BENJAMIN (BEN) BARLOW

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BENJAMIN (BEN) BARLOW In his 90th year on January 16, 2005, at Gimli Community Health Centre with his family at his side, Benjamin Barlow left life's stage, having played many parts, and was promoted to glory. He is survived by Florence, his wife of almost 63 years and best friend for much longer, known to all as Toots; his son William (Jocelyn) of Gimli and grandchildren, Eliza, Jacqueline, April and Geoffrey; his son David (Diana) of Toronto and grandchildren, Peter (Jessica) and Jennifer; and his younger sister Doris Whitfield of North Vancouver. He was predeceased by his father in 1940; his mother in 1971; and his older sister Irene in 1995. Ben was born December 8, 1915, on the Barlow family homestead, north of Edmonton, AB, at Nestow. Of the 10 children born to his parents, Ben was one of only three who survived early infancy in the rigours of that pioneer environment. The Barlows moved away from Nestow when Ben was seven, but his childhood memories of that period remained strong. It was in Edmonton in his early teens that he first met a young girl named Toots who became his lifelong sweetheart. Here as well, Ben began a commitment to his faith in God, a faith that was always with him, as a soldier in the Salvation Army. He served the Army in many ways most notably as a bandsman for over 50 years, playing the BBb tuba in Edmonton, Regina Citadel and Winnipeg Citadel Salvation Army bands. Ben was a baker for F.W. Woolworth for 37 years, managing bakeries at Woolworth stores in Edmonton, Regina and Winnipeg. Patrons of the Woolworth's lunch counter and bakery at Donald and Portage in Winnipeg from 1955 to 1979 will remember Ben's exquisite pastries and other baked delights. He was famous for his hot cross buns, and kept baking many dozens for family and friends every Easter until just a few years before his passing. When he retired in 1979, Ben and Toots moved to Gimli and named their quaint house in the evergreens DunBakin. In Gimli, taking daily walks along the shores of Lake Winnipeg, working in his garden and yard, Ben enjoyed a long and peaceful retirement. Ben's view of the world was always laced with gentle humour. He had an intense interest in politics at all levels, and always voted. He coped courageously with a severe sight handicap throughout his life. He sacrificed much to raise his family in comfort and to provide them with opportunity. He was fiercely proud of his sons and their families. Ben's family will be forever grateful to those health care professionals who gave Ben such good care - the Gimli ambulance crew, the Gimli and Health Sciences emergency room staffs, Health Sciences CCU and GA4 CTU nurses and doctors, family physician Dr. S.V. Patel, Dr. R.C. Patel and the wonderful nursing staff at Gimli Community Health Centre. At Ben's request, cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at The Salvation Army Hampton St. Corps, 221 Hampton St., Winnipeg (St. James), Saturday, January 22 at 2:00 p.m., Lt. Col. Ryan presiding. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ben's memory to the Gimli Community Health Centre Healing Garden, Box 250, Gimli, MB R0C 1B0. Goodnight, sweet prince; and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. Gilbart Funeral Homes, Gimli and Selkirk, in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 19, 2005