November 9, 1931 – June 2, 2021
at the age of 89 years
Celebration of Life: Saturday, July 17, 2021, 2pm, Shuswap Community Church (Baptist Church), 3151 6 Avenue NE, Salmon Arm, BC
The family of Ben rejoices that he finished his race well on June 2, 2021 at the age of 89. He is now with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ whom he has served faithfully throughout his life.
Ben was born in Saskatoon, SK November 9, 1931, the eldest of 7. He spent his growing up years in Abbotsford, BC. After high school, he attended Briercrest Bible Institute and went on to Victoria Normal School. He started his teaching career in Terrace, BC where he met and fell in love with fellow teacher, Martha Harder. They were married August 22, 1957.
His teaching career started with high school PE and Sciences. After the family moved to Salmon Arm in 1967, he taught Grades 4-6 at Salmon Arm Elementary, South Broadview, South Canoe, Grindrod and Ranchero Schools. He retired in 1992. In their retirement, Ben and Martha enjoyed spending winters in California and travelling to many countries.
He pursued his love of athletics through senior’s softball, horseshoes, pickleball and table tennis. After learning to play pickleball in Palm Springs, he introduced the sport to Salmon Arm. Ben competed in the 2017 BC Seniors Games, winning bronze in table tennis in the over 80 men’s doubles.
Ben’s commitment to the Lord and his desire to serve Him was evident in his involvement over the years at Shuswap Community Church. He had a very soft heart for missions doing short term outreaches in Peru and Russia as well as volunteering at Gleaners and faithfully collecting socks, scarves and mittens for distribution in third world countries.
Ben is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Martha; children Jan Peters, Carolyn (John) Schut of Salmon Arm, and Doug (Cynthia) Peters of Los Angeles. Grandchildren Josiah, Micah (Jessica), Nicola Schut; Olivia, Naomi and Elijah Peters. He will be dearly missed but we have the hope that we will see him again. 1 Peter 1:3-5
The family appreciate and sincerely thank Dr. Levins and the palliative care team for their loving care and support.
Donations in memory of Ben can be sent to the Great Commission Foundation in support of Doug and Cynthia Peters in inner city ministry of Los Angeles: gcfcanada.com/lacs/ select Doug & Cynthia Peters. Or to Shuswap Community church towards missions at www.aplacetobelong.ca
Mr. Peters was my Grade 6 teacher at Salmon Arm Elementary. I was blessed with two great teachers that year – Mr. Peters and Mr. Dagneau. It was my last year in elementary school before I was hurried off to junior high in 1971. They were both terrific teachers. It was one of my best years in school. Mr. Peters was always calm, always caring and knew his stuff. He will be missed by many.
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful man of God!
Dear Martha and family. Wonderful tribute for Ben. Just thinking about you both and missing our annual get together at Sunnybrae.. So honored to have known him. He will be missed. God Bless, Yvonne Jones- Teel.
My brother, Ben, now with his dear Friend, the LORD. Good memories of school together, chores, clearing land in Abbotsford, managing three acres of strawberries, chickens and cows, logging in Terrace, sports, the gospel Chapel, and your visiting me in the jungles of Brazil. Your goal and vision was clear. My thanks to a caring and loving God.
What a lovely write-up and Tribute for Ben!!! May our Lord continue to bless, guide and help you all as He did when Ben was alive!!!!!!!! Loving you all and keeping you in our prayers!