Ben Big Canoe
He was born October 31, 1940
He left us on Friday, December 30, 2011
Ben's spot at the table in the cafe was empty this morning. We left the space for his wheelchair - he joined us in spirit and we toasted him.
We will remember him fondly - his gentle nature, his grin - he always had an eye for the ladies and some of the things he said ... well, only Ben could get away with them.
He knew everyone and he seemed to carry the genealogy of the entire village in his head - He knew who was married to whom (who had been married to whom) and where their children were. He supported kids playing hockey and watched them grow up.
He made an impact on us. We will miss him. We will miss his gruffness and his jokes - you were never really sure whether he was serious or not until the zinger came. He was a straight shooter - always said what was on his mind, but he was never mean-spirited. I never heard him say a bad word about anyone. He had a gentleness that drew people in - children loved him.
We all loved him.
There will be no formal service or memorial.
We ask that each of you remember Ben in your own way. If desired, a donation can be made to the Diabetes, Kidney or Heart and Stroke Foundation.