Benjamin Alfred Schmidt died Jan. 10, 2011. He was born Oct. 25, 1922 in Dalmeny, Sask. to August and Sara Schmidt. At 10, he accepted Jesus, a commitment he kept to the end of life. During the Depression, the family moved to Abbotsford, B.C. Ben attended school until his help was needed on the farm. Since several neighbouring farmers also needed his assistance, he was not required to join the army during WWII. Ben learned carpentry, and by 19, he was a foreman and even worked on the construction of Mennonite Educational Institute. Ben bought 10 acres of forest and built a one-room home and a chicken house. Ben was baptized at age 20. Christmas Eve 1945, Ben proposed to Anne Fast, and they were married May 19, 1946. In 1948, they began farming in Chilliwack, B.C., where they attended East Chilliwack MB Church (now Central MB Church). In 1956, they sold their farms and moved into Chilliwack. Ben pursued a career with Mutual Life of Canada. They transferred to Broadway MB Church, where they attended for 32 years and formed life-long friendships. In 1988, Ben and Anne moved to Abbotsford. They attended Central Heights MB Church and transferred to Bakerview Church in 2002. Only 2 hours after experiencing sharp abdominal pain, Ben died. Predeceased by infant son David, 7 brothers; Ben is mourned by Anne; children Harvey (Helen), Janet (Ralf); 5 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 6 siblings.
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