BERNARDUS ANTONIOUS VAN RUITEN, MSM, CD

Condolences & Memories (20 entries)

• Dear Arlene and family, I just recently learned of Ben's passing and wish to convey my deepest sympathies for your loss. May his memories be with you always. The two of you had a very special love for one another and I saw that from the very start. He was such a caring gentle individual. He offered me not only a job at one point in my life but he also gave me a lot of good advice as well. I know you will miss him dearly but remember with all the memories that you have he will be with you always not only in your heart but with everything that you do. Take care Sharon - Posted by: Sharon Lomonaco (Friend) on: Mar 27, 2012

• Dearest Arlene and family; We are deeply saddened by your loss; indeed, Ben's passing is a loss for all of us. The world lost a true gentlemen in every sense of the word. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Carolyn and Chris Shaw (Friends) on: Mar 22, 2012

• Dear Arlene: We were deeply saddened to learn that Ben has passed away. As we move through life we occasionally meet someone extraordinarily special, someone for whom our admiration and respect have no bounds. Ben was one of those people. From his service to the community to his passion for the Air Cadets, Ben made a difference to everyone he met. He was one of the very best Honorary Colonels to ever serve our Air Force and his enthusiasm was contagious. He loved every minute of it - and it showed. We will always remember Ben's warm smile and boyish zest for life with great fondness. The wonderful memories of the times we spent together in Winnipeg, Victoria and Hong Kong will always be cherished. May his spirit soar on forever and give you, Darlene, Benjamin and Emily peace of heart and soul. Dan, Ruth, Stephanie & Jason (Victoria, BC) - Posted by: Dan and Ruth Dempsey (Long time friends) on: Mar 17, 2012

• To Arlene and Family our profound condolences. Ben becoming the Honorary Colonel of 17 Wing was one of the smartest appointments the Air Force ever made. His infectious grin, his enthusiasm and his desire to talk to everyone on the Wing made him a very popular and well known figure. We will always remember your invitation to your home and to your box at Assiniboia Downs where Ben was a very genial host. - Posted by: Ken and Joan Kerr (Friends) on: Mar 01, 2012

• Ben was an inspirational man with a strength of character and quality of spirit that I have rarely ever met before or since. I have some wonderful memories and pretty funny stories of my times spent with Ben and Arlene. Ben will be missed and admired for many years to come. I send love and support for Arlene and the rest of the family... much love, Rainie - Posted by: Rainie Sharpe (Friend) on: Feb 29, 2012

• As is the case for everyone, we will greatly miss Colonel Ben. I can think of no one who gave more in life to others. He will be remembered with great affection and fondness, which he conveyed every day, to everyone he met. - Posted by: Dan and Wendy Edgar (Friends) on: Feb 28, 2012

• It was an honour to have met Col. Ben and be welcomed into his home and listen to his life stories that inspired me. You will be missed. - Posted by: Ryan C (Military Member) on: Feb 27, 2012

• Our condolences. - Posted by: Frank & Joyce Tervoort (friend) on: Feb 27, 2012

• To Arlene and Family, What can one say at a time like this? GOD SPEED! GOD BLESS! NO. NOT YET! TOO SOON! YES, DEFINITELY TOO SOON! WE WILL MISS HIM! AN EMPTY CHAIR IN THE MESS! FOND MEMORIES! WAR STORIES! HANDS WAVING IN FORMATION! FRIENDSHIPS LOST! BROTHERHOOD! CAMARADERIE! ABSENT FRIENDS! SILENCE! Safe flight Colonel Ben! We will miss you. Jim & Sandra Lambie - Posted by: Jim and Sandra Lambie (Freinds) on: Feb 26, 2012

• i was deeply saddened to hear this news last week, it always seemed like Col Ben would outlive all with his youthful, boundless energy. Working with him on The Netherlands Theatre project, he discovered my Dutch heritage and from then on, he always acknowledged our common bond. God Bless, we zullen je missen. - Posted by: Donna R (military member) on: Feb 25, 2012

• I have been flooded with fond memories of my time with Ben at 17 Wing. We shared many adventures and enjoyable times which I will cherish forever. Remarkable in every way, Ben was one of a kind and the world is a poorer place without his infectious smile and disarming personality. We often competed to prove whether it was the Dutch or Scottish who were the most frugal. Ben won, he had the smallest TV I ever saw! To Arlene, Darlene and the kids, our most sincere condolences and fondest regards. We wish we could be there to celebrate Ben's extraordinary life. He will live forever in our hearts. Very Best Wishes, Jim & Gwen Kerr - Posted by: James W Kerr (Frien & Colleague) on: Feb 25, 2012

• While Ben never served in the RCAF, his many years of ardent support of the Air Force and Air Cadets -- and, more importantly, the thousands of lives he touched in so many positive and important ways -- will serve as a lasting legacy to his memory. All of us who knew you, Ben, were enriched by your presence and will miss you greatly in your absence. Per Ardua Ad Astra. - Posted by: LGen (Ret'd) Lloyd Campbell and Sharron Campbell (Friends) on: Feb 25, 2012

• Col Ben, you will be sorely missed, and fondly remembered always. I had the good fortune of working with Col Ben on many occasions during my tenure as a Cadet in Winnipeg. He always had a smile on his face, and was eager to share stories and jokes. My sincere condolences to all of those who loved and admired him. Rest in peace, Col Ben. - Posted by: Brendon Sutton (Former Air Cadet) on: Feb 25, 2012

• Arlene, Darlene, Benjamin & Emily, Our sincerest condolences to you all. We feel very blessed to have had the opportunity of spending time with "Col Ben" during our posting in Winnipeg. He was a man with a great soul, an incredible sense of humor and one that could make you smile. He has touched so many lives and those whom have had the honor of knowing him will miss him. I will be sure to make a pot of homemade turkey soup in his honor this weekend. Bless you all. Our thoughts are with you. Sending our love. - Posted by: Brenda & Wayne Gauthier (Family Friends) on: Feb 24, 2012

• My condolences to the Van Ruiten family on Ben's passing. He was full of life and a great man. Take care. - Posted by: Eric Jensen (former neighbor) on: Feb 24, 2012

• My deepest Sympathy Arlene, Darlene and grandchildren with your loss. Ben was such a special person and will be dearly missed by many people and I will be one of them. I am sure he was welcomed at "the pearl" gate. Nelleke as Ben always called me will say a prayer. Nelly Spapens - Posted by: Nelly Spapens (Friend) on: Feb 24, 2012

• Apart from the Dutch roots we shared, Ben was one incredibly magical individual - sage with advice and life experience, caring and concerned, and an absolute true gentle man (and gentleman). From the moment I met him he felt like family and I admired him greatly. I will miss him. - Posted by: Jake Marks (Friend) on: Feb 24, 2012

• Dear Col Ben, Rest in Peace. You lived a long life full of adventure and energy, and it is now time for you to move on to other places in the universe. Let your loved ones and friends always remember you, and let your legacy live in the hearts and minds of those inspired by you. With all respect, Eva - Posted by: Eva Z (Military member and Nijmegen marcher) on: Feb 24, 2012

• We are so very sorry for you emmense loss of your dear husband and father. we have only wonderful memories of Ben's kindness, generosity and humour. A better neighbour my mother could never of had. wish we were there to give you a hug, but my mother and sister will make up for our absence at the memorial service. much love Di and Michael Leuty - Posted by: DIANE & MICHAEL LEUTY (NEIGHBOURS AND FAMILY FRIENDS) on: Feb 24, 2012

• I was fortunate to have shared an overseas trip to Holland with Ben and Arlene on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of VE Day in 2005. I will fondly remember him on this most memorable trip. My sincere sympathy to the family. - Posted by: Leonne Bilodeau (Friend) on: Feb 24, 2012