Obituary of Ben Hauser

Joseph Benjamin Hauser was born in Neudorf, Saskatchewan to Joe and Elizabeth Hauser. When Ben was 16 his family moved to Wanham, AB. By the time Ben was 18, he owned his own sawmill and had a crew of men working with him. In 1947 his father died, and Ben took over the business as an Esso oil agent. The business also had an offshoot of the Treasury Branch (an Alberta Bank). The office sold car and driver's licenses, hail and fire insurance, and people were also able to pay phone and Hydro bills. In 1951, at the age of 37 Ben married Freda Wegh. They had four lovely children, Janice, Valerie, Rick and Melody, in quick succession. In 1961 Ben and family moved to BC, spending the first year at East Pine, then on to the property they accrued 10 miles west of Chetwynd where Ben involved the entire family in constructing a home of their own. From mixing cement to hammering nails, everyone was able to participate in this adventure. Ben and Freda resided in this home until 2001 when they moved to Chetwynd to a seniors' unit. They remained there until 2005 when Ben needed to be moved to Rotary Manor, due to the progression of Alzheimer's. Ben was a genius, machinist, inventor, and definite humorist. He spent three and a half years in the Army as a Royal Engineer and it is remembered by his family that one of his primary areas of training was demolitions. He worked in a variety of positions: self employment, employment as a janitor, security guard for Canfor and a guard for the RCMP for 14 years. Ben could be abrupt and when his growing children would ask for assistance with school work by wondering aloud what a difficult word meant, he would abruptly respond "Dictionary!!" Consequently, his children ended up excelling at spelling. Ben built a machine that was fondly dubbed the "dirt-hauler". It looked like something out of the Beverly Hillbillies and provided endless fun to the family, as well as neighbour children. When Ben retired and he and Freda became involved with the seniors group in Chetwynd, he soon acquired the nickname "Gentle Ben" and often enjoyed carpet bowling and cards. Ben was predeceased by his oldest daughter Janice; He is survived by; his loving wife of 59 years, Freda; daughters Valerie and Melody; son Rick (Laura); nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; sister Clara. One of Ben's favourite sayings was that it will happen "in the fullness of time". So, Ben, "in the fullness of time" we will be reunited. Ben passed away on Saturday, May 15, 2010 in Dawson Creek, BC at the age of 96 years. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Ben to Step Up 'n' Ride Society, Box 2459, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4T9.