The first time I met Oto was when Oto & his parents came to Bandung and Oto attended service in Bahureksa (a branch of GKI Juanda). I was a Sunday School teacher for GPIB Maranatha Church at that time & Lan served in that same church as well.
When Oto was still in Canada, his father asked Ben’s brother, Gideon, who was also Lan’s Bible Study leader at that time, whether there was a girl who joined Bible Study who could be introduced to Oto. Gideon introduced Lan to Oto and they started a correspondence. 

One day Oto went to Singapore with Maranatha Church group to open a branch there. After staying there for a few months, Oto got a job in Kiso Jiban to supervise the first few stations of MRT.
One day Oto had a chance to visit Bandung and Lan & Oto met there as I mentioned above.

After they got married, they went to Singapore.  I treated Oto as my own son instead of my son-in-law.
When Jessica was born, I went to Singapore to help them. Jessica was only a few weeks old when Lanny needed to be hospitalized due to a certain health issue. So I was taking care of Jessica & the house work bc Oto needed to go to work.

One night, when I was feeding Jessica with a bottle of milk, I put Jessica on my lap and sat on the side of  the bed. I was so sleepy at that time causing Jessica to fall to the floor. Her head hit the floor and she cried. I was so shocked then I took Jessica. Her head was red & Oto who just came from work, was shocked as well. I was so thankful that there was no wound in Jessica’s head. Then I continued to feed Jessica & she finished her milk and fell asleep. Since that time on, I always leaned on the wall beside the bed & put a bolster to prevent Jessica from falling.
Since that time, Oto & I took turns taking care of Jessica at night. When Jessica was 2 months old, she was not peeing too often and was calmer.

When Lan got used to taking care of Jessica, I went back to Bandung. I am glad & thankful that I could help Lan & Oto when they needed me.



I remember Ben from our days together at Maranatha Campus Ministries in Waterloo Ontario in the 1980s. He was a good friend that could always be counted on for a smile and kind word.  He loved to lead worship and he had a giving servants heart, fun to be around. Whenever we referred to the "brothers and sisters" in the fellowship as "dudes and dudettes" he always laughed-never failed.
Very sad that he has left those he loved and those that loved him so much. Our sincerest condolences Ken and Maria Greene 

Benjamin played guitar in our worship team in the Maranatha churching Waterloo Ont. . He was always such a kind soft spoken fellow. He played at Paula and mine wedding too. 
Both Benjamin and I had Honda civic cars back then, one day he asked me if I wanted him to tune up my car. I knew nothing about cars so I said yes and decided to join him in the parking lot while he worked on my car. I tried to help him  but because I didn't know what to do, he put me in charge of the music tapes being played on his car stereo. When ever it would run to the end I would hop into his car and start another tape.  One time when changing the tape I saw a jar of black stuff between his seats. I opened it and took a smell, and it was not something I liked at all. I asked him what it was and Benjamin told me it was deep fried squid that his sister had given him. Then he said , try some. I popped one in my mouth - to me it was worse than what it smelled like. I jumped out of the car and he said did you like it?  I couldn't answer but ran around the corner of the building and spit it out. Paula and I have laughed many times because after that I ran into our apt building spitting and racing to get some water to wash out my mouth. we laugh because we think Benjamin thought I liked it.
One other thing sticks out in my memory, it was when Benjamin was eating a peanut butter sandwich and he was trying to sing a song for me that he thought we should sing at church. I just remember his mouth being full of peanut butter and half chewed bread and him trying to get the tune right. 
We are deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Our condolences to the family, what a treasure Benjamin was.

I met Ben in Singapore the summer of 1987. He “held down the fort” with young Singaporeans returning to Singapore after studying at universities in the USA, until an emerging church was forming, which became New Life Christian Church. I became the first official pastor of the church in 1990, about the time Ben was moving to Canada. This summer NLCC celebrates its 30th anniversary. The church would not exist in its present form today without Ben and Lani. Extremity holds a reward for this unsung hero. Thank you Ben.

To Bapa Ben's family ......
Lanny,  Jessica, Jennifer, and Jeremiah,

I'm so blessed knowing each one of you. each one of you have great unique personality just like Bapa Ben is. One of the memories that I can't forget is, the moment where Bapa Ben & Mom Lanny invited me & Michael over to Ben's house right after Sunday Service, and  had a hot pot lunch  with all of you. And from that moment I get to know  sister Jessica, because I thought Ben's kids were just Jennifer and Jeremiah haha.  We had so much fun laughing, sharing stories, eating great food that was provided by Bapa Ben and Mom Lanny. 

Another favorite memory of mine about Bapa Ben was, him giving me a wallet. The message he wrote on the small piece of a gift card was so touching. The message he gave is alive. I'm in tears every time I read it and it gives me strength.  Great thing about wallet he gave was, I lost my wallet nearly December Christmas 2018. I didn't get any chances to get new one. And all of a sudden on ICCC Christmas 2018 right after the service, Bapa Ben reached out to me and said Merry Christmas Roni, I got something for you, and he gave Christmas gift and said hope you can keep it well. I came home with curiosity, open the gift and it was a wallet where I need it the most at that moment, and read the message he wrote. I felt down on my knees in tears praising God for choosing the right person like Bapa Ben to bless me. I'm still keeping that wallet, and will always keep it. And share Bapa Ben's kindness to other people as my living testimony in Christ.

My prayer always goes to you Mom Lanny, Jessica, Jennifer and Jeremiah. Specially to my brother Jeremiah, the man of the house. Pray for you as God is leading you, keeping you, and comfort you. God is blessing you in every step you make, in every decision you make, in every trials you face. He has been with you, and is still with you, and always be with you brotha. 





Your brother in Christ
Ronimel Kiwo




Upon hearing Ko Ben's passing, we were shocked, disbelief and lost for words. Though we are still reeling from the loss, we are humbled and touched by his time here with us. Ko Ben was more than just a dear friend, he was like a brother to us. His impact cannot be contained in his short life time.

As we began to reach out for the right words to express our thoughts about Ko Ben, we remembered the many valued and meaningful roles that he played through out his life.

First and foremost his devotion and commitment to God was the foundation of his actions - the anchor that defined and shaped his life. He loved his Jesus right to the very end of his life and he was such an inspiration. We see him as the family man - a devoted husband and father. He loved his family profoundly. He leaves an amazing legacy behind, three beautiful and brilliant children.

The most remarkable qualities about Ko Ben, he was a man with an absolute uncompromising integrity. We never heard an ill word spoken of him. We have truly lost one of the kindest and gentlest person we ever had the privilege to know. 

We will remember Ko Ben through the many people still left behind whose lives he touched so positively. We will cherish our great memories of our time together and we will never forget all the wonderful times we spent together.

Ko Ben, you are loved beyond words and undoubtedly missed beyond measure. We will remember his life with fondness and thanksgiving for having known this delightful man of God. A loving brother and faithful friend! We will miss your smile and hug. Until we meet again.

In His Grace,
Yohannes & Joan 




In his quiet and gentle way I saw Ben as a steady and loving brother who was there ready to lend a hand or give advice when we need it. He served His Lord by serving his family and church faithfully all the way to the end. 

The last time I saw Ben was in the end of January 2020. I was visiting my mom in the hospital not knowing that he was only a couple of rooms away. I had the privilege to be able to share a few verses & prayed with him. Although I can see that physically he was exhausted, yet I saw hope in his face because he knew our Lord Jesus Christ and that He has a better place waiting for Ben. 

We all shall miss him, but I am encouraged to know that one day soon we who are in the Lord shall meet and fellowship with him again. Thus, to the Soedirgo family and the rest of us who are still in our earthly body allow me to remind us all what Moses said in Psa.90:12, 

“So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” 

I have often compared life to be like a marathon race and every year we can live is like completing another mile and getting closer to the finish line. I do want to finish my race well so that I can proclaim as Paul did in 2Tim.4:7,  

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 

But before I get to that finish line, I am inspired by another of Paul’s life goal,

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24).  

Friends, let us all finish well our God given “race of life,” just as our brother Ben has. He ran his race of life well and now he is enjoying his intimate fellowship with the Lord and eagerly waiting for us in our finish line. I am grateful that my path crossed with Ben’s, but it appears that he has finished his race before I did. So for now I look forward to see him again in our future “home.” 

God is good,
Ed Kho


My memory of Ben is that of a very humble and gentle servant of God. One of the highlights of visiting Canada, and I go there every so often, is meeting up with Ben and his family. He would never fail to invite me over to his home to share a sumptuous home cooked Indonesian meal with his family. He loves Jesus and it is evident in the way he loves and serves his family and others. Even when faced with the greatest of difficulties in life, he would put his trust in our Saviour. Ben has completed his work on earth. He is now home. Fare thee well for now dear brother. We will meet again.

Lanny, Jessica, Jennifer & Jeremiah, 

You were blessed to have Ben as your husband/father. Ben really loved the Lord, obeyed His Word and loved you very much. Our family was really blessed because of our friendship with Ben.

The Word that we will always remember through our friendship with Ben is taken from Psalm 1:3, which says: 

“ And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” 

I believe that the fruit of the Spirit that Ben displayed in his life will be remembered and even become an example of a student/disciple that is faithful to his Teacher.  

See you in the Father’s house, Ben ! 

With love, 
Iriani, Robert, Jonathan & Nathan


We first met Ben & Lanny in person when we moved to Canada.  As newcomers, we felt welcomed and supported by them. When we moved from our apartment to a town house, Ben helped us. Even when my husband, Robby, was laid off, with no permanent job, Ben & Lanny came to our house to give support and prayed for us. To this day, our children and us still remember this kind act. Over time, and through being in the same cell group (cg), we became friends. Looking back, I believe It was not a coincidence that we attended the same cg, for it brought us together as friends. As we got to know Ben better, we noticed that for Ben, helping people was a privilege & ministry. I remember when our bathtub was broken; Robby called Ben to borrow a tool to take the faucet off. To our surprise, Ben came with the big tool right away and they fixed the bathtub without any difficulty. Ben was knowledgeable in many things, including home repair and renovation. A few years ago, I heard that Ben studied and finished his home inspection course. He was really a man of many talents.
In addition to being talented, his close relationship with the Lord made Ben wise. His deep knowledge of the Word of God shaped him to be a humble disciple of Jesus. In most of our cg meetings, Ben had his guitar ready to lead worship.  He also glorified Jesus in his life, as evident by the fact that Ben put God’s word into practice, making God’s word real in his daily life. Ben also liked to share his testimony, often with tears, showing how touched he was by God. Ben’s life shows that in Christ, there is always joy, peace and hope, even in the valleys of life.
Love from us, 
Annie & Robby

Our memory of Ben: 
- Disciple of Christ
- Man after God's heart 
- Discipler
- Loving husband and father
- Church builder
- Faithful friend

In 1983, Ben responded to God's prompting to serve in a team to plant a church in Singapore.  Even as he faced difficulties, he stayed on as he did not sense God calling him to leave Singapore yet.  He found a job and took care of his young family there.  Then in 1988, God used Ben instrumentally to bring together a handful of people and started a cell group in his apartment in Hougang, Singapore which eventually grew into New Life Christian Church in Singapore.  He led by serving and modelling a true disciple of Christ to all the younger folks in the emerging church.  The fruit of Ben's faithfulness and obedience to God's leading, was thousands of lives saved throughout South East Asia.

Ben walked the talk.  He always had a welcoming smile on his face, he was patient, caring and loving.  Through Ben's authentic life and obedience to God, he faithfully served and discipled many.

Years later, as we spent time with him during his visit back here, he was the same person. He still loves God, still encouraged the work, still interested in our lives.  Thank you, Ben for your faithful friendship to us, our family and the church here. You are deeply missed, we will meet again soon, William and Carolyn

It is an honor to share these memories of Ben. We chatted with him for the last time at ICCC 2019 Christmas party. Now, he is enjoying his fellowship with Jesus Christ in heaven (Revelation 21:4). 

Ben left us an IMPORTANT legacy:   
 	HIS FAITH in JESUS CHRIST. He gave a living example and passed on his faith to his children. He was a faithful and dedicated servant of the Lord until his last breath (2 Timothy 4:7).  

 	HIS LOVE and DEDICATION to his family.  He was a beloved, committed, gentle husband of Lanny; loving and caring father of Jessica, Jennifer and Jeremiah. He was also hard-working, providing his family’s daily needs and giving his children a higher education. He engaged in business with integrity, responsibility, trustworthiness, and dignity (Jeremiah 17:7-8).

 	HIS MINISTRY to others was for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Ben was also a kind, friendly, and helpful friend.  He was always willing to generously help people with time, money, and skills. His ministry in mission, praise/worship and prayer blessed us (1 Corinthians 15:58).

We pray Ben’s legacy will be followed by all of us (John 11:25-26).

Sjane, Jonathan and Abigail Peoples

The truth is we didn’t know Ben that closely.  We met him when he came to our house to fix our ceiling - I think he knew our landlord.  And he was such a lovely, lovely man.  Our daughter who was about three at the time liked him so much that she left cookies for him so that he would have a snack.   They became great friends - he would always bring a small gift for her whenever he came back to our home.  

We eventually moved to our own house and if there was ever a problem, we knew that Ben could fix it.  He was God’s gift to us. Throughout the years it was always a joy to see him because along with his competence, he brought a sweet, positive spirit.  He did a thorough job, gave good advice and would be embarrassed to submit a bill to us for payment.  We often had to give him more than he asked for his work.

We were saddened to hear of his passing not just because he blessed us so with his talents, but because the world has lost a beautiful human being.  On the evening that we heard of his passing, as we were naming the things that we were grateful for in preparation of our family prayer time, our daughter, who is now almost 11, said she was grateful for the life of Ben.

It funny how someone that you don’t know that closely can touch you so deeply and make such a difference.  We miss Ben and are eternally grateful for his life.

Sad he had to go so soon. I had plans to visit him this summer.  I have known his family for 32 years. He was a productive & hard worker for his family. He is a good listener and gives good advice.  Always fun to be with him.  Now he is with GOD.  He can play his guitar to God & his family.  He can form a new cell group in heaven. He likes to be busy all the time. I pray for his family to overcome the sadness of not having his physical presence.  


Our deepest condolences for the passing of your beloved husband and father of your 3 children, Ko Ben. 
We were profoundly saddened and shocked when we heard he passed on as we’ve never heard about him getting sick and even being hospitalized for the past couple of months.
We don’t have much words to say, but we know that Ko Ben was a kind man and a true gentleman, who always put others before himself. We got to know him better during our ministry together in ICCC worship team, which to the best of our recollection, never once had we heard him complaining. In fact, he was the one who always tried to make himself available whenever we needed replacement guitar/bass player.....an attitude that undoubtedly will always be remembered and appreciated. 
Yes, even though our time with him on earth has ended....we are at peace knowing that Ko Ben has found his eternal rest in Him and one day we will join him as well. We hope that our thoughts and prayers will support you and your family at this time, but we know that your strong faith in God will get you through this....
Stay strong and God bless you Ci Lanny and family

With love and prayer, 
Awie & Lia


“In quietness and trust is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15).   
Quiet, low profile, humble, Ben (whom we called Oto) would prefer private, intimate conversations than jump at a chance to talk in front of a crowd.   One day, while still involved in a student ministry,  it was his turn to preach the Gospel in front of a crowd.  He dreaded the task but stood up, praying as he nervously shared his message, later on not remembering any of what he said. A friend told him much later that someone who heard him speak asked to be followed up.   
But Oto was ‘noisy’ when it comes to doing things with his hands.  Mama likes to tell what equipment Oto has fixed or installed while he visited Bandung.  And whether it was fixing the toilet’s leaking tank, installing hand grips in the bathroom for Papa, he did them quietly, often without being asked.  The last handyman job Oto did was in October 2018 when he and Jeremiah made Mama’s favorite wall clock chimed the familiar ding-dong again, after a long silence that even the best clock shop in Bandung failed to resurrect.  Sadly, it was the last time we in Indonesia met Oto.                                       
Quiet in the outside but courageous in the inside.  Oto would speak frankly or take bold action when something right has to be said or done.  One day, while working as an engineer, he asked his boss to spare him from having to work overtime very often (which included Sundays) to spend time with family and attend church.   When his boss refused, he left the job and a promising career with a reputed company.  Once he was given counterfeit bills by a shop owner in a foreign currency transaction.  He went back to the shop, well aware of the risk of confronting the person with no proof.   He got his money back in a quiet and elegant fashion.  
Oto is now with Jesus whom he trusted and adored till the end of his life.  I, Sam, am proud and thankful to God to have Oto as my brother in law. We deeply miss our gentle and loving brother. 

We are so sorry to learn of Ben's passing. It came as a shock to us.
Ben was such a kind and gentle person. He was always willing to lend a helping hand where needed. He will be missed.
Please accept our deepest sympathy.
May God give you added strength to cope with your loss.

It was a very difficult when I heard he passed away. We know Ko Ben, that's what we call him,  since we arrived in Canada in 2005. His family is a very beautiful family. We still remember when he was part of Praise & Worship Team in Indonesian Christian Church of Canada, he played guitar,we were really blessed with his commitment to give his best in his ministry. His heart for God and ministry was very strong. 
He was a very hardworking husband and dad. He was trying his best to provide to his family. That's a beautiful character in him that we always see.
He always had kind words to share with us and our family. He was the one who taught me (Jhon) driving in Toronto, and then accompanied me (Jhon) to take my driving test in Toronto. When I passed the test, he rejoiced with us. When we bought a house in Brampton, our first house, he helped a lot with the renovation. That's a huge blessing for us. There are so many beautiful memories that we can share.
Eventhough we had to leave Canada to move to Sydney in 2013 for our ministry, we still keep in touch. We had a good friendship between our family and his. We sometimes went to his house to have dinner together. Like the one that we had in January 2019, when we got back home to Toronto - Canada. That was the last time we met him. We had fun at dinner table, having hot pot and sharing stories together. Ko Ben that we knew in 2019, was still the same a humble man we knew back in 2005. When I heard he has passed away, I knew that he will be with the Father in heaven.  we know that now he is in the most joyous atmosphere with God, he is enjoying his rewards for living in Jesus' salvation grace. One day we will meet again ko Ben.
Words fall short of expressing our sorrow for the loss.
Wishing his family peace to bring you comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. Ko Ben will always remain in our hearts forever.

Jhon, Herni & Theo Halim


Ben has been called home to his God and Savior.
I have known Benjamin for at least 28 years . 
When we first met at his furniture Store in Richmond Hill,  it was to be, that we would become friends and good ones at that.
I have known Ben or Uncle Ben as I have called him, to be dedicated to his family and his lord and savior. He was an honest, loving, compassionate, caring, helpful, spiritual person. We shared many moments together over the years, as I got to know his family and he knew mine. Indeed, he was a very special friend to me and he would always be in my memory.
Eternal rest grant onto him O’Lord  and let your perpetual light shine upon him 
May he rest in the peace of our Loving  God


Ben was our prayer partner.  One day, last year I was very sick (in Malaysia) and Ben texted me and said "we are praying for you". I praise God for a godly man like Ben. God was so faithful in his life and Ben was so faithful to God. I know he is with our good Lord Jesus, now.
Ben, David and I will always remember the good, fun and prayer time together.

Love you so much.

I just watched the funeral.from where I now live in  Port Dickson, Malaysia. I had the privilege of being part of Ben's life since August 1992. We had met at ICCC in Toronto. Since day one, Ben never gave up on me, he often challenged me and  always encouraged me...never quit on me.Ben never let changes in time, years, distance , circumstances, get in the way of his faith in me!

Tuhan memberkati..
Bapak Daud

         Persahabatan dengan Ben Sudirgo (part 1)

Anda masih ingat dengan lagu "Ben" yang dinyanyikan oleh Jackson ketika ia berumur 14 tahun. Lagu itu menjadi top nomor 1 hanya dalam waktu seminggu di US dan British. Saya adalah salah satu penggemar lagu itu.

Ketika pertama kali saya berkenalan dengan Ben yang di kepala saya adalah lagu Ben, lagu favorit saya. Dua puluh tahun saya tinggal di Toronto, Ben saya kenal bukanlah Ben seperti dalam cerita dalam lagu Ben yang terkenal itu.

Benyamin Sudirgo yang kita kenal dengan panggilan Ben tidaklah asing ditelinga kita di lingkungan komunitas Indonesia khususnya di lingkungan gereja gereja indonesia. Komunitas mengenal Ben sebagai adik dari Pastor Joe Sudirgo. Kepribadian Ben yang mudah bergaul dan menyapa orang, kalem, dan selalu siap memberi bantuan kepada  orang yang membutuhkan, Ben menjadi orang yang dikenal sebagai orang yang baik hati.

Saya dan Robert mengenal Ben-Lanny sebelum kami tiba di Toronto tahun 1999. Kami tiba pada tahun 2000. Teman sekerja saya pada waktu di Indonesia adalah teman baik Lanny. Ketika beliau mengetahui bahwa saya akan berimigrasi ke Canada beliau memberikan email Ben-Lanny dengan harapan jika saya mempunyai pertanyaan dapat menghubungi Ben. Melalui email kami berhubungan dengan Ben dan Lanny. Setiap kali kami bertanya tentang kehidupan dan sebagainya  kepada mereka, Ben-Lanny selalu merespon. Pendek kata, kami merasa tenang ketika waktu tiba kami harus berangkat ke Canada. Oya, saya teringat ketika teman sekerja saya mengatakan, "Bu Oeke, suami Lanny orangnya baik sekali Bu, sabar banget orangnya". Semakin mantap kami berangkat ke Canada.



OBITUARY

Benjamin Soedirgo

25 February, 1955 – 26 March, 2020

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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