BEN ZACHARIAS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

BEN ZACHARIAS

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Ben Zacharias, April 10, 2019, at the age of 87.
He will be deeply missed by his daughter Lynley and grandson Jesse (Jamie and Baby Z), his son Alan and granddaughters, Bethany (Aaron), Sarah and Katie, as well as his brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces. Special family members, Gerri, Jeff, Annie and Tara. Ben was surrounded by his loving family in the final days.
Ben was born in the Thames district, Manitoba in 1932. Ben was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Mary, the love of his life Laura, and many brothers and sisters. Growing up in a large family on the farm in the 1930s and 1940s Ben was taught the lessons of life by example. Teamwork and a super human work ethic would be a consistent trademark of Ben's character throughout his life.
Sports was a big part of his life, from playing on the infamous Manitoba fastball team the Tigers with his many brothers and later as a grandparent and number 1 fan, attending every sporting event his grandchildren had. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and supported them in all of their dreams and only asked that they "work hard and have fun".
As a young man Ben received a guitar from his Uncle Ben, music was a big part of his life and his love of singing and playing guitar remained with him to the very end. From impromptu musical sessions with his brothers and sisters in the 1960s and 1970s, to attending the annual summer musical festivals at Cripple Creek and Giroux.
Ben met his soul mate Laura in the late 1950s and eventually married in 1962. He deeply loved Laura and remained steadfastly single for the last 29 years of his life. Often, he would reminisce about his love for Laura in the last days. Ben was deeply religious and enjoyed his Sundays at Nassau Street Church, in later years Lynley would take him and he always looked forward to chatting with his friends at church.
Ben had many jobs throughout his life, in the early years farming on the family acreage and later working farms in Saskatchewan. Once married he settled down and spent 13 years at Canada Wire & Cable. But this was not in the cards for Ben as he had an entrepreneurial streak. He left his job and started multiple businesses with his brothers in the 1970s. Zacharias Homes and Zacharias brothers built many homes and commercial property over the years. He was very proud of these days and truly enjoyed working with his brothers. Then in the late 1980s Ben became sole proprietor of the d'8 Schtove Restaurant, it was here that he was able to work with both his daughter and son selling comfort food to the masses.
Ben's family and close friends will always remember him as a true original and one of a kind. We will miss those smiling eyes...
A celebration of Ben's life will be held on Tuesday, April 16 at 11:00 a.m. at Nassau Street Church, 232 Nassau Street. Viewing at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or The Winnipeg Humane Society

NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 13, 2019