BENJAMIN (BEN) SAWATZKY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

BENJAMIN (BEN) SAWATZKY On Friday, November 10, 2006, Ben Sawatzky, beloved husband of Susan (nee Wiebe) passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family. Ben is lovingly survived by his wife of 50 years, Susan; sons Stanley, Robert (Ruth) and Troy (Evelyn); daughter Debbie, and nine grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother Jack and sister Sarah. Born in Cuauhtemoc, Mexico on November 5, 1923, Ben came to Canada as part of the Mennonite movement in the 1930s. Ben met Susan in Altona, a few years later they were wed on April 29, 1956. Their early years as a family were spent in various towns and cities across Canada while Ben worked as a heavy equipment operator. His favourite working memories were of his time spent working on the Trans Canada Pipeline, the summer he spent working on the John Blumberg golf course, as well as enjoying pointing out the many other construction jobs he contributed to whenever we drove around Winnipeg. Ben and Susan settled in Winnipeg in 1956 when Ben began his favourite project, building the family home in Brooklands at 56 Elliswood St. which he completed in 1960. A private time of remembrance with family and friends will be held. The family would also like to thank the doctors and nursing staff of Seven Oaks Hospital, as well as the home care workers for their care and compassion, and assistance in facilitating his final days at home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ben's memory may be made to the Manitoba Lung Association by calling the toll-free number 1-888-566-LUNG (5864).

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 18, 2006