Bennie Shewaga

Bennie was born in Cudworth, Saskatchewan to Nicholas and Stella Shewaga. The second son of four children. He was 4 years old when they moved from their Ukranian community to Saskatoon. He enjoyed playing hockey and football as a child on the prairies.

In grade 10 he quit school. Tried his hand on the railroad and installing gas lines for the city. He decided an education was important completing grade 12 at a Tech School. He met Marlene Wright in the late 50’s and they were married. Soon two daughters were born, Laury Ann and Patricia Lynn. He worked his way into the field of telecommunications with Sasktel as an apprentice. He loved to learn and eventually taught others in this field. He worked two jobs. He was a roofer on weekends and paraded with the Militia 3 nights a week. He pursued multiple mechanical tickets with the army out at Dundurn. He proudly rose to the level of Lieutenant. He was busy. He fished the Northern Saskatchewan lakes and played baseball on the telephone league.

In the late 60’s he fell in love with the Okanagan Valley. The beauty of the mountains and lakes the ripe fruit and warm weather called him. He applied to Okanagan Telephone company and was eagerly hired! He moved his family to Vernon in July of 1970. He loved it!

Together they decided to do more activities together. He launched into building a house. He then invested in a fishing boat and explored mountain lakes with Marlene and his girls. A buddy got them into curling. Both Marlene and Ben enjoyed mixed teams and weekend bonspiels. He was part of a team that went to the brier in Nova Scotia! A fond memory. They also tried cross country skiing. Enjoying the exhilaration of the trails around Silver Star. Then he tried Ocean fishing. For 10 years they fished for Salmon at Poett’s Nook canning on the beach! Another adventure began with downhill skiing that started with his daughters at Tillicum Valley and Silver Star.

In ‘84 Marlene had a severe stroke with lifelong complications. This challenged the life they had built but showed their lifelong determination to make their marriage work. In 1988 BC Tel insisted he move to Kelowna. Under pressure they moved but they never looked back.

They moved into their dream home on Dilworth. It was his castle. Fruit trees, gardens and ongoing yard projects and an ongoing ‘Basement’ dream happened. Fishing derbies, golfing, water skiing, downhill skiing at Big White all were pursued. Retirement in 96 gave him more time to enjoy the Okanagan. He loved sharing ‘his’ mountain as a ski host to people from around the world.

They also cruised to Hawaii, Panama, and Alaska a couple of times. Ben lived his dreams.

His sister Marlene brought her boys out here for camping and fishing trips. Cousins from the prairies loved to visit as did the many friends gathered in their lifetime. His wife, Marlene’s family visited regularly. All were welcomed to his ‘paradise’.

Throughout these years, Laury married Ken Spohr and Lynn married Andy Miller. Ben got the ‘sons’ he always wanted to help gather wood and enjoy his passions! Then he became Grandpa first to Jennifer Bernier (Gene), followed by Kyle Miller (Stacey), Ross Miller (Jennifer). Emily Anderson (James), Matthew Spohr (Melissa), Daniel Spohr (Katelyn) and Shannon Spohr. Everyone was included in his joyful passions. 12 Great Grands continue the joy!

However, sadly aging took its toll. Heart attacks, strokes, hip and knee replacements, skin cancers and then kidney disease took away the joy he had. Loosing his sight to Macular Degeneration was so hard. He fought valiantly and was determined to live forever. But he did not. After a second stay in Kelowna General this year, he passed away.

The family expresses their appreciation to the many who cared for him: Kelowna General Hospital, The Cancer Clinic, The Kidney Care Unit, Dr. Hoojan and opthamology team and most recently Dr. Fishbook.

The staff at Regency Sandalwoods Retirement Resort have created a warm and supportive community for Marlene and family. Thank you to Chedi Soussia and Lindsay for going above and beyond.

First Memorial Funeral Services looking after internment.

Family and close friends will gather at Regency Sandalwood Retirement Resort – October 26th 2:00-7:00 for time of sharing.