Benny Norman Bousfield

Benny Norman Bousfield, late of Weyburn, SK passed away on July 10, 2024 at the age of 92 years.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Jeanette (McPhee) Bousfield; his parents J.H. “Bert” and Evelyn Bousfield; Jeanette’s parents, Wilfred and Bessie McPhee; daughter-in-law Donna  Bousfield; brother John “Jack” Bousfield and his wife Helen Bousfield; brother George Bousfield; brother Orville Bousfield; sister Grace Burley and her husband Gordon Burley; brother-in-law Walter Sambrook; brother Herb Bousfield; sister-in-law Elaine McPhee; nephew Ron Bousfield; and great niece Jillian Bousfield.

Benny is survived by his three children: daughter Rhonda (Kevin) Melle and their sons Mason and Ethan Melle; son Harland (Emily) Bousfield and his daughters Ashley (Davin) Lester, Haley (Adam) Temple and sons Sawyer and Sullivan Temple; son Ryan (Heidi) Bousfield; sister Ida Sambrook; sister-in-law Vi Bousfield; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Benny was born on March 5, 1932 at the Bousfield home farm, ‘Trail Farm’ as it was known near Ceylon.  He attended school in Ceylon.  He married Jeanette McPhee from Ceylon in 1958 and they had three children Rhonda, Harland and Ryan.

Farming was Benny’s great passion.  He took over the family farm after schooling at Ceylon School. He and Jeanette farmed and raised their family there.  They also raised cattle, poultry, and had a couple of horses for the kids. True to his character, just two days before he passed he asked how the crops were looking. He was always interested in the old, as well as the latest, farm equipment.  He enjoyed going to Crosby, ND to watch the old steam tractors on parade as much as driving through the farm equipment dealerships looking at all the new types of machines which he did until last summer.  Benny also served on the local School Board and Ceylon‑Hardy Credit Union Board.

Benny semi‑retired about 30 years ago and he, Jeanette and Ryan moved to Weyburn. Shortly thereafter he was stricken with severe rheumatoid arthritis. Although this debilitating disease affected Benny greatly for the rest of his life, he endured without complaint.

Especially in his later years, Benny often told stories of his youth with his family, friends and neighbors.  He spoke of staying in Ceylon while he was going to school in the winters, mischief that he and his friends would get into, the animals they raised on the farm, and fondly recalled times with his Mom, Dad and siblings. 

It was a treat to take a drive with him to the farm and surrounding area and reminisce about all of the folks that lived and farmed there.  He enjoyed and appreciated when Harland and Ryan invited him to ride along with them on work‑related road trips.

Benny remained interested in his children and grandchildren and what was happening in their lives.  When reflecting on what he enjoyed, some of the things he liked were nice clothes, shoes, watches, vehicles and green paint (JD), skating, music, dancing, lunches by the River and last but definitely not least  ... salt and sweets!

Benny took an interest in the Bible in his last few years and after much study decided that what he had learned was important.  He was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2022.

Benny spent his last months at Tatagwa View in Weyburn. He appreciated the care he received there, good food and visits from family and friends.  The staff made every effort to keep him comfortable and many tears were shed when he passed.  A testament to Benny’s good nature. We are certain he would like to thank each of you very much for everything you did for him.

Benny’s quiet and mild demeanor endeared him to all those he met. There are no words to express how much we will miss him.  He was much loved.

A Private Family Interment was held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn, SK with Craig Brouwer officiating.  For those who wished to pay their respects, joined the family for luncheon on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wheatland Senior Centre, Weyburn, SK.

For family and friends so wishing, charitable donations in memory of Benny may be made to Tatagwa View Activity Centre, House #12, c/o Box 2003, Weyburn, SK, S4H 2Z9.