|
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
GUNNLAUGSON, Ben Douglas - devoted family man, passed away with his daughters by his side on May 2, 2023. Ben was born in Holland, Manitoba, to parents Brynjolfur (Ben) and Margaretta (Rita) Gunnlaugson. He was the youngest of five siblings, Carrie, Loa, Rose-Reta, and James (Jim). They moved and lived in Virden. Ben's parents owned a restaurant in Virden, Manitoba, where Ben worked after school. At the age of 16, Ben struck out on his own and began working at a mine in Thompson, Manitoba. From there, Ben went on to join the Navy and enjoyed the culture of training and service to others.
In 1967 Ben went on a blind date and met his future wife Donna. They married in October 1968 in Kenton; they enjoyed an adventurous honeymoon, travelling through the prairies and into the United States by horse. During this time, living in Brandon, Ben worked at a meat packing plant, as well as the Brandon Mental Health Hospital as an orderly. Twin daughters, Jessica and Jill and then daughter Dyan were born, in 1971 and 1972 respectively. Ben and Donna bought property outside of Rapid City, Manitoba and built a house and barn and began to farm with pigs, chickens, horses and lambs. In 1979, Ben decided to follow his sister Rose-Reta out to British Columbia and brought his young family to Kamloops, where they eventually settled in Westsyde. Ben started logging as a tree faller, and did that for the rest of his career, except for a time when he worked maintenance at Aberdeen Mall. However he loved working outside and went back to logging.
Ben was a dedicated family man. He was very hard-working and was constantly working in the yard, building furniture and even a log cabin, fixing things around the house and yard, or training the family dogs. He loved to cook and bake, and his family enjoyed the results. He enjoyed hiking, and would bring his kids and dog along. Peterson Creek and Deep Lake in Westsyde were two of his favourites. He believed in family time and healthy-living and could often be found outside throwing a baseball or frisbee with his daughters or running. Many weekends were spent as a family collecting firewood and beekeeping and processing honey as a hobby. Ben decided to complete his high school education and took courses and got his diploma. Ben and Donna decided to divorce in 1993, but remained lifelong friends.
In 1997, Ben had a life-altering accident at work, which left him with serious nerve damage and an amputated leg. It didn't take him long until he was using a prosthetic, walking again and went back to one of his true passions, horse-back riding. He amazingly continued to do major yardwork and building projects, and enjoyed travelling.
Sadly, Ben was taken from us before May 2023 due to dementia impacting his cognition and ability to live independently. We were blessed with him retaining his kind, loving nature through to the end.
Ben was predeceased by parents Rita and Ben Gunnlaugson, brother Jim Gunnlaugson and brother-in-law Lewis Monteith.
He is survived by daughters Jessica (Brett), Jill (Tim), and Dyan; sisters Carrie, Loa, Rose-Reta; grandchildren Ben, Lexi, Quinn, Anika, Many much loved nephews and nieces including Bonnie, Cheri, Howard, Jacquie, Aolani, Aaron, Marnie, Angie, Brenton and Alexander family brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and many Alexander nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank the caring people of Ponderosa Lodge and Dr. Sigalet. (The Kamloops This Week, 17 May 2023)
|
