Obituary of Horace Walter BENSTEAD

April 16, 1921 – Calgary, Alberta September 12, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta We are saddened to announce the passing of Ben Benstead of Calgary, AB on Thursday September 12, 2019 at the Rocky view Hospital at the age of 98. He attended the Sunnyside Bungalow School and completed his education at Western Canada High School. He joined the RCAF at the young age of nineteen. He was proud to be a Flying Officer and served in the Far East in North Africa and India, on coastal command where he earned the Burma Star. Ben’s working career was with the City of Calgary in the Transportation Department. He was the last surviving street car operator. He proudly retired as Transit Operator #1 after thirty-seven years of service. He met Ruth while stationed in Rivers, MB and they were married in 1943. Ruth’s passing in 1956 was the beginning of providing for his two young daughters in the Killarney home. He re-married, Edna, in August 1962 and became a father to her sons, Jim and Cliff Wilkinson. He was very much an athlete and over the years we were entertained with his roller skating, rollerblading and unicycling. Family fun was swimming, skiing, scuba diving and camping. His childhood roots led the way to Sunday dinners, holiday’s celebrations and birthdays being spent together with family. His skill in carpentry inspired others to learn and there were always family projects on the go. The biggest one was the cabin, west of Olds, where weekends became the highlight of the summer months. Arizona winters followed his retirement at Greenfield Village RV Park in Mesa, AZ, becoming home for him and Edna for many years. The tennis court was his favorite place and he played tirelessly. Swimming lengths in the pool were a daily routine and he never missed the Saturday evening dances. He loved all music and would do the jitterbug given the opportunity. He will live on in our hearts forever. Ben is survived by his two daughters, Patricia (Nick) Nixon, Joyce McKay and two sons, Jim (Vida) Wilkinson and Cliff (Robbie) Wilkinson; eight grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Velma (Ruth) in 1956; his brothers Harry, Victor, and Herbert; and his parents, Walter and Annie. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Veterans Food Bank of Calgary, 4619 6 St NE #1, Calgary, AB T2E 7C3, Phone:403.471-9851, or to Vet’s Angels, 800, 11012 MacLeod Trail SE, Calgary, AB T2J 6A5, Phone: 403.943.0615, . A special thank you to Dr. Ewa and her team at the Care West Colonel Belcher Center for their outstanding care for Ben. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, ), on Monday, September 23, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences may be forwarded through www.McInnisandHolloway.com. In living memory of Ben Benstead, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB, T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.