Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.
Reimer, Ben
With a heavy heart we announce the passing of BEN REIMER, beloved husband to his bride of almost 50 years, Karen Reimer, at Chinook Regional Hospital on July 17, 2020 at the age of 77. Besides his loving wife, Ben is survived by his only son, Mason (Caroline) of Lethbridge and their two children, Abigail and Carson, who were his pride and joy.
With a heavy heart we announce the passing of BEN REIMER, beloved husband to his bride of almost 50 years, Karen Reimer, at Chinook Regional Hospital on July 17, 2020 at the age of 77. Besides his loving wife, Ben is survived by his only son, Mason (Caroline) of Lethbridge and their two children, Abigail and Carson, who were his pride and joy.
Ben is also survived by his four wonderful sisters, Evelyn Reimer of Coaldale, Marguerite (Harry) Antonio of Edmonton, Rosalie Bain of Calgary, and Dorothy (Allan) Sera of Coaldale; his brothers-in-law, Tom (Jean) Malmberg and Michael Malmberg (Sharon Mielnichuk); his sister-in-law, Mary (Leo) Dieser, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins whom he adored.
He was predeceased by his parents, Henry & Susie (Riediger) Reimer, his grandmother, Katherine (Reimer) Klassen, and his brother-in-law, Bryan Bain.
Born in Vancouver BC on September 7, 1942, Ben's life had very humble beginnings. One of five children of two immigrants from Russia, Ben was taught that a man's word was his bond, to look a man in his eye when you shook his hand, and to appreciate the value of a dollar. His family moved to Vauxhall when he was three years old and settled in Coaldale when he was five. Ben enjoyed school as a child and got his first paper route when he was twelve. Ben worked after school as a pump jockey then quit high school to drive semi trucks for John Foder. When he was not working, Ben raced stock cars with SAAR (Southern Alberta Auto Racers). Ben was an active member of the Coaldale Kinsman for many years as well as McKillop United Church.
Ben's life changed on August 11, 1962, when he had an accident and became a paraplegic. After spending the next nine months in hospital in Lethbridge and Edmonton, Ben drove home with his parents, using a crutch on the brake and gas. He decided to go to Lethbridge College and became an accountant since truck driving was no longer an option. He opened Ben's Accounting in Coaldale shortly thereafter. Ben worked with Krahn Homes in the early 70s, then starting Astro Realty and in 1972 Ben sold his accounting business and started Astro Insurance Ltd. Ben successfully ran Astro for 27 years alongside his registry office and his property management company, Astro Property Management, which is still in business now.
On February 5, 1969, Karen walked into his accounting office and changed his life again. One year later, on the their first anniversary, Ben finally proposed and the two were married on September 5, 1970. Ben and Karen loved to travel and visited many of the US states, the Bahama's, and Hawaii. Their favourite vacation destination being GreenValley, Arizona, where they wintered for many years. Ben loved entertaining his friends there and enjoyed having Mason and his family come and visit. Ben cherished his time with Karen and always was up for a game of cribbage or rummy. Their love grew stronger every day.
Ben and Karen adopted their son Mason in 1979. Ben loved being a father, showing Mason how to do all the boy things. Ben was involved with Mason as a scout leader, baseball coach, and pit crew/fellow kart racer with him. They loved to fish together at Duck Lake, tinker in the garage on karts, and share in each other's company talking about everything.
Ben loved a good laugh and was so proud of all of his family. He was gentle, kind, and always ready to help. He arranged every party and family get together with precision and thoughtfulness. He will be deeply missed by many and loved by that many more.
A Celebration of Ben's Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 - 32 St. S, Lethbridge, AB on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at 2:00 PM with Patrick Siedlecki officiating. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the service will be invite-only; however, those who are unable to attend may watch a livestream via his obituary on Cornerstone's website.
Ben will be laid peacefully to rest during a private ceremony in the Coaldale Mennonite Cemetery.
Flowers are gratefully welcomed as Ben loved them. If desired, donations can be made in his name to Spinal Cord Injury Alberta at www.sci-ab.ca/donate.
Guestbook (17)
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My sincere condolences to Karen, Mason & Families. Also to Tom and Jean Malmberg, Mary and Leo Dieser. Ben was a remarkable person, with such a variety of work he was involved with. A Gentlemen, and a wonderful Family man. Ben will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
My sincere condolences to Karen, Mason and all of the family. Ben truly was a gentle man. I had the privilege of being his employee from 1990 to 1997. We had some wonderful times. I remember all the late night card games, we were friends as well as co-workers. Ben had a wonderful sense of humour. He truly was a man of honour and grace. I am sure Ben will be missed by all who were fortunate to know him. I know I will.
What a beautiful service. While we couldn't be there in person out thoughts and hearts are with you during this time. Ben will be missed, he was an amazing man, and an amazing inspiration in determination, the power of positive thinking, and hard work. Hugs to you all.
Karen and family- My sincere condolences. I had the privilege of working for Ben via YPM/Avail. A kind and gentle person and also so sharp. Not much got by him. I will miss our chats. Sending hugs to you all.
To Karen and family, I just heard of Ben's passing, and I am deeply saddened by your loss. Ben will be greatly miss.
Ben will certainly be missed; by his family, friends and his many business associates (again, his friends). My 10+ years working at Astro were the hi-lite of my insurance career and our group sure had lots of fun, especially those Friday night poker games. Ben definitely helped me grow as an individual, and as a professional; then and later on in my own business ventures. He made running a company look way easier than it really is. He was a great man to have known.
Je suis de tout coeur avec vous en ces moments de commemoration.......
Sending virtual hugs and heartfelt condolences to the family of my cousin, Ben Reimer. I will always remember him for his sunny disposition, friendly smile, optimism and courage. He was an inspiration to me, and the world is a better place for him having been here. With love and prayers for strength and comfort in the days ahead.
My sympathies for your loss of Ben. I met Ben at CCC as my hubby was there. Ben always so kind and very generous with donation to the Family Social Counsil - abled more events to happen - blessed to have known Ben.
Dear Evy, What a loss for you and your family. I am so happy you have shared all your stories with me about Ben. I feel as if I have known him even though we never met. He must have been spoiled by his 4 sisters. I know you will miss taking him his Tim Hortons and the special times you told me you had together in the last few years. Memories are what we share when we lose our loved ones and I know you have a strong, loving and connected family to share all these memories with. Soaring like an eagle is what the good book the Bible says and I believe that is exactly what your brother is doing now. I send along my most heart felt sympathies to you, your sisters and extended family. Brenda
To Karen and family and Mary from a fellow Southern Accord singer, I send you my deepest sympathies and condolences at this difficult time. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Carol Treadwell
Our condolences to Karen and the family. I have many dear memories of the years when we were near neighbours in Coaldale and hanging around the garage George Kroker
It's so hard to say goodbye to Uncle Ben. I hope he knows how much he influenced my life. He always had time for kids and was thrilled when we would come to visit. I was his first niece and Uncle Ben loved to spoil me. He was an amazing role model - insightful, empathetic, pragmatic and more sentimental than he wanted to let on. Uncle Ben loved to race; when we were little, my sister and I ran and raced Uncle Ben in his wheelchair; he would usually win. I'm glad that he is free of the confines of his bed and chair, and now he can race the wind.
Dear Aunt Karen, Mason, Caroline, Abi and Carson. I will fondly remember Uncle Ben for always welcoming everyone into his home with a warm hello and offer of a drink. Recently watching him dote on the next generation you could see he was born to be a grandpa. Our deepest condolences are with you as you begin to grieve. Take care of one another as you flip between missing him deeply and smiling at all the special times you had together. xo
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of Ben.
MY Dearest Brother, I guess I thought he would never pass, as he tackled so many challenges with drive and success. I just so thankful that we had such a wonderful relationship, that he had such a fulfilling life, and that he Loved Life. I will miss his daily messages, and hugs and huge support always. But I do see him up there having a chat with Bryan.
Oh my... Ben was such an amazing man .... he was truly an inspiration.... we had so many different ideas ... but the same result .... Rest In Peace Ben.... xoxo