born in Rhenen, Netherlands on May 27, 1927 and immigrated to British Columbia, in 1953. After working in different areas of the province he settled in Salmon Arm, married the “love of his life” (Trudy) and purchased a Dairy Farm in 1959.
After retirement, he enjoyed travelling, family, gardening and many volunteer endeavours.
Ben is survived by one sister Alida Smit (Albert), his two children: John (Carolyn), Caroline (Sante) and four grandchildren. All have good memories of Dad, Opa, Grandpa. Even the calves at the farm will miss him!
He is predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Trudy in 2005, two of his sisters and brother.
We would like to extend a big thank you to the many community care aides, staff at Arbor Lodge and Bastion Place for their outstanding care and compassion.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, January 4, 2014, 1:30 p.m. at the First United Church in Salmon Arm.
If family and friends wish to make a donation in Ben’s memory, please donate to the Shuswap Hospital Foundation at PO Box 265, Salmon Arm, BC, V1E 4N3, telephone 250-803-4565 or online.