Bernard (Ben) Elvin Kollman
Ben passed away with family by his side on September 19, 2022, at the age of 91 years, at his residence at Long Term Care, Kerrobert and District Health Centre in Kerrobert, Saskatchewan. He is forever loved and remembered by his six children: Jerry (Pam Kollman), Betty (Norm Phillips), Janice (Rick Blair), Shirley (Dennis Knorr), Shelley (Glen Gottfried) and Bernie Kollman (Brian McPherson); the grandchildren: Andrea (Tyler Luca), Kimberly Lloyd, Chad (Jahnel Kollman), Mike (Nancy Phillips), Matt (Natasha Phillips), Jayne Phillips (Derek Varley), Dan (Courtney Blair), Steven (Olivia Blair), Kaitlin Little, Curtis Blair (Tasha Lagran), Amanda (Jeremy Pangman), Christopher Knorr, Randy (Laura Gottfried), Brian (Kierra Gottfried), and 24 great-grandchildren; his sister Mary Bardick, sisters-in-law: Jeanette Kollman, Mary-Anne Kollman and brother-in-law Joe (Beth Schachtel) plus many other relatives and friends. Ben was pre-deceased by his wife of 65 years, Louise (nee Schachtel), his parents John and Katherine, brothers John, Peter and Tony and his sister, Rosalind Greer.
Born at home in the Fusilier area, Saskatchewan, Ben loved his faith, family, farming, friends, his community and sports. Ben was proud to be a farmer for 55 years, starting at age 15 years, primarily on the land 10 miles South of Major. Known as “Shack” during his hockey years, he loved the competition and camaraderie developed through sports. Forty years of curling culminated in representing Saskatchewan at the Seniors Masters curling championships for two consecutive years, coming in first and second, respectively. He was a dedicated volunteer in Major, working to upgrade and maintain community amenities and serving as His Worship the Mayor for many years. Ben and Louise were inseparable - working tirelessly, raising and enjoying family, travelling, spending time with neighbours and loving each other. They were particularly fond of their many winters as snowbirds with new friends in Mesa, Arizona.
The family would like to thank Dr. Wentzel, the nurses and staff at Kerrobert Health Centre and Nancy Vanthuyne and residents at Caleb Village in Kindersley for their excellent care and for serving as an extended family to Dad during his later years. Special thanks to Fr. Dan, who has been an endless source of comfort and strength to Dad and our family over many years. We are forever grateful.
We celebrated Ben’s life with Prayers on Friday, September 23, 2022, at 7:30 pm and Mass on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at 1:00 pm, both at Immaculate Conception Parish church in Major, Saskatchewan, officiated by Fr. Dan Yasinsky. Interment at Major Cemetery, with fellowship and lunch at Major Centennial Hall immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Immaculate Conception Parish, c/o Blanche Wack, Box 7, Major, Saskatchewan S0L 2H0. E-transfers may be deposited to: icmajor@rcdos.ca, and charitable receipts will be issued for all donations over $20.