BENJAMIN JAMES HARPER

Born in Winnipeg, Ben loved being outside, particularly near water; swimming at the family cottage at Laclu as a boy, water skiing at Oak Lake in his years in Brandon, fishing in the East Kootenays in his years in Kimberley, B.C., relaxing by water of Manitoba lakes, salt water from the coast of B.C. to the Gulf Coast of Florida, and most recently spending time with his grandchildren in the Shuswap region of B.C..

Having moved in 1957 to Brandon, Ben worked his entire career as an electrician. First for Clark’s Electric and later G.T. Smith’s & Sons of Brandon, before working in the Sullivan mine in Kimberley B.C. for Cominco, and finally spending 23 years working for Canadian Pacific Railway in the Winnipeg Diesel shop.

Ben met the love of his life, Donna in Brandon on July 6, 1976 and they were married a year and a half later, 5 years later they welcomed Tyler into their family. Ben loved his family deeply, including his daughter in-law Carmen and his adoring grandchildren Alister and Eleonore.

Ben was forever a Bomber fan, from the Bud Grant era, through the glory years of the 1984-1990 and into the renewal at IG Field, including being a ticket holder since 1987. Many family memories were made at Winnipeg Stadium/Canada Inns’, and later IGF. Including the 1993 Eastern Final and the 2019 Banjo Bowl.

Ben was always had a warm heart, even though he often wore a tough exterior. But so much changed in the early 2000s as Ben encountered Jesus in a new way and was baptized in the January 2006. Ben found himself in a closely-knit church family in Grant Memorial Church where he made countless formative friendships.

Ben expectantly entered St. Boniface Hospital on February 25th for heart surgery with the expectation of a speedy recovery and travel to be with family. Instead, due to complications in and following surgery, Ben spent the next four months fighting hard to recover in the Intensive Care Cardiac Surgery Unit.

Ben had always been gifted with a sharp mind and a careful ear. This served him well in employment, in his family, and serving on various boards — particularly surrounding Grant Memorial. Ben was also known for his cleanliness and organization.

Ben is survived by his wife Donna, son and daughter in-law Tyler & Carmen, grandchildren Alister & Eleonore. The family would like to thank the staff of St. Boniface— particularly ICCS — for their care and dedication, and the many friends and neighbours who have cared for our family through this time.

Ben was a loving man and was loved by many. His heart broke for those who society had treated unfairly. He will be deeply missed by many and yet, we live in the hope of the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting— life as it was intended to be— knowing that Ben will be with us in Christ.

A Celebration of life will be held at 1:30 pm August 28th, 2021 at Grant Memorial Church. To view live stream of service of live stream please click here. In the meantime, Ben's family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

In leu of flowers please donate to Saint Boniface Hospital Cardiac Care3.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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