Mr. Benjamin Frederick Smith

Ben often said: “I’ve had a great life!” Now he and his beloved Ethel are “together at last”. Ben was a loving son to Gertie and Dick Smith and admiring brother to June Bourdon. He doted on tribes of Bourdon and Olson nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, was a faithful brother-in-law and an unforgettable cousin. He collected friends, hub caps, jokes and cigarette lighters in large numbers wherever he went. Above all, Ben and Ethel were inseparable over their 47 year honeymoon.

Ben loved working alongside his Dad on the family dairy farm near Aldergrove, a forty acre “stump ranch”. He served as an Engine Room Artificer RCNVR on a variety of ships during the Second World War, mainly on the HMCS Jonquiere escorting huge convoys and performing sub-marine patrol during the battle of the Atlantic. Ben joined the Union Steamships Co. in 1946, but quit the sea for good after marrying Ethel Olson, “the girl of my dreams”, in 1950. Ben had a long and successful career with BC Tel. “Beans ‘n’ Apples” enjoyed their careers, their lovely homes on W. 46th Ave., a series of flashy cars, long road trips – above all, they enjoyed each other’s company.

Ethel’s unexpected passing in 1996 was heartbreaking. Ben occupied his time with volunteer work for ERA vets’ reunions, Speed Watch and community policing, and the Vancouver Navy Museum and Heritage Society. He wrote extensively about his family, war experiences and the histories of Aldergrove and Union Steamships.

Bennie will be fondly remembered for his unique sense of humour, amazing 70-year driving career (over 70 km/h?!), artistic bent, support of causes such as cancer research, and loyalty to his family. He continued to make friends to the last. Ben really did have a great life!

Please join us for a Service of Remembrance / Celebration of Life this Sunday, July 29 at 2 pm, Ocean View Funeral Home, 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby, BC.