Benedict Adam Wittman, late of Regina, passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2019.
Benedict is survived by daughters Susan (Brad) Fayant, Michelle (Wayne) Diakow and Lorelei Wittman; son-in-law Ron Klein; grandchildren Jody (Marcie) Klein, Robert (Maya) Golding, Carter Klein, Kyle (Kassidy) Diakow, Kendra and Kristen Diakow, Kurtis and Caleigh Fayant; great grandchildren Rory and Charlie Klein and Olive Golding; brother Artie (Florence) Wittman; sister Rosabelle (Andy) Lorenz; brother-in-law Tony Wolbaum; sisters-in-law Leona (Ken) Georgettes, Doris (John) Potetz, Alice (Ron) Lesnowski and Dolly Getz as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Ben was preceded in death by his wife Rosalind; daughter Jocelyn Klein; his mother and father John and Rose; brothers John and Frank Wittman; sisters Evelyn (Pete) Herman, Georgina (Nick) Wiome, Katherine (Celestine) Weisgerber, Lorraine Wolbaum, Elizabeth Wittman and brother-in-law Larry Getz.
Ben was born December 22, 1929 near Vibank, SK. His early years were spent between work on the family farm and school in Vibank. After graduating, he wanted to keep busy so he enrolled in Teacher’s College earning his certificate in teaching. Upon graduating Ben embarked on a lifelong career as an educator. During early years, he taught K through 12, starting out in Vibank and area. Never a man to stand idle and with a lifelong thirst for knowledge, he spent the next few years moving throughout Saskatchewan teaching elementary and high school, and during his spare time and on summer breaks, he worked to earn his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan. Ben became one of the youngest principals in the education system when he became principal at the Brownlee High School. His hard work over four years was noticed by the Moose Jaw Catholic School Board and at age 33, he became one of the youngest superintendents in Saskatchewan on August 1, 1963.
In keeping with his hard work ethic, he strived to expand and improve the education system he oversaw and in his spare time he earned his Masters in Education. Ben spent the next 23 years of his professional life working to achieve what he called the top objective of the school division, the education of young people to the highest standards. And in the case of Moose Jaw, the schools got what bigger divisions got but at the fraction of the cost, thanks to another characteristic of Ben, tough but fair negotiator who always got the deal he wanted. Upon retirement, in 1986, praise and accolades from colleagues demonstrated that he acceded the goals for the education system he oversaw. His successful role as an educator is best summed up with the sentiment shared by many at his retirement dinner, that not only was the separate school division better off for the work he did, but Moose Jaw was better off because of his dedication and hard work. Work was important to Ben, but it was secondary to his family.
On September 13, 1952, he married Rosalind (Linda) Getz. For the next 63 years, Ben and Linda shared a life well lived, based on undying love and devotion. Linda and Ben moved throughout Saskatchewan in their early years together, as they did so they started a family with the birth of their first daughter Jocelyn. The family over the next 15 years expanded with the birth of three more daughters Susan, Michelle and Lorelei. He worked hard to ensure his girls could achieve whatever they wanted, starting early with reading and math lessons. He instilled in his girls the importance of an education, but also to take the time and enjoy life, as he knew how challenging it could be. Throughout his life, Ben struggled with many health issues and was referred to by many as a walking miracle. It was not so much a miracle, but Ben’s determination to simply enjoy the blessings of life itself for one more minute. Ben’s greatest joys in life were Linda and his four daughters, then his five grandsons and finally three granddaughters. And later, the joy of seeing his three great granddaughters. Ben was a hard worker, he always had the greenest lawn, cleanest car. He could fix almost anything. He was a lifelong knowledge seeker, reading anything and everything. And when he ran out of books, he read the New Testament, repeatedly. He would dedicate himself to whatever activity he did, including fitness. He walked miles daily in rain, sleet and snow and when Linda convinced him it was not too smart for an old boy to be walking outside, he became a dedicated mall walker and enjoyed a nice chat with fellow mall walkers at the Victoria Square Mall.
The past years had been difficult for Ben, sharing the loss of his daughter Jocelyn with Linda and then losing Linda not long after. Health issues added to these woes, yet despite it all, Ben’s thirst for knowledge and life never wavered. Nor did his strong faith in God and in his promise of an eternal life where he would be free of pain and suffering and be reunited with those he loved.
A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held at Regina Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4001 East Victoria Avenue, Regina, SK on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to sign the online obituary and tributes page at www.reginafuneralhome.ca. Arrangements entrusted to Regina Funeral Home and Cemetery (306) 789-8850.
We are left with a garden of beautiful memories, sprayed with a million tears
