Posted Jan 8, 2021 5:12 PM
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Bernard Joseph âBenâ Gebbink of Red Deer, Alberta at Extendicare Michener Hill, Red Deer, Alberta on Friday, January 1, 2021 at the age of 92 years. Ben was born on March 16, 1928 in Zieuwent, Netherlands. He immigrated to Canada in 1952; where he worked on a farm in Quebec, before he moved to Alberta. As planned, Mom also immigrated, and met Dad in Twin Butte, where they were married in 1953. After a short stay in Vauxhall, they moved to Red Deer in 1956. Shortly after they arrived, they purchased an acreage west of Red Deer, where they resided for almost sixty years. In 2015, they moved into Victoria Park, Red Deer. Here, they enjoyed their community; until Dadâs failing health required a three month stay in the hospital. He was then placed into Long Term Care at Extendicare. Dad was a wonderful husband and father. He supported his children in whatever they did. He and Mom were avid fans at their grandchildrenâs activities. Dad loved soccer, having played in his youth and coaching in Red Deer. He watched any and all soccer games on TV. He loved his acreage. Dad always grew a huge garden, lots of flowers and loved feeding the birds. He and mom enjoyed many trips back to the Netherlands, and throughout Canada and the United States. He was an honest man; who taught us right from wrong, the joy of family gatherings and how to enjoy the simpler things in life. Ben will be lovingly remembered by his wife of sixty-seven years, Annie; his children, Lucy, Martin (Candy), Felix (Helen), Don (JoAnn) and Theresa (Wes Van Bavel); his eleven grandchildren and his six great grandchildren. He will also be sadly missed by his siblings in the Netherlands, Miena, Annie, Mariejte, Alfons, Harry, Agnes and Fien; as well as many other family members and dear friends. Ben was predeceased by a daughter, Sylvia in 1981; his parents, Jan and Antonia and his siblings, Johan, Antoon and Jozef. The family would like to extend a âThank Youâ to the staff and residents at Victoria Park, for their care and friendship, also to the staff at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre and Ponoka General Hospital. Finally, to the staff at Michener Extendicare âThank Youâ for your patience, and care for dad. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at a later date. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. If desired, Memorial Donations in Benâs honor may be made directly to the Canadian Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.ca. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com.