Loman, Bernardus "Ben"

BERNARDUS "BEN" LOMAN,  beloved husband of Elizabeth "Lies" Loman, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family, on Monday, January 14, 2019 at the age of 87 years.

Ben is survived by his wife of 59 years, Elizabeth; sons Bernie (Debbie), Ed (Sherryl), Paul (Trish), John (Sheryl); and daughters Henriette (Myron), Margaret (Doug) and Jackie (Brian).  He is also survived by his 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, with his family still continuing to grow.

Ben was born on November 21, 1931 in Ootmarsum, Netherlands.  The oldest of nine children born to Bernardus and Maria Loman, he was raised on the family farm with his four sisters and four brothers.  Ben was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, Gerhard and Henny, and one sister, Trudy. He is survived by his sisters, Mary Vander Heyden, Ann Keujer, Ricky Broekhuis, and brothers Jan Loman and Frans Loman.

In 1956, Ben left the Netherlands and arrived in the Tofield area as a bachelor looking for new farming opportunities. During the one and a half years he was there he gained farming experience and also made a visit to southern Alberta.  In 1958 he returned to the Netherlands to get to know the love of his life, Elizabeth. They married March 31, 1959 and immigrated to Canada, settling in the Picture Butte area and purchasing a farm where he grew sugar beets and grain and raised their 7 children. He always said that his greatest accomplishment was his family. His greatest joy was family gatherings and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ben was involved in various community activities over the years.  He was a director for the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District for 29 years and also served on the Region 14 Unifarm Board.  He was involved with the Picture Butte Chamber of Commerce and the Agriculture Society. Ben was a charter member of the Picture Butte Knights of Columbus and a member of the 4^th degree. He held the positions of Grand Knight and District Deputy.  Always loving a challenge, he tried his hand at politics, running in a provincial election.

Ben, along with Elizabeth, lived their married life committed to the Catholic Church; their strong faith helped them build a solid family foundation.  He was a kind, gentle, generous man who always put others needs before his own.  If you needed a hand, he was there to help.

Dad is deeply loved and will be dearly missed; he is now in God's hands.

A Prayer Service will be held at ST. CATHERINE'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 762 Crescent Avenue North, Picture Butte, AB, on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at 7:00 P.M.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. CATHERINE'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Ian Gagne celebrating.

Ben will be laid to rest in a Private Family Graveside Service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lethbridge and District Pro-Life, 1805 - 9 Avenue N, Lethbridge, AB, T1H 1H8.