MEIER, BENTER FRANK
On December 06, 2011, Benter Frank Meier, of Hinton, AB, peacefully passed onto be with his Heavenly Father. There he will wait for his beloved and treasured wife of 66 years, Phyllis Meier, who he lovingly referred to as “his buddy”.
Papa was 92 years of age and was born on November 22, 1919, in Cabri, Saskatchewan, to parents Frank and Freda Meier, both who came from Germany to set up a small homestead in Parkside, Saskatchewan. He had two siblings, Hedi Mueller (deceased) and Pat Davis of Vancouver, B.C.
At fifteen Papa ventured out to seek work where work could be found. Some of these early opportunities included working for farmers clearing land and haying in the summer, and fishing up north in the winter months. When he was old enough, Papa joined the Canadian Airforce, and there he met his soon to be bride Phyllis Jones. They were married on a $50 war bond and the deep love and devotion they had for each other.
They moved to Hinton in 1946 where Papa started work as a sawyer at Anderson Creek lumber camp. Soon the family began to increase, and four girls had the profound privilege of being Ben and Phyllis’s daughters: Arlene (Wayne) Peterson of Paradise Valley, AB; Pat (Gordon) Grice of Halkirk, AB; Cindy (Allen) Sommerfeld of Hinton, AB; and Charlene (Gary) Sitar of Hinton, AB. Papa had a total of 11 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, all of whom were greatly influenced by his honesty, integrity, generosity of money and time, the love of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and unconditional love of all people, no matter what their background. His family always came first, and he was always there to turn to in times of need. He was indeed our earthly rock.
Papa was one of the first Town of Hinton employees, and retired as Town Superintendent after 28 years of service. He loved Hinton very much and had a tremendous amount of respect for the people who lived here. Papa spent a great deal of time hunting and fishing in the surrounding area, and taking photographs of the local wildlife and scenery he appreciated so much. He was considered a local expert on fishing holes, trails, and everything outdoors, and his charm, quick wit, and amazing sense of humour could brighten anyone’s day. Over the last few years, trapshooting and having coffee with “the boys” was something he loved and cherished.
We love you Papa, and will miss you, but are so reassured to know that you are walking tall and healthy once again. Thank you so much for showing us what commitment and love was all about. Your example has been passed on to all who knew you, and it was an honour to take care of you as you prepared for your final journey home.
Jesus spoke to his disciples in John 14:2-3 saying: “In my house are many rooms: if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” At dad’s request, a funeral service will not be held; however, we will be putting together a book of memories for mom and our family, which will include any pictures, stories, and thoughts of what he meant to family and friends. Anything that you would like to contribute can be forwarded to the following: csitar@live.com, or Charlene Sitar, 146 Maligne Drive, Hinton, AB, T7V 1J3.
Financial contributions in memory of Dad can be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Contributions to make the world a better place can be made by telling your wife you love her, giving your children unlimited bear-hugs, listening to a friend, or smiling at a stranger.
HINTON FUNERAL SERVICES, 780-865—1234 and Foothills Crematorium entrusted with all arrangements.
To send condolences on line, please visit our website at www.edsonfuneralhome.com
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