Obituary of Benjamin Joshua NIEMAN

May 23, 2003 - Calgary, Alberta
January 1, 2020 - Calgary, Alberta

“My name is Benjamin, but you can call me Ben”

It is with heavy hearts that we say good-bye to Ben Nieman who passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 at the age of 16 years.

Ben followed in his sister and two brother’s footsteps when he was born and delivered at the Rockyview General Hospital by Dr. Walter Moscovitz who we are so thankful for his care to our children. His first ten years of education were spent at Glenmore Christian Academy. There were many teachers who made a difference in Ben’s life, we would like to give special acknowledgement to Mrs. Nath, Mr. Ness, Mr. Reist, Mr. Robertson, Mrs. Allan and Mr. Hielema who had a great impact on Ben’s life. Ben was able to be the basketball team manager which meant a lot to him as this was a way for him to fit in with the other kids. In grade ten he moved to Henry Wise Wood High School where he excelled in math and played on the junior rugby team. Ben was a beautiful person on the outside; he taught us how to love unconditionally no matter how unique you are. He had a very sensitive spirit and because of this he would carry the burdens of many people and at times because of his struggle with mental health he had difficulty processing them. He battled with ADD and depression and we are proud of him because this was a daily battle but he fought hard. Ben is now at peace and now those of us that are left behind will fight to navigate our life without Ben. His high intelligence and dry sense of humour were traits that we will remember him for.

Besides his loving parents, Dr. Peter Nieman and Dr. Corinne Zamonsky, he is survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Katie and Caleb Doerksen of Chilliwack, BC; two brothers, Matthew Nieman of Kelowna, BC and Jon Nieman of Calgary, AB.  He is also survived by his grandparents, Harry Zamonsky of North Battleford, SK and Mary Kozicki of Penticton, BC; his two aunts, Teresa Zamonsky and Tanya Zamonsky of Calgary, AB; an uncle, Urie Zamonsky of Penticton, BC and his aunt and uncle, Kobie and Carel Van Der Merwe and cousins, Carel and Lizzie all of South Africa as well as many other relatives and friends. Ben was predeceased by his paternal grandparents who are glad to receive him in Heaven.

Funeral Services will be held at First Alliance Church (12345 – 40th Street S.E.) on Monday, January 6, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow at the church.  If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to Straight Talk Ministries, 38 River Rock Cres. SE, Calgary, AB Canada, T2C 4J4. http://straighttalkministries.com/. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Ben’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

A tree will be planted in living memory of Benjamin Nieman. McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.