Benjamin Boukes

In Loving Memory of Ben Boukes

Ben Boukes was born on October 9, 1938, in The Hague, Netherlands, to Onna and Jacoba Boukes. The youngest of five children, Ben grew up in a loving family that shaped his strong values and work ethic. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Gerardina (Dini) Boukes, and leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion to his family.

He is survived by his children Ilona (Bob) Brandt and David (Claudia) Boukes. Ben was a proud grandfather to Kristeen (Lewis) Guthrie and Adam (Dalynne) Brandt, and great-grandfather to Aidan, Ashton, and Annika. He is also fondly remembered by his stepdaughters, Annette Libau and Mady Procyk, and Mady’s children: Faith (Dwight) Atteberry, Paul (Pamela) Procyk, and Stephen Procyk. His extended family includes grandchildren Robert Atteberry, Melissa (Joel) Wiebe, Ethan, Kiana, and great-granddaughter Maya.

In May 1966, Ben and his young family immigrated to Canada, settling in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, in pursuit of a new life. Leaving behind their homeland, family, and culture, they embraced the challenge of learning a new language and eventually became proud Canadian citizens.

Ben could do just about anything with his hands—from plumbing to electrical work to fixing appliances that most people would just throw out. He worked for companies big and small, and eventually built his own business: B & G Appliance Services. He didn’t just fix things—he made friends. Lots of them. And many of them stayed in touch with him for years, stopping by just to chat or bring him coffee.

But fixing stuff was just the tip of the iceberg. Ben had a real passion for music and gadgets. If it had wires or made noise, he wanted to take it apart and figure it out. He loved playing instruments—especially the organ, but also the harmonica, violin, piano, trumpet, guitar, and electric guitar. All self-taught, of course—because why not? He also helped build sound systems for churches and even helped create a recording studio for the Christian group The Believers. He was always tinkering, always learning.

Ben was a social butterfly. Whether it was Tim Hortons, McDonald’s, or A&W, he never passed up a chance to sit down with a coffee and strike up a conversation. He could talk to anyone. And he did—usually with a joke, a story, or some advice you didn’t ask for, just ask his kids.

In his final years, the kindness and support from neighbors and friends meant the world to him. People brought meals, shoveled his driveway, mowed his lawn, and most importantly, kept him company. His church family visited often with food and fellowship, which he appreciated more than words can say.

Ben will be remembered for so many things—his humor, his stubbornness, his endless stories, and his giant heart. He wasn’t perfect, but he was perfectly him. And we wouldn't have had it any other way.

Ben will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who knew him. His stubborn spirit, sharp sense of humor, and endless stories will live on in our hearts.

Ben's Funeral Service will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in the Saskatoon Tabernacle Church, SK-12, Martensville, SK. His interment will take place after his funeral service at the Tabernacle Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Hospice at Glengarda in Ben's name.

Martens Warman Funeral Home is honoured to be entrusted with Mr. Benjamin Boukes' care and arrangements.