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WILMOT ARCHIE BLUE
Born: Aug 02, 1933
Date of Passing: Oct 20, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryWILMOT ARCHIE BLUE
At the Health Sciences Centre and in the early hours of Tuesday, October 20, 2026, W. Ben Blue passed away in the presence of his loving family.
Wilmot Archie Blue, (Ben) was born August 2, 1933 in Plaster Rock, a small farming and logging community in the province of New Brunswick. Ben is survived by his loving wife Diane, daughter Bonnie (Sherry-lyn) Blue, son Barry, grandson Brendan and Brendan’s mother Darlene; his sister Betty McNeill, niece Sue (Norm) and family of Maple Ridge, B.C.; his nephew Brad Blue (Julie) of Mississippi and their families; and sister-in-law Jeanette Roche and her family and several cousins in New Brunswick and B.C.
He was predeceased by his parents Archie and Mary, sister Jeanne Blue niece Cindy Smith, brothers-in-law Lloyd McNeil, Ron (Pat) and Brian Roche.
In the mid 1950’s, Ben along with some of his cousins and friends moved to Toronto, securing work in the trucking industry, Ben began working for Allied Van Lines hauling furniture from coast to coast. After purchasing a 1962 Hayes Cab over truck, he arrived in Winnipeg and began working for Bestway Express Truck Lines where he met the love of his life Diane. In the pursuing years he hauled fashionable clothing by manufacturer Wescott fashions followed by 18 years at International/SchneiderTransport with his yellow and green 1985 Peterbilt. When the company changed from hauling flat deck freight to vans he decided it was time for a change but not before logging nearly 3 million miles. In 2012 he began moving new Motor Coach and Flyer buses to destinations in the US and Canada. It was his dream job. In the interim he worked at Peterbilt. He also enjoyed helping neighboring farmers during busy times.
Ben was an active member of the Rocklands Antique Club and The South Interlake Rockwood Agricultural Society forming many new friendships.
Ben and Diane were married on September 26, 1964. Their children Bonnie (1969) and Barry (1973) were born while living on Inkster Blvd. After purchasing the former Lilyfield School property in 1980, they built the home in which they live today, a place where family and friends often gather to brighten each others’ days.
The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the Stonewall and Selkirk Hospitals and Health Sciences Centre for their compassionate care and kindness. A heartfelt thanks to the Medical teams at the Seven Oaks Renal Clinic and to Dr. Graham. A Celebration of Life with be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Stonewall Legion, 459 Main Street, Stonewall, MB.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Seven Oaks Hospital Foundation (with funds designated to the Dialysis Unit); Lilyfield United Church or a charity of your choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 31, 2026