Obituary of Dr. Benjamin Der

? Dr. Benjamin Ping-Man Der January 1, 1939 January 1, 2012 Dr. Benjamin Ping-Man Der went peacefully to be with the Lord at the age of 73. He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Mei-On Der and brother, Raymond, and brother-in-law, Leon Hong. Ben is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Florence; daughter Eudora (Ted) Ng; son Alvin (Clara); son Clement (Juliana); and nine grandchildren; Evan, Emma, Gregory, Myka, Jenalyn, Charlotte, Lucy, Eli and Carys. He is survived by his stepmother Ivy; sister Helen Hong; sister Irene (Mark) Cheng; sister Florence (Solomon) Yeung; sister-in-law Orchid; brother Edmund (Margaret) and brother Sherman (Celine) and many nieces and nephews. Benjamin was born and raised in Hong Kong. He pursued a career in medicine and graduated from Hong Kong University Medical School in 1964. At the Nethersole Hospital, he met a beautiful nursing student with big brown eyes, Florence Lee and married her on April 15, 1967. Three months later, they moved to Canada to live in Halifax, Nova Scotia where Benjamin completed his training in radiology at Dalhousie University. Benjamin and Florence had three children: a daughter and two sons. In 1974, he moved his young family to live and work in Regina. He raised his children to live by Christian values and principles and left a legacy of faith for them to follow. He was stern but fair with a no nonsense? approach, but he was also nurturing and loving. Even though his work days were long, he always found time to be with his children, whether it was biking, badminton, Scrabble, or helping with homework. Family vacations, especially camping trips, were always a big highlight for the children. Benjamin was a volunteer in his church community and lived out his faith without reservation. He was generous with his time, energy and finances. He faithfully prayed and studied Gods Word everyday and committed it to memory. Sunday night family worships were a priority where he set an example of godly faith for his wife and children. In the fall of 1996, Benjamin was treated for nasopharynx cancer. The following year, there was a recurrence which required radical head and neck surgery which eventually forced him to retire. For the next decade, he had to cope with many serious health complications. Cancer limited his ability to hear, taste, see, eat, drink, walk, speak and breathe. Against such incredible odds, by Gods grace and an incredible love for life, he persevered. Through his suffering, he opened his heart to share his experience with others and was mutually encouraged through prayer. In his recovery, Benjamin found great joy in tending flowers, especially roses and orchids which helped him appreciate the beauty of life. He took a keen interest in photographing flowers and his grandchildren. His infirmities prevented him from playing piano but he still enjoyed listening to classical music which was therapeutic for him. At the end of 2010, Benjamins health started to decline and he required constant care. Surrounded by the love of his family, he celebrated his 73rd birthday on New Years Day in the morning and peacefully went to be with the Lord that night. In accordance to God's perfect timing, Benjamin left this life on the same day that he entered it. New Years Day will forever be significant for the family, as it will remind us that all endings are the beginning of something new and beautiful. It was the day he began life on earth as well as the day he began his life in heaven. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ In the 37 years we have been in Canada, there have been moments of Ups and Downs, Gain & Loss, Joy & Misery, Blessings & Tragedies, Obstacles & Smoothness, Enjoyment & Thankfulness, Disappointment & Hope. These could be just ordinary events for many. Yet for me, resident of a small city (pop. 180,000) in the Canadian Prairies, these have been unnerving experiences. Outcomes: 1) Knowing more of myself, though a physician, a qualified specialist with some medical knowledge, I recognize my wrongs, my weakness, and inadequacies. 2) The limitations of money, status, and what the material world could offer. 3) Dependence on a higher power, for confronting the hardship. Be humble? Yes! 4) Slowly, slowly, we were capable to overcome, and on recollection, these were causes of an enriched life. - Benjamin P. M. Der, The Eye of the Storm, July 29, 2004