BENNEDICT (BENN) POPIEN

Benn Popien of Brandon, Manitoba formerly of Neepawa, Manitoba, passed away peacefully, at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, on Thursday April 30, 2020 at the age of 94 years. Beloved husband of Mary.  Benn was born on January 3, 1926 to Joseph and Elizabeth Popien. Although Benn went to school in Clarksville, Benn’s hometown was Polonia, Manitoba. Benn met Mary in 1953 and they were married at Donatien et Rogatien Church in Prudhomme, Saskatchewan on January 4, 1954.  They settled in Polonia in 1954 where they farmed for 23 years.  In addition to working the land, Benn held numerous other jobs prior to joining Manitoba Hydro in 1969, working in Construction on the H-Line South of Dauphin.  He left the Corporation in 1970 when both his father and wife Mary became ill.  Two years later, he returned to Hydro as an Operator Driver, working at Jenpeg, Williams Lake, Wanless and other areas throughout the province.  His last posting was in the Rivers area, where he was an Operator Driver for more than 15 years until his retirement in December 1988.  Benn was involved with the Church in his earlier years.  Benn was always ready to lend a hand to a neighbor or family member.  He was known to ask his children and later his grandchildren if they checked the oil in the vehicles “as it won’t run without oil you know”.  Benn’s interests included playing the harmonica, tinkering with motors, repairing his vehicles, playing cards especially “Seven beats all” and dancing.  Travelling was another hobby as he loved to drive.  Many trips were taken to BC and Alberta to see his children and grandchildren.  Benn was predeceased by his father Joseph, mother Elizabeth, brothers Edward (Nora) and Tony and brother-in-law Tom Smith. Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife Mary of 66 years.  Their children Bernadette, (Robbin), Frank, (Lynn), Greg, (Linda), Louise, (John) and Denise.  Benn had 12 grandchildren (Mark, Juanita, Eric, Avery, Adam, Tyler, Jerilyn, Michael, Kelly, Erin, Kyle and Danielle) and 14 great grandchildren and two more great grandchildren awaiting arrival shortly.  One of whom is named after great grandpa!  Benn is also survived by his sisters Margaret, Catherine, (Doug), Irene, (Ed).  The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Moller, the staff at the Brandon Regional Health Centre and Sneath-Strilchuk – McCreary Chapel.  Special thanks goes to Delores for keeping our family connected during this difficult time. 

Funeral Mass for Benn was held on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at 11:00 am from St. Dominic's RC Church, Neepawa, MB.  Fr. Mark Filips celebrated the mass.  Interment followed in the Riverside Cemetery, Neepawa, MB. Due to the pandemic, social distancing measures were in place and gatherings were limited to a maximum of 25 people.  The mass was livestreamed on the Sneath-Strilchuk Funeral Services Facebook page.  Should friends so desire, donations may be made to St. Dominic’s Church, Neepawa, MB