Berend "Ben" Van Arragon

“For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able

to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.” II Timothy 1:12.

Mr. Berend “Ben” Jacob Van Arragon of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Tina Van Arragon, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, January 17, 2020, at the age of 84 years.

He was born on April 14, 1935 in Warnsveld, Gelderland, the Netherlands, to Hendrik and Maria, the oldest of three children.

Ben grew up in the war years, worked on his uncle’s farm, and studied agriculture, which he loved. Ben came to Canada in 1954 at age nineteen, flying on one of the first passenger planes to cross the Atlantic. He worked for a farmer in Fort MacLeod and attended a young people’s church group in Lethbridge. There he met and married his wife, Tryntje (Tina) Koopmans in 1961. During their married life, Ben and Tina resided in Lethbridge, Cardston, Jefferson, Three Hills, Grassy Lake and finally Foremost.

Ben enjoyed fishing, hiking and nature in general, going for Sunday drives and often enjoyed socializing with those around him. He always kept his garden in summer which his family loved. Driving and operating machinery kept him happily occupied at work. He was a farm hand for years.

Ben is survived by his loving wife Tina; his seven children, and fifteen grandchildren, Arlene (Al) Scherer of Lethbridge and their children, Adrian, Anthony, Alyssa (Sheri), and Amanda; Nanette Burkinshaw of Lethbridge; Darrell Van Arragon of Foremost and his children, Meagan, Kristin, and Janelle, Christina (David) Van Pelt of Coaldale and their children, Martina, Liana, Erica, and Isaac, Marty (Jeannine) Van Arragon of Millet and their children, Kaleb, Jordan, Abigail, and Aiden, Randy Van Arragon of Foremost, and Danny (Jenn) Van Arragon of Foremost. Ben’s surviving family in the Netherlands include, his sister Mieneke Smit, his brother Herman (Anky) Van Arragon, and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Chris Smit, and his niece, Manny.

Ben was most grateful for his faith found in his living Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to whom he committed his life in 1968. He was always active in the churches that he was a member of, such as teaching Sunday school, and rarely missed attending even when his health was not great.  

His family mourns his sudden passing but are glad his earthly struggles are ended. Till we meet again…

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the ER department, Dr. Sarah Grant, and staff at Chinook Regional Hospital, and also to Yumara and her caring staff of the Golden Acres Lodge where Dad resided.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm, on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 1818 5 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Pastor Lloyd Kohl officiating.

A private family Graveside Service will be held prior in the Foremost Cemetery.

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