Peacefully at the Sault Area Hospital on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at the age of 88. Beloved and devoted husband of Maria (Riet) for over 67 years. Much loved father of Rita Petty of Windsor, Joanne Green (Rod) and Ben (Anita Sorrell) of Windsor. Loving grandpa of Lee Petty (Elaine), Christine, Jennifer Green (Graham) and Stephanie Green (Justin).
Beloved brother of Nicolaas (Amalia) of Wawa and Greet Froger (late Sjors), Dini Althoff (late Renee), Albert (Daphne) all of the Netherlands. Predeceased by his parents Nicolaas and Margaretha and his siblings Christiaan (Christine Desgagné)(Marty Veterman) and Emmy Heldoorn (Klaas).
Loved brother-in-law of Johanna Storch (Hank) and Henny Collins (late Larry). Dear uncle, great uncle and great great uncle of many nieces and nephews in Canada, the Netherlands and Florida. Benjamin will also be missed by his cousins in the Netherlands and Israel and his neighbourhood friends.
Benjamin came to Canada from the Netherlands in 1953 to follow and marry his sweetheart and start a better life. He was proud of his Dutch heritage and also proud to become a Canadian. He worked as a bookkeeper in the Netherlands and in Canada, he did farming, bartending and had a career at Algoma Steel. He had an ability to talk to anyone, therefore making many friends. He loved to help friends and neighbours in any way he could. Benjamin was a lover of music and taught himself to play the guitar, banjo, ukulele and harmonica. He sang in the Barbershop Quartet and his church choir. He loved to sing and play music with his family and friends. He enjoyed his time with the Moose Lodge and the Benelux Club. His many talents included wood carving, painting, raising his tropical fish and being a handyman. After retiring, one of his hobbies was teaching himself how to be proficient on his computer. His much loved hobby all his life was gardening and his flowers. He loved the outdoors, camping, fishing and feeding the birds.
Benjamin was happiest when spending time with his cherished wife and family. He will be greatly missed. Please plant a tulip bulb or a favourite flower in his memory.
Special thank you to all the doctors and nurses who cared for Benjamin over the years.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions by cheque or online to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E. 705-759-2522). Please visit arthurfuneralhome.com to leave a message of condolence or a memory as a keepsake for Benjamin's family.