BENJAMIN BARKMAN UNGER July 22, 1917 – September 14, 2008 Our sorrow is blended with great joy as we celebrate the home-going of our father and grandfather Ben B. Unger, who has entered into the presence of his Savior and King, Jesus Christ. Dad was born on July 22, 1917 to Cornelius W. and Maria B. Unger near Steinbach, Manitoba. He committed his life to Christ shortly before his marriage to Aganetha (Agnes) Guenther and together they entered the waters of baptism on July 11, 1937. Their marriage took place on September 25, 1938 and soon after they settled in La Broquerie Municipality where they farmed and raised their family. Left to celebrate his life are Wilbert (Della); Miranda (Jack) Ward; Cliff (Linda); Eva (Herman) Penner; Earl (Mary); Mary-Anne (Len) Hart; Shirley (Dan) Wiebe, 23 grandchildren and their spouses, and 36 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Dave; Dan (Tina); Mary Roos; Winnie (John) Dyck; Victor (Mary); and his sister-in-law Annie Sawatzky. He was predeceased by his wife Agnes; his infant twin sons Peter and Cornelius; 4 young grandchildren; his brother Cornelius, and his sister Elizabeth. Dad was a gentleman and a gentle man. It is only appropriate that his greatest earthly passion was for the draft horse, also known as gentle giants. He and Mom were instrumental in the founding of the Southeastern Manitoba Draft Horse Association and they volunteered countless hours at the Mennonite Heritage Village Museum. Along with horses, Dad’s hobbies included logging, his sawmill, his antique John Deere tractor, pitching sheaves, and anything that involved field work. What is extremely interesting about this is that these are the ways that Dad supported his family over the years. In other words, work was play for Dad, and the harder the work, the more he enjoyed it. This work ethic continued right up until a few weeks before his death at the age of 91. Another defining characteristic of Dad’s life was his devotion to Jesus as Lord. His very demeanor reflected a Christ-like kindness and gentleness. For several years he taught a boys’ class at the EMB church where he held membership for most of his life. He was consistent with his daily devotions and spent considerable time praying for his family and the various missionaries that He and Mom had supported over the years. It is significant that he passed into glory as the family gathered around him was singing “Just a Closer Walk With Thee”. We as a family would like to extend our heart-felt thanks to Dr. Minnaar and the medical/nursing staff at Bethesda Hospital. They were fantastic. We would also like to thank the staff at Fernwood Place for the consideration they extended to Dad during his residence of the past 8 years. Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held Friday, September 19 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cornerstone Bible Church, 290 First St, Steinbach with interment at Heritage Cemetery. If friends so desire donations may be made to The Gideons, PO Box 3619 Stn Main; Guelph, ON N1H 9Z9