Thank you for publishing the article about my dad Ben, written by Scott Hayes.
I am his “middle” son Rob and I’m not going to lie, there were some tears falling down on the paper as I read the article at the dinner table.
I too am involved in the construction industry, working as a journeyman carpenter at the NWS upgrader by Redwater. I was also lucky enough to work as a labourer on the St. Albert Place project many years ago, doing tasks as a bricklayer’s helper, theatrical rigging and general duties for the general contractor Bird Construction when my dad was in charge as the project superintendent.
It used to amaze me with all the things going on that nothing seemed to phase him and things just kept on in a timely manner.
So proud of you Dad and I’m missing you greatly!
Even in his declining health as I was visiting him in the hospital, he would ask me how my job was going and I could tell that he was wishing he could have been out there “kicking some butt” if needed, to make sure things were running his way.
We will miss your Saturday morning coffee visits as we sat in the backyard waiting for the sun to come around the corner and warm us up like a couple of “old lizards” and give our dog Bo a belly scratch as he lay under your chair.
Thanks, Dad – for your wisdom and all you did for me. This has been a great town to grow up in and I could tell that by the many friends and family who showed up to Dad’s service.
Robert Charles Tooth, St. Albert
