FRED BENSON

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FRED BENSON On Monday, August 7, 2006, Fred Benson passed away at the age of 91 years and joined his wife Bernice in the house of the Lord. Fred is survived by his son Ron (Anne); daughter Judi Karpyn; grandchildren, Cheryl (Tony) Guanci, Kevin, Darin (Sandra), Jason (Lisa), Tara LaBerge (Dean); great-grandchildren, Elijah and Samuel. Besides his wife of 69 years, Fred was predeceased by his parents, Ted and Julia; brother Mike; son-in-law Taras Karpyn. Fred was born in Evesham, SK on April 10, 1915. As a young boy, Fred and his family moved to Saskatoon with the hopes of better times. A few years following little luck in Saskatoon, the family set out for Toronto. En route, their car broke down in Winnipeg and so they forwent the original plan and settled here in the North End. As a young man, Fred gained employment with Swift Canadian and worked there for 45 years. For the majority of his time at Swift's, Fred worked as a superintendent. He was a loyal and diligent employee and made many life long friendships through his work. In 1935, Fred's work buddy Nick Swatiuk, along with his wife Nellie, introduced Fred to Nellie's cousin Bernice. Bernice soon became the love of Fred's life and the two married on September 26, 1936 in Winnipeg. In 1949, Fred and Bernice built their dream home at 223 Midwinter Ave. They resided there for 53 years and their home was the centre for many gatherings of friends and family. In November, 2002, Bernice entered Donwood Personal Care Home and Fred moved into the adjoining Donwood Manor to be near his sweetheart. Fred was very active in his community and with and his good friend Bob Smith, managed and coached various neighborhood hockey and baseball teams. Fred was one of the founding members of the Every Second Tuesday Men's Breakfast Club that still continues to meet. He and Bernice participated in pattern dancing and performed at many nursing homes throughout the city. Fred was a very committed, loyal and caring person. His dedication to his wife was paramount when she was stricken with Alzheimer's and he rarely left her side. Fred was a strong foundation for his family and was always just a phone call away. He took great pride in his work and always gave 110% to everything he did. His ability to see the bright side of tough times and his wonderful sense of humour will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Many thanks to the angels on the 3rd floor of Concordia Hospital who ensured Fred's comfort during his stay. Thanks also to Drake Medox for the assistance provided to the family to keep us all going strong. We thank God for all of your love and kindness. A service to honour Fred's life will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel (1442 Main St.) on Wednesday, August 16, with viewing to commence at 9:30 a.m. followed by the funeral at 10:00 a.m. with Chaplain Laura Friesen officiating. Interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery. Following the interment, refreshments will be served at a reception at Donwood Manor, 165 Donwood Dr. If friends so desire, donations can be made to The Concordia Foundation Inc., 1095 Concordia Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2K 3S8 or to a charity of one's choice. VICHNAYA PAM'YAT EVERLASTING MEMORY CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 12, 2006