BEREND SPANNINGA Obituary

BEREND (BEN) JELLE SPANNINGA August 11 1965 ~ October 23 2024 It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that the family announces the passing of Berend (Ben) Spanninga on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the age of 59. Ben passed away peacefully at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre with family by his side.

Ben was born and raised in Thunder Bay. In his younger years, many fond memories were held to his family home in Raith. These fond memories extended to his teenage and young adult years to the family home in Murillo on Gratton Road.

In 88' and 89', Ben's passion was his stock car and racing at the Riverview Raceway alongside his closest friends. Every Wednesday, after work, Ben would rush to the track to be there early. Number 18 will always hold a special place in his family's hearts.

Ben had a passion for working with his hands and found a career working in the tile industry. His work brought him great joy. He had a true eye for detail and his perfectionism spoke volumes in his finished projects.

Camp at Northern Lights Resort was Ben's second home. Ben loved spending time and making memories with his family around the campfire, on the boat, fishing, tubing, time at the beach, and enjoying the great outdoors. Ben also enjoyed snowmachining, ice fishing, and being out on the lake in the winter.

Special memories were made with Ben and his children with favourite family past times; bowling, swimming, biking, and adventuring. Halloween was his favourite Holiday.

Ben had an infectious personality and made a positive impact on those around him. One of his best traits was his ability to make people laugh, his laughter and smile will be missed. He lived life on the wild side, without fear, and embraced every day.

Ben was a devoted and loving Father and Opa. His children and grandchildren were his biggest pride and joy in life.

Ben was an animal lover; he adored his pets and all the pets that joined the family over the years. He is now reunited with his best friend, Smokey, at the golden gates.

Ben is Predeceased by his Mother, Jantje Spanninga and Father, Louwe Spanninga, whom he loved and cherished deeply. As well as his Oma, Hilda Westra and Opa, Roel Westra.

Ben is survived by his children, Benjamin (Meghan), Anna (Travis), Brooklyn (Josh), Kristen (Nick) and Paige (Seth). He is also survived by his grandchildren; Rylan, Makenna, Jaxon, James, and Lily. He would have become Opa for a sixth time, as his youngest daughter, Paige, is expecting.

Also survived by his siblings; Art (Terry), Alice (Bill), Jen (Heather), and Rudy, whom he loved dearly. Along with many nephews, nieces and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 11:00AM to 2:00PM at the Vickers Heights Community Centre. A private interment will take place with family at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay.

Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com