Obituary of William "Ben" Benjamin Nicholson

William Benjamin “Ben” Nicholson It is with heavy hearts that the family announce the passing of Ben Nicholson at the age of 77 yrs. on April 8, 2017, at the Whispering Pines Lodge, Canwood, SK Ben was born to Florance and Tom Nicholson July 28, 1939 in Big River. At the age of 15 he travelled west to B.C. to make his fortune with his brother Jim only to be sent home with poor health, and diagnosed with diabetes. Shortly after returning from B.C. he met the girl of his dreams. Ben and Marie were married on May 9, 1961 in Big River. Ben and Marie were blessed with 4 children: Rita, Dennis, Dwayne and Risa. They lived in Saskatoon and Prince Albert for a short period of time while he attended carpentry and cabinet making. He returned to Big River and the farm where he remained until his passing. He also worked for a period of time while his health allowed as a night watchman at the Big River sawmill, and as a carpenter. He assisted in building many of the cinder block basements in the area. Ben enjoyed gardening, woodworking and being outdoors. He could be found every afternoon by his saw horse cutting up wood for the winter. His proudest accomplishment after the loss of sight was the building of a 24 x 24 barn out of trim blocks. His sons and son in-laws helped put the roof on and the building was only out of square about ½ inch, we could all feel his pride that day! Ben and Marie also were Foster Parents for many years providing a loving home to over 75 children and Carmen Roberts stayed to become a part of the family. Ben also had a love of music and dancing. He loved the family and friends sing a longs. And would sing late into the night, singing along to every song. And the night was not over until he convinced his good friend Paul Fonos to sing “Scottish Soldier”. He enjoyed dancing at home with family, grandchildren or whoever passed through the house! And could always be heard whistling a tune or humming a grandchild to sleep while rocking them! Ben was hospitalized about 1.5 years ago due to illness and complications with diabetes, he suffered a heart attack while there. His family was his life, especially his wife whom he was married to for nearly 56 years. Ben was a devoted father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He was always glad when someone came to visit, the door was always open and the coffee or tea were on. He will be deeply missed by all who shared in his life. Ben was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Florance (nee: LaFontaine) Nicholson, his grandson Kevin Demmans; his sister Lavern Davis; his brother James Olsen. Ben leaves to cherish his memory his loving children, Rita (Maury) Demmans, and their children Neal and Alanna (Diego); Dennis (Donna) and their children, Kelly, Kevin (Shandelle) and Keri (Grant); Dwayne (Michele) and their children Aaron (Samantha) and Kylie; Risa (Kelvin) Kliewer and their children Kaitlin, James and Alexa; Carmen (Chris) Roberts and their son Emmyrhson; his 9 Great Grandchildren, Hazel and Naya Hyllestad, Everly Hyllestad, Goldie and Bennett Sjogren, Rory and Chase Rauch, Thor Hanson, and Kingston Anderson; his sisters, Priscilla “Bo” (Clarence) Pister, Grace Nicholson, Nadine (Shaun) Nicholson; his brother in law, Bud Davis; his sister in law Flora Olsen; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A Celebration of Life was held for Ben on Saturday April 15, 2017 from the Big River Community Hall. Officiant was Ben’s nephew, Keith Olsen. Bens final resting place was in the Big River Cemetery. In lieu of tributes, donations in memory of Ben may be made to Whispering Pines Nursing Home, Box 418 Canwood, SK, S0J 0K0 or CNIB Canadian National Institute for the Blind,1929 Bayview Ave, Toronto ONT., M4G 3E8. Family and friends wishing to send private online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Tammy Smart – Director (Big River 306-469-2277).