Bernardus Gerhardus Albers (Benny)
It is with utter shock and profound sadness, we announce the passing of our Dad & Opa, Benny Albers.
Born in Noord Deurningen, Netherlands the youngest of 3 children to Suzanna and Harm Albers.
Benny was only 7 when WWII ended but he witnessed so much as a child, he never failed to teach & remind his kids the cruelty of that war and why it should never be forgotten. The hardship of his meager upbringing contributed to his strong work ethic & commitment to providing his family with the best life possible.
After immigrating to Canada in 1965, he learned english, took a trade in welding, and married Joyce-his wife of 51 years. They proudly raised their family and lived in their beautiful Kenilworth home until their respective passings.
Benny never forgot his roots. He and Joyce held down multiple evening jobs in order to afford taking his family back to the Netherlands as often as possible. Instilling in us kids a strong sense of pride in our Dutch/Canadian heritage.
He & Joyce, along with their good friends Vic & Lorraine Mykitiuk built cabins beside one another at Mons Lake. They spent many memorable years fishing, playing cards, spending nights around the firepit & eating bountiful meals from the garden.
Over the years, we delighted in bringing dad some novelty to place in his amazing bar downstairs. Always a talking point with visitors and a fascinating treasure trove for the grandkids.
In later years they travelled the world together. Most often on Holland America cruises, creating memories with their children and grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Hennie, Sister Truus (Cor) & his wife Joyce.
Dad leaves behind 3 loving daughters. Nancy Offers nèe Albers, Jennifer Woodward (Patrick), Nadine Remington (Chris). Grandchildren: Josh (Connie),Aaron (Kaz), Matthew (Jess), Nathan (Madison), Reid, Claudia, Duncan, Peter, Graham, Riley, Declan and several great grandchildren- all of whom he was immensely proud of. He also leaves his chosen family: James & Joan Carlson, Elizabeth (Mitch), Sarah (Adam) as well as his remaining family in the Netherlands; niece: Suze (Jan), Rik (Jorie), Roy and Nephew Jan (Els).
A celebration of his life will occur Saturday, July 12th 2025 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm
Please reach out to the family for further details.
To our cousins. In sharing with your dad’s passing we’d like to extend our sincere condolences to you all. Your mom and dad were very special to us always and we will miss them both immensely love to you all Willie and Donna and all our family big hugs for you all with much love
You know you were all special to both of them. After mom’s passing he enjoyed your visits and that you kept in touch. ❤️
So sorry hear of your Dad’s passing. Sending hugs ❤️
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Lieve familie,wij wensen jullie heel veel sterkte bij het overlijden van Benny,hij was een hele gezellige man waar we mee konden lachen hij genoot zichtbaar.
Voor mijn moeder had hij altijd een zwak.
Nu zijn ze allemaal weer samen en kunnen ze kaarten in de hemel
❤️
Dear Nancy, Jennifer and Nadine,
Our condoleances to all of you and your familys.
We Will remember Benny as a kind and friendly friend in Canada.
Lots of love,
Gerard en Truus Veldscholten
Joke Groeneveld-Veldscholten,
Noord Deurningen
Thank you Joke, you know your whole family has such a special place in our lives. From the telling of many tales of your dad and my dad and their days as alter boys at the church to their wilder days as young men. A trip to Denekamp then and now are never complete without a visit to the farm to see your parents. Even my children know Mr. Veldscholten! ❤️
Oh Nadine, I’m so very sorry that you lost your father. He must have been a wonderful man given that he raised you so well. There is such a special bond between a daughter and her dad that will stay strong forever. Cherish that. It will get you through the pain you are experiencing now. Hold on tightly to him, as he will always be holding on to you and your family
Our condolences to the family. We are sad to hear of his passing. We are long time friends of Benny. We enjoyed visiting and spending time with him and Joyce . He will always have a special place in our hearts.
The Dyers (Debbie, Iain and son Jonathan) would like to leave our condolences for the entire family. We send our love and prayers.
Thank you so much Debbie. ❤️
Nancy, Jennifer and Nadine – Joan & I were deeply saddened to read of Benny’s passing. It was truly wonderful to have had your family as our neighbors for so many years. I loved my many conversations with your mom and dad over the years. They were always so nice to me and my brother John. We will always remember your mom & dad with great fondness. Please accept our deepest condolences as we also feel your loss.
Thanks Julius, my dad always mentioned when he had seen you and enjoyed your visits.
Gecondoleerd met het verlies, Ik sprak Benny voor het laatst vorig jaar via een video chatt, nadat mijn broer was overleden! Erg pijnlijk en triest allemaal, heb er geen woorden voor! Benny en mijn vader waren goede vrienden, ik was nog een jochie toen Benny emigreerde, dat kan ik mij nog goed herinneren! Ik vond hem toen een held dat hij toen durfde de stap te nemen om naar Canada te gaan! Sterkte allemaal met dit verlies!
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So sorry for your great loss. Losing parents despite the age, is always so difficult.
Now Benny can reunite with your mom and his siblings.
Sending ❤️. Love Auntie Linda
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I am shocked to read of Benny’s passing as I had just spoken to him a few weeks ago. He hadn’t let on that he was ill. We had met Joyce and Benny a few times at the Dutch Canadian Club over the years. He had donated a suit that he had worn in the Netherlands to be used as costumes in plays and theaters in Edmonton. Hopefully it was displayed that way. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Thank you for your kind words and that little memory of dad Pauline. He is so dearly missed.
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Dear Jennifer,
Sorry to hear that your dad passed.
May you and your family are comforted that your dad is an honorable man and has built a great family and legacy!
Virtual hugs,
Ellen.
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My sincere condolences to the family. I would always stop and talk to Benny during my neighbourhood bike rides when he was outside tending to his garden.
Joyce & I exchanged primrose plants years ago. I will miss our chats. I have met Nancy, Claudia & Duncan over the years.
Benny was very proud of his family.
Thank you so much for your kind words Trudy.
My sincerest condolences for the loss of Benny. I was shocked when I heard about it. I always think back with gratitude to the wonderful time we had with you in Canada in 1978. We (Tante Sien, Ina and I) made a trek through the Rocky Mountains with you.
I wish you much strength in the coming period.
Best regards,
Riky ❤
Thank you Riky. We are all still in shock as well. Dad is so missed. I hope we can reconnect with you the next time we are in NL. I too have wonderful childhood memories of your family, and the swing in Tante Siens backyard.
Xoxo
Condolences on the loss of a lovely kind man. Benny and Joyce were like family around the table on so many holiday gatherings over so many years. I wrote Benny a letter when Joyce passed away. I let him know my feelings on the spirit that the two of them brought to our gatherings. So many of those that made up the faces around the table are now gone. Benny will be missed. Thank you for being a part of us for as long as I can remember.
Janey (daughter to Larry Ochotsky and the late Emily Ochotsky)
Thanks Janey, so many great memories with your parents. Thank you for your kind words.