Theodore (Ted) Nicholaus Bens

Ted passed away peacefully at Brookhaven Hospice with his loving wife Christa by his side, on January 10, 2022, in West Kelowna, BC, at the age of 85.

Ted was born to John and Margaret (Hauer) Bens, in Cudworth, Saskatchewan, on March 2,1936.

Dad spent his first 19 years on the family farm. As part of a large family (5 brothers and 6 sisters), he had fond memories of farm life and had lots of fun with his siblings. He said he had an excellent upbringing from his mom and dad. 

Ted left the farm in 1955 and took his first job with The Bank of Commerce, working in a number of rural towns. In 1957, he joined Producers Pipelines the first year in Estevan, before moving to Regina. Dad joined Revenue Canada in 1965, where he was a payroll auditor, collections officer, and then transferred to Calgary in 1974, where he continued with collections, special investigations, and instructor, until his retirement in 1991. Ted enjoyed his career at Revenue Canada it was very rewarding.

Dad enjoyed volunteering, something he did his entire life. In his working years - he volunteered with community, seniors, and the Boy Scouts of Canada. The Scouts memories were special as he shared the experience with Ian. A huge highlight was the 15th World Jamboree in 1983, hosted in Kananaskis Country, where 15000 scouts attended from over 100 countries. Dad received the Scouting Medal of Merit in 1989, issued for especially good service to scouting.

Dad loved camping, hiking, cross country skiing, astronomy (a real passion which he studied extensively), history, geography, current events, and traveling. Dad's favorite camping season was winter.

He always looked forward to family reunions, of which there were many. Tradition was a guys camping trip after the reunion. Family and grandkids camping trips are a cherished memories for his kids and grandkids. Good food, hot chocolate, stories, singing around the campfire, and great mountain hikes. Ted traveled to many places all over Canada, the USA, British Isles, Mexico, & Germany. His favorite city in Germany was Munich.

After Dad retired, he continued to work seasonally for a few years. Ted married Christa (Martten) on May 7, 1994, and then they moved to West Kelowna in August 2000. Dad and Christa enjoyed camping in Alberta and BC, as well as the winters they spent in Yuma, AZ. They did lots of sightseeing throughout their winter travels. Dad and Christa enjoyed all the visits over the years from family and enjoyed attending local events with friends. Dad enjoyed volunteering with the Lions in West Kelowna, with seniors, and of special importance Citizens on Patrol, where he was active until his 80th year. Dad's passion for astronomy continued until the end. He loved science.

Ted is survived by his wife Christa, children; Glenda, Bonnie (Dan), Ian (Sheree), grandchildren; Dustin, Amber, and Daney (Larry), great-grandchildren; Branden, Zach, Lawson, Trinity, & Owen, Christa's children; Debbie (Tim) and Mike(Jackie), grandchildren; Cassandra, Katlyn, Hailey, Ashley & Janine, brothers; Ron (Elsie), Lawrence (Lois), John (Qumangapik), and Ed (Orle), sisters; Viola, Virginia (Steve), Anna Marie (Russell), Mary, and Cathy (Roy), brother-in-law; Aby (Laurie), sister-in-law; Sigrid, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ted was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret, sister Margaret, brother Jackie in infancy, mother in-law Thea, sister-in-law Anne, sister Norma, brother-in-law Jerry, brother-in-law John, brother Ben, and brother-in-law Len. 

We would like to thank the staff at Brookhaven hospice who made his last weeks comfortable.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date.