Bennie LaMont Walburger

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing away of our father Bennie LaMont Walburger, at the age of 91, on November 26, 2024, in Parksville, British Columbia. He was born on December 7, 1932, in Cardston, Alberta to parents John T. and Emma (Broadbent) Walburger.

Ben leaves to mourn his passing, his three sons, Kim (Lani) Walburger, Kelly Walburger, Darrel (Diana) Walburger and two daughters Deanne Hirsche and Nicole (William) Peppin along with 13 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He also leaves to mourn, his sister Nedra (Walburger) Smith. He was predeceased by his parents John T. and Emma (Broadbent) Walburger, his sister Arlene (Walburger) Hinman and his first wife and our mother, Nelda (Orr) Walburger.

Ben grew up on a ranch in Mountain View, Alberta where he raised Chianina, Herefords and Angus cows, horses, chickens, bees and other livestock. He spent his days building rock walls and fireplaces as well as farming the land. He married Nelda in 1956 and welcomed five children while living on that ranch. Moving to Lethbridge, Alberta in 1977, he eventually moved to Parksville on Vancouver Island in 1987 with his second wife Lynda, where he opened two health food stores and focused on healing others through his Iridology Studies. He spent a number of years drawing on his masonry skills by constructing and creating natural rock waterfalls and ponds for locals in the community.

Ben loved the outdoors and could often be found hiking Mount Arrowsmith and other trails. He had a brilliant mind and loved to spend time working on puzzles of all kinds. He also loved reminiscing about his time in Germany while on a church mission and recounting his adventures. Ben also loved gardening and in his last few years, if it wasn’t raining, you could find him outside planting and tending to his garden beds. And sometimes even when it was raining!

Dad, you are already missed and are dearly loved. Auf Wiedersehen.