Ben P. Goossen was born to Peter K. and Marie Penner Goossen on July 22, 1921 in Rosengart, Manitoba. He peacefully passed away on February 28, 2010 at te Morris General Hospital, reaching the age of 88 years. He was born and grew to manhood on his parent’s farm, where good work ethics were taught. He was converted at the age of 18 years, and baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on March 29, 1940, by Minister Frank Wenger. This experience was precious to him and he often spoke of the grace God extended to him and the congregation during those revivals. During World War II he spent several years in the different camps working as a conscientious objector. He related many experiences of how that was both a time of testing and spiritual growth. On May 28, 1944 Dad married Clara Rempel at Rosenort, and they enjoyed each other’s companionship for 65 years. The first winter they spent at Dryden, ON as a continuation of his C.O. standing. Later the family farm was an enjoyable setting for them to teach us children many principles based on the scriptures he loved. “Better is a handful with quietness” was his answer to our ambitions to increase. We were admonished to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow the Lord. He also enjoyed nature and liked a good snow or electrical storm. Tending to the garden and fruit trees was a pleasant retirement past-time. Dad had a clear vision of the church being the bride of Christ, which he loved and was concerned for its purity. This love led him and mom to serve in Belize, India and in various congregations needing support. They had a heart for those in need and took various friends under their roof through the years. They enjoyed visiting and teaching singing in outlying communities. He was ordained into the Deaconry on December 13, 1954 by Minister George Goossen. He endeavoured to be faithful to that call, often expressing his own inability. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Clara, one daughter Eileen and husband Isaac Peters, Rosenort, MB, four sons: Lloyd (Anita) of Greensburg, KS, Leonard (Bertha) Ulysses, KS, Alvin (Sylvia) and Leroy (Maxine) of Rosenort, MB; 22 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. Also remaining are one brother of Maplewood Manor, Steinbach, MB, one sister Martha (George) Penner of Grandview, MB, three sisters-in-law Elma Goossen and Dora Goossen of Maplewood Manor, Steinbach, MB and Frances of Grandview, MB. Preceding him in death were one son Paul, two grandchildren, eight brothers, two sisters and his parents. Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Dr, Steinbach on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held Thursday, March 4 at 10:30 a.m. at the Rosenort Church of God in Christ, Mennonite with interment in the Church Cemetery.