Benjamin Claude Peterson
1924-2012

It is with love as well as sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather on April 20th, 2012.  Left to cherish his memory, his loving wife Frances of 61 years; his children: Nancy (Barry) McLafferty, Ross (Carol) Peterson and Joanne (Garry) Barber; his treasured grandchildren: Josh McLafferty and fiancé Jenn, Lindsey (Jason) Ross, Karlie (Fred) Neal, Megan (Brad) Raes, Rhys and Dori Peterson; and great-grandchildren: Kayden, Shea, Easton, Macey and Brady.  Ben was born Nov. 2nd, 1924 in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, the 5th child of Benjamin and Jean Peterson.  He is survived by his sisters, Verna Henrikson of Vancouver and Edith McBreairty of Winnipeg; brother-in-law, Charles Holloway of Kitchener and many special nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Inez and Mary; brother, Roger (Blanche); brothers-in-law, Gunthor Henrikson and Jim McBreairty; and sister-in-law, Etta (Bob) Beattie.

Ben was a 3rd generation railroader with the Canadian Pacific Railway.  His father and grandfather had worked for the railways Maintenance & Way Department.  Ben began working with CP Express in Winnipeg May 25th, 1943 as a railway express messenger on the passenger and mixed trains, which included 3 provinces.  He retired after 45 years with the CPR and 42 of those with CP Express.  He was a very active Union Member believing “If you are going to work for a company, it’s worthwhile to do your part in trying to improve conditions”.  He filled all positions on the local Union executive and was also chairman of the Board of Trustees for the head office in Toronto for 10 years.  Ben loved his family above all else in life.  He took great pride and joys in everything his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren did.  In 1959 Ben started to build their cabin at Buffalo Pound Lake.  It provided opportunities for family to be together, play together and work together.  Ben and Fran loved to escape to the cabin for the summer and entertain family and friends at this wonderful gathering place.  Ben was the best Santa Claus Moose Jaw has ever known.  His love and dedication to the endless hours of bringing joy and magic to all children for many years will always be remembered.  His helicopter ride from CFB Moose Jaw to Moose Jaw Union Hospital for the sick children was a highlight of his Santa Career.  Ben lived a life full of hard work, faith and humility, an unselfish man who was always the 1st to lend a helping hand.  A very active, long time member of St. Andrews United Church, he worked endless hours, enthusiastically and diligently in multiple callings including Honored Trustee, Committee Board positions and belonging to AOTS Men’s club which prepared and served pancake breakfasts, roast beef and Chuck wagon dinners and he worked tirelessly at the youth camps and for the Church Minor Hockey League.  He was chairman of the board for the Moose Jaw Food Bank and was a member of the executive for the Moose Jaw Lions Junior Band for 10 years, traveling with them on overseas tours.

His large body, strong arms and powerful hands could endure anything and his family always felt a compelling strength and protection from him. Always loved and terribly missed, Ben’s smile, love of life, his HO, HO, HO and laughter will remain forever in our thoughts, prayers and memories.

A private family celebration of Ben’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 24th, 2012 at Sunset Cemetery with Pastor Marvin Seaborg officiating.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  James Murdock, Funeral Director. 693-4550