In Memory of

Preben

"Ben"

Laursen

Obituary for Preben "Ben" Laursen

LAURSEN: Preben "Ben" was born in Skelund, Denmark on February 22, 1940 and passed away Tuesday, April 24, 2018 in Brandon, Manitoba. He immigrated to Canada at 17 years old with his family, settling in Virden. In 1964, Ben married Shirley Rockall and they made their home on 13th Street, Brandon. They welcomed their son Dana "DJ" in 1974. Over the years Ben had various jobs including butcher, truck driver for Old Dutch chips. He then found his passion for sales, working for CKLQ and Canadian Motors then purchased Barkley's Mens Wear and even started Coutts/Laursen Publications with Resby Coutts. They had many different magazines together over the years. Ben spent the last 10 years of his career with Wine Sense, retiring in 2010. Very proud to be a Canadian Citizen, Ben embraced the national pastime of Hockey. He loved watching the sport and volunteered many hours with the Brandon Wheat Kings, starting in 1965. He rarely missed a home game right to the end of this season. In 2017, Ben received the Monty Montgomery Award for his volunteer work with the Wheaties. To fill his non-hockey months he golfed and loved to cook/BBQ for large groups of family and friends. He and Shirley hosted many a Danish Supper. Ben will be greatly missed by his wife Shirley; son DJ (Dayna); seven grandchildren Dalyce, Tyler, Kenzie, Blaire, Roman, Hailey and Cece; sister Eva (Fred Waines) and their children Janine, Jonathon (Crystal); brother Bent (Sharron) and their children Carla (David), Kari (Brian), Cheri (Pete); sister-in-law Gloria, her children Craig (Anna), Jim (Mary); niece Marie (Wayne) and their sons Drew and Aaron; nephew Albert (Tara), their children Joel, Brittinee (Mark), Brock and all of their families, as well as many family from Winnipeg to British Columbia. He was predeceased by his parents and brother Torben. The Celebration of Ben's Life took place at Memories Chapel on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Mike Waddell officiated. Donations in memory of Ben may be made to the "Tournament of Champions", Unit 3-315 College Avenue, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 1E7.