Obituary of Ben Sales

Ben was born in Mervin, Sask. on September 15, 1933 to Phillip and Annie Sales. Ben began his education in Loon Lake, Sask., and later graduated from the University of Joussard in Alberta with a grade 8 diploma. Ben and his Mother moved to High Prairie in the late 1940's where he went to work in a Lumber Mill working shifts. He was offered a job delivering milk by horse drawn wagon which he graciously accepted. It only took him about a week to figure out that if you aren't the horse, the view never changes. He was offered a job at Beaver Lumber to assist in the High Prairie store which he then came to Manage for a number of years. While paying his bills at the Treasury Branch in High Prairie, Dad met the love of his life Joanne Beaupre. After a very short three month courtship they were married. Ten ½ months later I was born, 55 weeks later, Christine was born in Mayerthorpe, Alberta and four years later, Karen was born in High Prairie. In 1973, Dad accepted a transfer with Beaver Lumber to Dawson Creek. He immediately fell in love with the Peace River Country and quickly made Dawson Creek his family's home. Over the years Dad was always very supportive of all of his children's endeavours. His family rapidly grew with the birth of his first grandson, Jason, the first child of Christine and Anthony Huhn; three years later came the birth of his first Granddaughter, Sasha, a little sister for Jason. His family kept growing with Karen's marriage to Brian Lanz. Soon, another Grandson and Granddaughter were added to his family, Tyler and Vanessa. Jason and his wife Janinne honoured Ben with a great-grand son, Denton Huhn and his big brother Jarred. To Ben nothing was more important than spending time with his family. He instilled a love for the outdoors and nature in all of us. We spent all our summers in the outdoors camping and fishing, and spent countless nights around the campfire. Ben's favourite past time was to deal vehicles - he loved his cars! Some of my fondest memories are selling cars with my Dad at Aspol Motors. Material things weren't important to Dad, what mattered most to him was the well being of his family. You always knew where you stood with Dad, he always treated everyone fairly and was brutally honest, whether you liked it or not. These were the qualities that compelled his family to draw on his wisdom at times in their lives when they needed advice. Eulogy Presented by Ben's son, Vince Sales. Ben passed away on June 19, 2008 in Dawson Creek at the age of 74 years. A Funeral Service was held on June 25, 2008 at 11:30 am at the Notre Dame Catholic Church. Fr. Michael Anyasoro officiated. Interment will be at a later date. Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium, Dawson Creek, B.C.