W. Ben Wiebenga

WIEBENGA, W. Ben passed away suddenly on Tuesday, May 21, 2013. He was born in Holland on November 23, 1930, to Hendrick & Johanna Wiebenga and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1946 where he eventually settled in Blenheim, Ontario. Ben is survived by his sister Joan & Pete Anderson and was preceded in death by 3 of his siblings, Janet & husband Glen Ogle, Bill Wiebenga, and Grace Warwick. Ben was owner of Resistance Welding Products, Blenheim, with his partner George McLeod.
He is survived by his wife Betty (nee Spin) of 58 years and his children, Henry & his wife Sue (nee McKillop), daughters Hilda and Jodie and their husbands Ewoud Van Goch and Randy Charles. He was a beloved grandfather to grandsons: Lucas (and Katie), Mitchell, Neven & Aidan Wiebenga, Dylan & Griffin Van Goch and granddaughter Jordan Charles. Also survived by one sister-in-law, Joyce Wiebenga, brother-in-law, Gary Warwick and several nieces and nephews.
Never a man to sit still, Ben was known for his hard work whether it be at his business, home, cottage or garden. He had a keen intelligence, compassionate nature, quick wit and sense of humour. He loved to fish and was always eager to share the proceeds of his labour, whether it was his smoked fish, homemade sausages, or flowers, fruit and vegetables from his garden. He treasured the innocence of children and many in his Church and neighbourhood will miss his endless supply of candies and ice creams.
Friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street, Blenheim to show their support to Ben’s family on Thursday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Ben will be held in First Reformed Church, 632 Lacroix Street, Chatham on Friday May 24, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be held in the church from 12:00 – 1:00 prior to the service. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to consider making a memorial donation to World Vision, Leprosy Missions Canada or Christian Blind Mission. Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com