Ben Franklin Bridge

Ben Franklin Bridge of Petrolia, passed away January 2, 2018 at Bluewater Health Centre in Sarnia surrounded by family.

Early in his career, Ben became licensed as an auto-body mechanic. Ben moved from Brussels to Seaforth in the late 1950s and worked at Seaforth Motors. Subsequently, he moved to Sarnia and worked for Lambton Ford. 

In 1974, Ben and Bob Taylor started B&B Collision in Petrolia. For the last 25 years, Ben partnered with John Drury. John, who is now owner of B&B Collision, and his wife, Roxanne, have been true and loyal friends. 

Ben enjoyed spending time with friends and family. His yearly fishing trips to Quebec were unforgettable. Ben sponsored and played softball with the B&B Collision teams in Petrolia and Wyoming until he was 70 years old. He was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion, BR 216. Ben was a supporter of Helen’s Bar and The Squire in Petrolia, where he and friends held their “meetings”. 

Family was the most important thing to Ben. He supported, mentored and loved. He instilled values of integrity, honesty, fairness and strong will. The work ethic he passed on is second to none.

Ben was the loving father to Laurie (the late Tom), Ivan (Connie) and Lois (John), the proud grandpa to Christine, Barbara (Haddy), Krista (Joe), Brittany, Donny (Kelly), Danny (Charlene) and Ben (Allison) and great-grandpa to Skyler, Julie, Hudson, Jayde, Rowan, Paisley, Kylie, Matthew and Ben. He was the brother of Glen and Allan (Marilyn) and brother-in-law of Karen. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Jean Bridge, his brother Harold and his sister-in-law, Jean. He will be missed by several nieces and nephews. 

Interment will be held July 21, at 1 p.m. at Brussels Cemetery followed by a celebration of life at the Brussels Royal Canadian Legion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca