Beniamino Comin is reclining in his hammock in the heavens, listening to Ben Hepner’s “Opera Gems” on CBC, enjoying a glass of his homemade blackberry wine and reading Time magazine. Ben is surrounded by his brothers, parents and all of his beloved friends who have journeyed before him.
Ben was born on the 26th of April, 1935 in Crocetta del Montello, Treviso, Italy into a family of nine children. At twelve years of age, Ben apprenticed as a machinist and quickly proved to be an adept. Post WWII Italy was not the right place for an ambitious young man to pursue his dreams. Ben decided to emigrate to Canada and arrived in Halifax in 1955. He worked his way across Canada with the CPR and finally landed in Vancouver.
In his early twenties, Ben was a tall (6’3”) dark and handsome man with excellent prospects. At a community dance, he met an exceptionally beautiful woman: Eugenie “Gina” Rempel. Ben spoke no German, Gina spoke no Italian. It was love at first sight!
Ben and Gina had five children and they both learned to speak English – not necessarily in that order! Ben, Gina and their young family settled in Burnaby close to the shores of Deer Lake in a home with beautiful lake and mountain views. Riding his bicycle down and up the original Royal Oak avenue to work day kept Ben in excellent health. This also left the Volkswagen at home so Gina could drive the children to all their events. Cycling was a passion of Ben’s well into his sixties. UBC, Surrey and even Yarrow were his destinations. Ben loved his garden. Radicchio, runner beans, figs, tomatoes were part of the Comin dinner table almost year-round. Ben also performed many decades of service in The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers: Lodge 1857 as Treasurer.
Ben and Gina have been devoted members of Saint Francis de Sales parish since 1967. Oddly enough, he enjoyed his fifteen plus years of regular BINGO volunteering in support of his children’s elementary school. Singing in the Italian Trevigiano-Veneto Folk Group of Vancouver since early 2000 gave both Ben and Gina great satisfaction.
Beniamino was much beloved part of the great fabric of Metro Vancouver’s multicultural heritage – a young man who arrived in a new land armed with a valuable skill, a strong work ethic and a desire to earn his way in Canada. Ben’s steadfast family values created a legacy of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who continue to contribute quietly, positively and essentially toward our great nation.
Eternal Love from Gina, Eva Prior (Simon) Janet Eviston (Ed) Brian Comin (Sally)Julie Emslander (Stephan) Sarah Parkes (David)
Nicholas, Lauren, Adrian, Edward, Ciara, Vivienne, Grace, Theadora, Beniamino, Giacomo, Maximillio, Andreas, Isabella, Ever and Luka
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Beniamino Comin Ben April 26 1935 Aug 18 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique