Obituary of Benjamin "Ben" Unruh

Ben Unruh, a long time resident of Farmington, B.C. passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 in Dawson Creek, B.C. at the age of 78 years. Benjamin was born on March 20, 1937 in Bournemouth, Saskatchewan to parents John and Lena Unruh. Ben was a brother to John, Eva, Olga, Rita, Ruth, Ricki, and Abe. Ben resided in Northwest Saskatchewan from 1937-1948 when they moved to Black Creek, B.C. This is where he spent his teenage years, and where he met Frieda Dirks. They married on July 27, 1958 and moved their family to Farmington, B.C. in 1965 and have called Farmington home to this day. His early years in Saskatchewan involved many moves from place to place, farm to farm, but the children were being educated in life skills such as hard work, academics, music, spiritual perception, and social responsibility. This foundation is one that Ben never strayed from in his entire life. Ben's logging and construction work skills were built in Black Creek; it was there that the love of cattle captured his imagination and his passion for trapping began, and it was there that he met and married the love of his life Frieda. It was also there that he realized how important it was to anchor all of his dreams in the calling of God and to embrace faith in God as a guiding principle of all future endeavours. As a husband, Ben was a faithful partner, a dedicated provider, a spiritual leader, and a protector. As a dad, he was adored as a visionary, a solid rock, a mentor, an example, and an inspiration. Ben never quit learning, and as he learned he never quit teaching his family. He was a go-to uncle, loved dearly by nieces and nephews, he was full of fun and fully engaged the young ones, everyone was important to him. He became a mentor and refuge for some who were lost or confused and helped steer them back to their families and to God. As a neighbour, he recognized the value of being involved in community events, of honoring the neighbours, always seeing the best in people and not criticising those who thought or did things differently. As a preacher, Ben's desire was to focus on seeing true life and true faith encouraged and built in the people with whom he ministered. As a friend Ben was loyal and supportive, never abandoning friends from the past, and though he stayed focused on his own calling and the work that entailed, he always spoke kindly and with great respect when recalling friends of his youth and always full of grace and hope when conversing with present friends. Ben was predeceased by his parents; John and Lena Unruh, and his sisters; Olga Klaassen and Eva Unruh. Ben is survived by his loving wife of 57 years; Frieda, his children; Jeff (Val) Unruh, Dirk Unruh, Kelly (Karen) Unruh, Seymour (Dawn) Unruh, Vera (Danny) Soles, Milton (Brenda) Unruh, Jason (Carolyn) Unruh, thirty-three grandchildren, and many great grandchildren, as well as his brothers; Abe and John, and his sisters; Rita, Ruth, and Ricki, along with many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Ben's Life was held on Monday, November, 23, 2015 at 1:00 PM at the Farmington Hall in Farmington, B.C. Interment will be at a later date. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium