Benjamin Jacob “Ben” Dann passed away on July 30, 2013 at Vulcan Extendicare at the age of 87 years.
Ben was born January 2, 1926 at Vulcan, Alberta to Ben and Marie Dann. He attended Sunny Lake school and Milo High School. Following this, Ben went into the Army for a year until the war ended. Following that, he worked at Charlie Northcott’s grocery store for the winter in 1946-47 and played baseball in the minor league with the Calgary Buffaloes. Sports were always a big part of Ben’s life, whether it was playing baseball and hockey, curling or golf. He also played on the minor league Vulcan Elks Baseball team for many years.
Ben began farming in 1952, 1 mile east of Kirkaldy and took over the Clark farm in 1961, a mixed operation of grain and cattle until retiring at age 55 and selling the farm to his son Alan. Ben and Ruth purchased a home in Vulcan in 1980 and shortly after this move, Ben became very involved in the Vulcan Golf/ Curling Clubs and skating rink. For many years, he was one of the groundskeepers of the Vulcan Golf Club, “Ice Man” for the Skating and Curling rinks. Ben assisted in the construction of the Golf course and Curling/Skating rinks and maintenance of the old swimming pool.
Ben was a member of the Vulcan Royal Canadian Legion and Lions International. Ben was always community minded and over the years, has received awards and plaques for his involvement, and many golf and baseball awards.
Ben is survived by his loving wife Ruth, daughter Lynda (Keith Carlin) Fewings, two sons Norman (Ganishka) and Alan (Susan) Dann, numerous grand and great-grandchildren, brother Bob (Rose Marie) Dann and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Ben and Marie Dann, a brother Walter, a sister Mildred Marshman and Uncle Jim Dann.
A Memorial Gathering will be held Thursday, August 15, 2013 at 1:00 pm at the Vulcan Legion Hall (240 Sinclair Rd).
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.