Robert Benjamin Miller (Ben)
Ben, one of eight children of Irene and Tracy Miller, was born May 21st, 1938. He was the middle child to his brothers and sisters; Mary (Walter), Archie, Frank, Ruby, Audrey, Ferg (Vicky), Charlie (Julie). The farm that raised the family was broke by his father and grandfather and Ben lived in a crowded two-room log cabin, hunting, fishing, and farming with his father and siblings. Later in 1950, a two-story home was built to move the family into (with indoor plumbing and electricity … much to the dismay his mother who wanted to continue using a wood stove for cooking!).
Ben, loved the farm but soon discovered his second passion, picking up his father’s fiddle and teaching himself how to play. Most of you have heard Ben play live multiple times but some of you may not have known that Ben never learned to read music. Mastering all his melodies by ear with hours of practice. Ben enjoyed sharing his talents with the community and nothing thrilled him more than when people danced to his music.
Ben attended Sunnybank County School, walking 3 miles (uphill both ways) until he transferred and later graduated from the Westlock School. Ben took an electronics course and learned how to build/repair radios and TVs but he always stayed close to the homestead to help on his family farm.
One night after fiddling his heart out at a country dance, he met the love of his life, Carole Chodak. Ben would often describe the night he first saw Carole – he was smitten with her right away, even recounting to all who would listen to what she wore the night they met! They married August 14, 1964, and shortly after purchased quarters of land to proudly raise two children Debbie (Jeffrey) and Trevor (Lora) on their own family farm west of Pibroch.
Carole and Ben were successful Select Seed Growers for many years but fiddling for his grandchildren (Madison, Olivia, Reid, Ellie, Keaton, and Quinlan) on the farm was his greatest passion.
Ben passed away on June 7th, 2020, a mere three months after the passing of Carole to join her in Heaven. His legacy will forever be felt by all of those who knew and loved him in the stories and lessons he left behind. Ben was a hard worker who could out-talk a magpie but most of all, his kind spirit will always be strongest felt at the river campsite. Each year he meticulously manicured the campsite for the great enjoyment of his grandchildren, friends, and family.
A Service to celebrate Ben’s life will be held Monday, June 22, 2020, at 4:00 pm at the Hazel Bluff Hall. The celebration will be held outdoors so please bring lawn chairs and umbrellas for shade or chance of showers. In his memory, we ask for donations in lieu of flowers to be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada c/o 10004-105 Street, Westlock, AB, T7P 1V2.
COVID restrictions require outdoor gathering to be restricted to a maximum of 100 people who are required to social distance 6 feet from each other (masks are not mandatory but will be made available). Virtual attendance options will be available at the Westlock Funeral Home website, westlockfuneralhome.com
Westlock Funeral Home and Crematorium Ltd. 780.349.3474
