Peacefully on July 31, 2009, after a brief stay in the hospital, Dad left this earth at the age of 92 and passed on to his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Saviour. He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years Sadie (nee Unruh), his daughter Vivian (William) Wiggins, son Landis (Wendy) of Steinbach, and his grandchildren Cynthia Wiggins, Collette (Jack) Burkard, Wesley Wiggins, Myron (Ammi) Dirks, and Lisa Dirks. Dad is also remembered by four brothers, three sisters, nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and many friends. He was predeceased by his mother and father, two brothers and three sisters. Born on July 2, 1917 in Dalmeny, Saskatchewan to Abram and Adeline Dirks, Ben was the first born of 13 children. Dad and Mom lived in Saskatoon where Dad worked at various jobs; also in St. Catharines, Ontario for a short time, then back to the Waldheim area where he worked for area farmers, had his own farm and worked in Waldheim to supplement the farm income. In 1964, Dad and Mom moved to the “promised land” in SE Manitoba. Just over 25 years were spent in Steinbach at several jobs. Employment included working with his brother Abe for Dirks Poultry, at Steinbach Flour Mills and care-taker at Steinbach Junior High School. Then a move to Saskatoon in 1989 for 20 years of retirement till October 2008 when Dad made his final move back to the Steinbach area. Ben was a devoted and amazing husband, father and grandfather never losing sight of what was important to his family and his faith. Dad’s last months on earth were difficult but Dad often said: “I have no complaints.” What a testimony for all! Praise the Lord! “Dad, we will always cherish fond memories of you” Love, The Family The funeral service will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. with interment following at Steinbach Heritage Cemetery.