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Feb. 3, 1928 - Nov. 15, 2008

Ben passed away suddenly after exercising his voting rights at the Municipal Elections in Youbou. Ben was predeceased by his parents, Lewis and Henny Irving, and by his younger brother Dick (Richard). He leaves to mourn his daughter, Brenda Jackson (Wayne) of Fort Nelson, son Barrie of Youbou, grandchildren Allison Cooper, Ryan and Brianne Irving, great grandson Wyatt Nelson, his sister Debbie Creelman of Nova Scotia and many nieces and nephews. Ben will be sorely missed by the host of extended family and friends he leaves behind.

Born in Stewiacke, Nova Scotia, Ben had decided by age 9 that he was a worker and began delivering 4 newspapers. By age 12 Ben had a love for motorcycles and managed the purchase of his fi rst Harley. It was a passion that would last his lifetime and would show again in his son and his working life in grandfather Isaac’s mill as a “mill rat” and later horse logging. While still a preteen, he trained as a sawyer, an occupation lasting his adult life.

In 1945 Ben headed to BC, ending up in Youbou. He worked for a year at Industrial Timber Mills. Ben went back to Nova Scotia, but returned in 1949 and stayed for the remainder of his life. He began at BCFP Youbou as a bull cook, then to “A” Mill as a setter with Bliss Canning. Ben became a sawyer in “B” Mill and did a little “extra” work at Clarence Whittingham’s mill. Ben then became head sawyer in “A” mill until he retired in 1988.

In 1952, Ben had met and married Billie (M.J.) Robinson, another Harley lover. In 1955, their daughter Brenda was born, followed by son Barrie in 1957. In 1966,Ben and Billie bought property on Sa Seen Os Point which they developed into the well known “Ben’s Marina”. It began as a mobile home park, then campsite were added and “The Barge” floating restaurant. He also built two houseboats that are still active on the lake. There was always a project going, something happening for Ben to do, someone to help. His hands could never be still for long. Ben finally slowed down as he approached 80 but his love of family and friends, his eagerness to help, his sense of fairness and the love of his lake were strong to the end.

No service at Ben’s request, but there will be a gathering and celebration of Ben’s family and friends at the Youbou Community Hall on Sunday, November 30th from 1-5 pm



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