Obituary of Ben Hernandez
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Ben Hernandez, on Friday, September 29, 2023.
Benjamin Hernandez was born in Qumbiya Quindo, Colombia, South America on January 19, 1962 to Rueben and Blanca Ines Hernandez.
Ben moved to Canada at the young age of 15, starting his first job in the food industry by working at a Greek restaurant.
In 1989, Ben moved to Winnipeg to follow his passion in the hospitality industry. Ben ventured into the hotel industry by starting as a bus boy at Chimes restaurant. Chimes restaurant held a special place in Ben’s life as this is where he met his wife, Debbie. Ben excelled at each opportunity he was given. He continued his education and graduated with a hospitality diploma from the Restaurant Association of Manitoba. This is where his love of catering came from and thus his dream of owning his own restaurant.
Ben eventually moved away from the hotel industry and began managing the franchise restaurant, Branigan’s, in Winnipeg. Ben’s mentor, George Tsouras, mentioned to Ben there was an opportunity in Brandon to manage a restaurant with the potential of ownership. Ben moved to Brandon in October 2002 to open Remington’s. This is where he was partnered with Bob Mazer and Gord Peters who gave him a lot of support running Remington’s. Ben left Remington’s for a short period of time (he worked at Montana’s and opened Five Guys Burgers and Fries). His journey in the culinary world brought him back to Remington’s. When Remington’s closed, Charlie Clark encouraged him to open his very own restaurant, Benny’s. Benny’s was Ben’s home away from home, he loved his restaurant. His smile and the way he greeted all of the guests when they stepped into the restaurant was genuine. Oh we will miss that smile.
Ben’s other passion was sports. He loved talking about sports, especially the Toronto Blue Jays and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Ben will be sadly missed by his loving wife and best friend Debbie, his two beautiful daughters Elizabeth and Natalie who he was so very proud of, his son-in-law Tanner and his precious grandsons Lucas and Calder Bell.
He will be missed by his Benny’s Family as well as brothers Samuel, Ruben Dario, Hector Hugo, Rafael; sisters Ines, Marina, Soccoro and Martha, as well as family and friends.
Ben was predeceased by his parents, brother Horacio and brother-in-law Brian Weselowski.
Please join Ben’s family on Thursday, November 2, 2023 for a come and go tribute in Ben’s honour, at the Calvary Temple, 620-34th St., Brandon, MB, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
