Long time local resident Ronald Benson passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family members after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook at 77 years of age.
Ron was born on July 21, 1936 at St. Eugene Hospital in Cranbrook. In his early years he worked for Cominco as a millwright and then in construction in the East Kootenays. Ron was very proud of his family. He had a great love for the outdoors. His favourite spot in the valley was at White Swan Lake. Ron was a great mentor to all who knew him.
Ron is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 60 years Gert Benson, his three children Pam (Steve) Carnie, Richard, Mike (Michelle), six grandchildren Amber, Shawn and Kiel Carnie, Tiffany, Natasha and Bobby Benson, two great grandchildren Nevaeh and Jayden Benson, two brothers Donny (Carlene) and Walter (Caroline), his sister Diane (Peter) Leiman and many nieces and nephews. The greatest loss in Ron’s life was losing his son Bradley in July of 1981, forever changing his life.
A memorial service for Ron will be held on Monday, September 23, 2013 at the Cranbrook Alliance Church at 2:00 pm. Ron’s Interment will follow in Westlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Ron’s honour may do so to the: The Kidney Foundation of Canada, 200, 4940 - Canada Way Burnaby, British Columbia, V5G 4K6.