BENEDICT “BEN” JOHN SMALL

It is with great sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of Ben Small on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at the age of 92. Ben will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 69 years, Roberta (née Burzuik); children, Rob (Susan), Sandy (John), Jeff (Colleen) and Mike (Dulce); grandchildren, NIcole (Pat), Kyle (Amanda), Crystal (Jordan), Robyn (Dillon), Brett, Blake (Brooklyn), Paige (Brady), Sydney (Alex), Riley, Chris, Jon (Jolene), Robbie; and great grandchildren, Teal, Hadley, Ava, Koa, Arwen and Mikayla; as well as numerous extended family members.

Ben was predeceased by his parents, John and Anne (née Osinchuk) Small; brothers, Henry, Conrad and Jack; son-in-law Barry Mulder; brothers-and sisters-in-law, Dennis and Laura Burzuik, and Joe and Marianne Ryczko.

Ben was one of four brothers who grew up in Courtney BC, where he met the love of his life, Roberta “Bobbie”. As a young adult, Ben moved with Bobbie’s family to Winnipeg, where they were married and raised their four children. Dad worked as an autobody man at Kachur Motors and moonlighted at several other autobody shops to keep things afloat during tough times. He later trained and was hired as an autobody instructor at what was previously known as Red River Community College where he worked for the next 25 years, until his retirement. During his tenure at RRCC, Ben made strong connections in the autobody industry and took great pride in seeing his graduating students become successful in their trade. Dad cherished his time as a teacher and loved when a former student would see him years later and thank him for his caring and supportive approach during their education...

Dad could best be described as a glass “half full” kind of guy. He cherished every day of his life and brought out the best qualities in those around him. He was an amazing role model that taught us to always do the very best that we could in whatever we were involved in. Dad had a way of making everyone feel special. He always had a kind word and loved helping others in any way he could. Ben was known for his sense of humor and famous one liners that became his trademark. Dad was never bored a day in his life as he was always dabbling in a variety of interests. One of dad’s favorite things to do with family and friends was pulling their RV and spending time in various campgrounds throughout Canada and the U.S. He and mom also enjoyed years of square dancing and golfing with their “gang” many of whom became lifelong friends. Ben’s love of music led him to try his hand at playing guitar. Once he had learned how to chord, he took great joy in strumming along to some of his favorite songs. After retirement, dad found a love in the woodworking technique known as intarsia. He created many beautiful pieces over the years and became a master at his craft. Dad did not let his age prevent him from exploring the joy of technology. He became quite proficient in his sending of e-mails, calling Uber, using Skip the Dishes and his weekly online grocery order from Superstore. Dad also loved his photography and making slideshows of every trip taken and many family celebrations using a variety of software applications on his computer. Ben had an innate understanding of how things worked and was able to fix just about anything, even before the days of Google and Youtube. If dad couldn’t fix it, no one could!

Ben will be remembered 

always and loved forever! 

We will miss you, 

Dad / Grampa / Gpa.

A private family celebration of Ben’s life will be held at a later time.

If friends so wish, memorial donations may be made in Ben’s memory to The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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