Obituary of Ben Collette

Ben passed away December 7, 2024, while in care at Oakview Place, Extendicare. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019 and had been fighting this terrible disease. Ben was pre-deceased by his parents, Léo and Aurore (Duguay) and one sibling, Léo Jr.

Ben is survived by his wife, Carmen (Guyon) and four siblings, Danielle, Nicole, Michelle (André) and Mario (Monelle), along with several nieces and nephews as well as a grand-nephew and two grand-nieces.

Ben was always an athletic person involved in sports in one way or another. He was on the Lacrosse team at Collège St-Boniface (now Université de Saint-Boniface). He played football for the Elmwood Colts and later coached teens in football for 10 years (St. Boniface Paladins, Norwood Colts and St. Vital Mustangs).

After graduating from Collège St-Boniface, Ben went on to study drafting of detailed technical drawings of engineering designs. He worked for the City of St-Boniface for several years and during that time he established Ben’s Paladin (later known as The Paladin) on rue Des Meurons. Ben was very proud, knowing he played an instrumental part in founding a future iconic St. Boniface eating establishment.

After selling the restaurant the early 70’s, Ben started a new career in the flooring industry. His drafting experience helped him to transition into his new role. After gaining experience in Winnipeg, he later accepted a position in Calgary, where he lived for 7 years. He then opened his own company in Vancouver where he lived for another 7 years. Then came two 7-year stints in two different cities in the U.S.: Phoenix, Arizona and Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoyed his time in these two cities and has fond memories of the people he met there and who became friends.

When he was ready to retire, Ben and Carmen returned to Canada to be close to family and friends. They first went to Calgary for a few years before returning to Winnipeg where they remained (except for a brief return to Calgary), until both he and Carmen moved into a full care facility because of Ben’s ongoing battle with Parkinson’s.

The caregivers at Oakview were extremely conscientious in giving Ben the care he required and were excellent at keeping us informed of his situation. We are grateful to them for their attention.

Ben will be missed by those of us who knew and loved him. We wish him a good journey to the everlasting peace to which he is entitled.

A small private family memorial will be held later in the spring.