Benjamin (Ben) Postuma passed away on the afternoon of April 13, 2026, after a short illness. He left this world just as he lived – surrounded by the love of his family.
Ben was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario on February 12, 1955, to Bindert and Tjitske Postuma. As the youngest son in a Dutch immigrant family of seven, he always tried to keep up with his older siblings and brought fun and energy to their post-war lives. He grew up on White Park Road, where he would spend most of his life. He married Patricia O’Rourke, who had recently moved from Ireland and worked at Safeway with Bindert. They tied the knot on November 21, 1981, settling into a home built where his childhood house once stood.
Ben truly lived life to the fullest. He was an ambitious and creative learner throughout his life. As an entrepreneur, he thrived when juggling multiple projects outside the typical 9-5 routine. When his children were young, he supported them by running an autobody business from his garage. As they grew older, he enjoyed helping them with various business ventures.
Ben had a knack for spotting potential where others saw none. He could look at an old house, a vacant church, or a defunct restaurant and envision what it could become – maybe a starter home for someone new or even rental apartments or a hardware store. With Patricia by his side and their shared vision for what could be done together, they launched the Twice As Nice Thrift Store and organized pancake breakfasts to raise funds at Thunder Bay Christian School.
Family was everything to Ben. As a young man, he helped design and build a house on White Park Road that would suit his aging parents’ needs. Whenever extended family visited Thunder Bay, they were always welcomed into his home with open arms along with good food and city tours. He was devoted to Patricia as her husband; “Dad” to four sons and one daughter; and “Pake” (grandfather) to 17 grandchildren. He took great joy in making every holiday special – pumpkin carving each Thanksgiving and elaborate scavenger hunts every Easter.
A lively presence at every gathering, Ben loved striking up conversations with both friends and newcomers alike. His genuine interest in people allowed him to connect easily with everyone he met. His generosity often extended towards those less fortunate than himself; many holiday dinners included new friends who joined their table.
When not working or hosting gatherings, Ben loved traveling. In his youth, he toured Europe with his sister. Later on when his kids were small, he purchased and renovated a camp in Lac Des Milles Lac so they could enjoy summer vacations there together as a family. He relished going on cruises with Patricia during winter escapes to warm destinations alongside family trips to Toronto with his sons and grandsons.
Ben is survived by Patricia, his wife of 45 years; their five children; and 17 grandchildren: Justin & Stephanie (Matthew, Caitlin & Andrew), Brandon & Natalie (Bentley, Aubrey & Charlotte), Seamus & April (Jack, Koos & Rose), Tomas & Allison (Jack Benjamin & Farrah Fletcher & Liam), Bridget & Kevin (Nora).
He is also fondly remembered by brothers-in-law Ray & Jane Postuma; John & Marge Postuma; sister Wilma Kempe; brother-in-law Cecil Haagsma; brother-in-law Rob Hewitson & Breda Hewitson; sisters-in-law Mary Boland & Margaret O’Rourke; along with friend Bill Bus. Additionally survived by numerous nieces/nephews/friends/extended family across Canada/the Netherlands/Ireland.
He was preceded in death by parents Bindert/Tjitske Postuma;, mother-in-law Bridget Aho + her two husbands Patrick O’Rourke + Arthur Aho;, sister Ann Haagsma;, brothers-in-law Tony Kempe + James O’Rourke + Thomas O’Rourke + John Boland;, nephew Theodore (Ted) Postuma + Evan Hewitson.
A Celebration of Life will take place on April 25th.,2026 @2 p. m. at Redwood Park Church under Rev. Gerrit Haagsma’s guidance. A public interment follows @Stanley Hill Cemetery w/a reception afterwards. Arrangements handled via Blake Funeral Chapel located @200 May Street S.
The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude for all care given unto Ben from staff at TBRHSC/Toronto General Hospital..
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake. Yea though I walk through valley shadows,
I fear no evil;
For You are here;
Your rod/staff comfort me!
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake. Yea though I walk through valley shadows,
I fear no evil;
For You are here;
Your rod/staff comfort me!
