Peacefully on July 19, 2021 in his 84th year, Benoit Joseph Fouillard passed into Eternal Life at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops with his family at his bedside. Ben was the 8th child born to Benoit & Leontine Fouillard (Simard) in St. Lazare, MB. He is survived by sisters Anita Fouillard and Jacqueline Lemoine and predeceased by siblings Denis, Rosalie, Marie, Corinne, Lazare, and Paul-Emile. Left to mourn his passing are his loving wife, Clara, son Desmond, daughter Jacqueline (Dale), and grandchildren (Cody, Jenna, Xander, Quinten, Jaidyn). He will forever be in our hearts.
Ben was first and foremost a family man with a deep faith in God. He was big-hearted, generous and enjoyed being of help to others, especially with his mechanical abilities. Flying was his passion and he happily told stories of his years as a bush pilot.
Over the past several years, his health declined. Not being able to putter in his workshop was a huge hardship for him.
A funeral Mass will take place at St. John Vianney Parish, 2826 Bank Road on July 23, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.
In keeping with Ben’s spirit, please do a random act of kindness to a stranger.
Condolences may be sent to the family from
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20 Tributes
A little story about Ben. In conversation, someone had made an unflattering comment about President Trump and Ben’s immediate response was, “I pray for him every morning.”
In essence, that’s who Ben was and he will be missed.
Our deepest sympathy to Aunt Clara and family! Uncle Ben was such a caring and helpful man! Will always remember his mechanical advice helped our panicked daughters with car their troubles! Always enjoyed our visits and stories!
A Tribute to Ben and his camper.
A few years ago , Ben and Clara graced me by parking their camper in my campsite in Fisher Branch. I came out of my camper in the morning to find Ben busy cooking breakfast. Clara invited me in. Ben was making toast with ciabatta buns and jam and coffee in their camper. Talk about DELICIOUS ! , I immediately asked my wife to buy some of those buns – asap. I shall never forget that beautiful moment.
Eva Krawchuk
Ben had the biggest and kindest heart of anyone I have ever known. It is truly rare to know someone for so many years and not hear nasty comments about anyone, (that included politicians!) Even his laugh had a rare gentleness. He was indeed, a shining example – we miss him already.
I recall that comment and being so struck by it. Mostly I remember Ben’s helpfulness. He would be the first person out the door to help anyone needing it regardless of inconvenience to himself. He was a gentle, caring soul we will miss.
Sincere condolences Clara and family. Mon oncle p’tit Ben was a wonderful man and a great uncle. He was a kind, gentle soul just like my dad Paul-Emile and he was always good to us 3 girls. My prayers are with the family.
So very sad having to say goodbye to someone like Ben. He had the patience of Job.. He’s been in our family for many years and not once had there been as much as a hint of disagreement about anything. That, in itself, speaks volumes.. Another remarkable trait was was his kindness – he obviously saw the best in everyone – too bad he didn’t give lessons!
Will always remember Ben for his kindness and gentle spirit. He was a sweet man. The Payment family was lucky to have Ben join the family.
Jacquie, you and your family are always in our prayers. Lots of love and strength are being sent for everyone to help with your loss.
Our prayers are with Clara, Desmond, Jackie, and grandchildren through this difficult loss of such a gentle, loving soul. I, Stacey, and children have experienced Ben and Clara’s hospitality and generosity as we travelled several times through Kamloops. There was one time where Ben helped us out also with car problems; through the troubleshooting process, I experienced his tremendous patience. Time did not seem to be of essence with Ben as he stayed up late into the night over tea, sharing stories and great memories; such an amazing man who will be greatly missed!
Sincerest condolences Aunt Clara and family.
As kids we were always so happy to see our “cool pilot” Uncle Ben. He always greeted us with a smile and a genuine interest in what was going on in our lives. Joe and I were thrilled when Uncle Ben and Aunt Clara visited us in New Brunswick, coming along in their signature camper.
His love of flying was matched by his love of family. He made a positive and lasting impact in our lives and will be missed by many. RIP Uncle Ben.
Jacqueline,
Deepest sympathies to you and your family on your loss. May you find comfort in the stories, memories, and support of people who love you.
I,LL MISS OUR PHONE CALLS AND TIMS IN KAMLOOPS ALWAS A GOOD STORY TO TELL ME.HE TOLD ME HE WENT TO SCHOOL WITH MY MOTHER HE TOLD ME THERE WAS COMPATI0N ALL THE TIME,IT WAS ALL GOOD R I P MY FRIEND, ,FABIEN,LECLAIR /ST LAZARE MB.
We sincerely want to thank you for the beautiful words about Dad. I know that you are with us tomorrow in spirit.
My dad was one of the most beautiful souls. Genuinely happy to help people and be around others. He never had a bad word to say.
We are devastated for his loss, thankful for his time with us, and looking forward to seeing him again one day.
His suffering has ended and he is now flying his plane, in between coffee dates and visits with loved ones in heaven.
I love you forever, Dad.
A good man and a life well-lived. We extend our condolences to Aunty Clara, Des, Jacquie and their families.
Uncle Ben had a rare ability to make anyone feel their presence was a gift. We’ll remember the twinkle in his eye, that warm smile, and his talent for good stories. I remember listening, fascinated, the weekend of Tim’s wedding, as he and the best man shared their bush pilot experiences.
Ben was a huge inspiration to my husband Dale. At the very young age of 50 Dale had a quadruple bypass. Being as low as he could get our neighbour Andre told Dale to come have tea with his buddy “Ben”. Here was Ben working on a motor on his truck, 20 years senior to Dale and a recipient of a quintuple bypass. From that day forward Dale became stronger, happier and confident again. Enjoyed his chats on McBride with Ben
As neighbors for 40 years We are going to miss our conversations in the driveway with Ben. He could always be seen busy doing something; from building new fences to reroofing his house. His advise to my husband Francis was “Always keep moving, don’t stop.” Our sincerest condolences to your family during this most difficult time. He will be missed.
Such an amazing Man, full of love and kindness, Family and friends were so important. We Thank you Ben for welcoming us to your family as our son Dale married Jackie 11 years ago. We share our beautiful Jaidyn. Clara we’ll always be there for you. Love you, Deb & Moustache Grandpa.
A few memories of a very special cousin.
After giving it much thought of what to write about Ben, who was one of my many paternal cousins, it seems appropriate to begin by saying thank you to each of you who have written such high praise for the humble but strong person many of knew as Little Ben to distinguish him from his Father.
Among the many descendants of our paternal Great Grandfather Arsine Simard and our Grandfather Edmond Simard, Ben and I are related through his Mother, Tine and my Father, Brian Simard, who were 2 of Edmond Simard’s 10 children. Ben had many Simard cousins as well as Fouillard cousins.
During the years when Ben lived in B.C. as a young adult in the 1950s Ben worked and shared leisure time with my older brothers, Ted and Allen. After Ben returned to St. Lazare news of him came in family letters or when he made infrequent visits to my parent’s home in Richmond.
I learned of Ben’s marriage to Clara on December 27, 1971 while visiting my parents that day. They talked about going to the wedding festivities in Port Coquitlam.
Frequently over the years my parents talked about Ben saying that he was living and working in Kamloops with his young family.
In the years since my sister Mary’s marriage to Russell in September 1988 in Kamloops I got to know Ben as a good storyteller and keeper of family lore that he delighted in sharing with me. Until 2018, a visit with Ben and Clara while in Kamloops with my sister, Mary and her husband, Russell, was a time to share and exchange family news. Ben was a walking historian of family relationships that he never tired of sharing.
Ben was kind and generous and ready to listen to another point of view. Because I did not see Ben during the years that his children were growing up it was as a Grandfather that I saw him with his son, Des’ children.
It is only fitting to acknowledge the bounty of Ben’s Garden, the ongoing construction on his airplane and his love of recounting some of his many experiences as a Bush Pilot.
Sincere condolences to Clara, Des and family, Jackie and family.
So sorry Clara to read of Ben’s passing. He was such a gentle, caring soul and will be deeply missed by you, his family and friends.
I appreciated getting to know him (and you) through KALS, and know he contributed much to that organization. Hold on to all your memories and bring them forward often. May you be held in the palm of God’s hand. Blessings, Dawne