SCHUURMAN HESS, Bernardus (Ben) Frederick – joined his Heavenly Father on Father’s Day June 18, 2023 at the age of 88. Ben passed away peacefully at Hospice Wellington surrounded by the love of his family.
Ben was predeceased (2004) by his first love Martha Schuurman Hess, and survived by his second love Elly Schuurman Hess. Ben is survived by his children Bart (Isabel), Peggy (Craig), James (Sheri), and Rachel (Peter), and his stepchildren Liz (Rick), Bill (Susie), Rob, Don (Chelle) and Tammy (James). Ben was also a proud Opa of 22 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Predeceased by his parents Arie and Antoinetta. Survived by his sisters Nel, Julia (Frans) and brother Arie (Joke). He is predeceased by his sisters Annie, Cobi, Hennie, Tinie, and Rikkie.
Ben had many passions throughout his lifetime; he loved the outdoors including sailing, downhill skiing (until his late 70’s), biking, gardening, fishing, long walks, camping at Killbear and spending time at his trailer and boat in Port Elgin.
He also loved playing games, cards, dominoes and doing puzzles. He loved organ music, playing the harmonica, wheel of fortune and jeopardy. He loved socializing and parties, and he loved to talk and laugh. He loved the Lord and he loved his family and friends.
He was very proud of his Dutch heritage, so much so that he did not become a Canadian Citizen until he was “encouraged” to by Elly, but he still didn’t tell anybody!
Ben was a local homebuilder and owner of Roben Homes, he built many homes throughout the city and was well known for “The Bungalow“. Ben openly and regularly shared the difficult story (and many tears) of his childhood experience as a 10 year old in Holland in 1944, when due to the war and subsequent food shortage, he and two of his sisters were sent off from the rest of the family to farms that they walked to 160 km away. Ever since then, he lived a life of strict food and meal routines and making terrible wine. But he had such a grateful heart and childlike excitement for all his favourite foods and sweets. Meals always started with Ben exclaiming “Eetsmakeluk!” immediately after giving thanks.
Ben was diagnosed 10 years ago with dementia, and despite losing his mind he never lost his wit or his zest for life, and his heart was softened. He made us laugh more than ever these last several years, and we will miss him.
Visitation will be held at Christian Reformed Church, 287 Water St. Guelph, on Friday, June 23, 2023 from 4pm-7pm. Family only Interment will be held Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 9:30am at The Farnham Cemetery, 570 Arkell Road, Arkell with funeral service to follow at 11:00 am at Water Street Church, 287 Water St. Guelph on Saturday, June 24, 2023
Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com).
In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice Wellington or the Alzheimer’s Society would be most appreciated.
A tree will be planted in memory of Ben Schuurman Hess in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.