In Memory Of

Ben Simmelink

Dec 7, 1932 - Jun 17, 2020

Service

Monday, June 22, 2020
A graveside service was held 22 June at Pine Grove Cemetery.

Interment

Pine Grove Cemetery

Obituary

Ben Simmelink
07 December 1932 – 17 June 2020
Ben was born in Apeldoorn, The Netherlands, the fifth of six children. He immigrated to Canada at the age of 19 with one suitcase and a change of clothes. Before moving to Rocky he worked at Michener Centre in Red Deer. In Rocky he worked on Elmer Greenwood’s farm. He then clerked at Cony’s Store, and was a school bus driver for many years while fulfilling his dream of building up his farm, where he lived for the past 60 years, and which is now being farmed by the second and third generations.
Ben was predeceased by his wife, Betty (2003). He is survived by his children: Bernice (John) Kingma, Norma (Dewey) Numan, Dave (Sandra) Simmelink, and Ron Simmelink, 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, with three more great-grandchildren on the way. Gregory and Pamela Edwards were part of his family as foster children for many years. He is also survived by his brothers: Bill (Lenie) and, Harry (Irene) Simmelink, and his brothers-in-law Herman Woltjer, and Case (Marlene) Korver.
Ben was active in his church and community. He was on the initial board of the rural gas co-op. Ben was also involved in the Frisco community and served on Rural Crime Watch. He was a board delegate for Alpha Milk for many years. He was a long-term volunteer at The Lord’s Food Bank. Ben was involved in establishing the Rocky Christian School. He was a member of Rocky First Christian Reformed Church, and enjoyed being part of their Friendship Group. He volunteered on several disaster response initiatives with World Renew.
Ben’s faith was reflected in how he served his neighbours and community. He was dearly loved and will be sorely missed.
Psalm 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
A graveside service was held 22 June at Pine Grove Cemetery.
Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements. 403-845-2626

Condolences

Cees en Dorien Korver (Veenendaal-Netherlands—Cees =son of Sara en Kees Korver):

Dear familly Simmelink, Sorry to hear about the passing of Ben. We have such good memories of him, specially his hospitality in 2009 , when we visited him in Canada. We wish you a lot of strength with the loss of Ben .

Carla van Dinther and family:

Our sincere condolences to the whole Simmelink family.
Ben was such a great grandpa to me when I was working at the Simmelinks farm in 2017. I remember him buying milk from the supermarket for me, cause he heard that my stomach wasn't doing so well. He probably never bought any milk form the supermarket during the last 40 years. Though he did it for me and I am still thankful for that.
Thoughts an prayers to you.

Henrico Soede:

it's has been 20 years when I had the opportunity to stay with his family on his farm. But I remember him like it was yesterday. He had a special kindness and lightness in his approach to life. I wish his family the deepest and most sincere condolences and some of his lightness in these difficult times .

Dana Dennis:

So sorry for your loss, Sandra & Family. I enjoyed meeting him when we came with Cookie Jar preschool for the farm tour.

Lance & Georgia Davis:

We were so sad to hear of Bens passing, he was always a gracious man whenever we got to see him. Our hearts go out to the family.

Jene:

Accept my sincere condolence

Family mink:

Sorry for your loss. He was awesome person.

Deb and Peter Spaa:

We are so sorry for your loss. May you feel the peace of Christ surround you!

Harry and Sylvia Harkema:

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the passing of Ben.

Arie(Shorty)&Bev Korver (Lethbridge,Alberta):

Sorry to hear about the passing of your father,grandfather. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.

Mary Ames:

My sincere condolences to the Simmelink families.

Wayne and Wendy von Hollen:

Our sincere sympathy to all of your family on the passing of your dad, grandpa and great grandpa Ben Simmelink. May you find comfort in remembering all the special moments you shared with him.

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