Ivan Benjamin Rice
November 23, 1919 - December 31, 2014
Ivan Benjamin (Ben) Rice of Kamloops, BC, passed away on December 31, 2014 at 95 years of age. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary. Ben was survived by his children, Gloria (Bob) Baker, Bill (Peggy) Rice, Bob (Tracy) Rice, Bev Lyons, and Brenda Girvin; his brother Jack (Gertie) Rice; as well as his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ben was born in Rolette, North Dakota, on November 23, 1919. He moved to Fairfax, Manitoba, in 1920 where he grew up and attended school. Ben met his match in Mary, whom he wed in 1952. He spent nine years farming before he changed careers and sold cookware and life insurance door-to-door, moving the family to Calgary, Medicine Hat, and Lethbridge. In 1965, they settled in Cranbrook where Ben started his long career as a letter carrier. He retired in 1984.
Known for his spry humour and social nature, Ben spent his winters in the Cranbrook Curling Rink and summers fishing on Kookanusa. He was well-liked and respected in his community and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of Ben’s life will be held in Cranbrook at a future date.