In Celebration of
Ben (Bernardus) Van Pelt
July 22, 1945 - October 13, 2025
On Thanksgiving Monday, October 13, 2025, Ben (Bernardus) Van Pelt passed away peacefully at Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga at the age of 80, following a courageous battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Ben was born in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and lived in Den Haag 1953-1968. He was the son of Pieter Leendert Adrianus Van Pelt and Petronella Wilhelmina (Berkhof) Van Pelt, and the beloved brother of seven children: Piet, André, Lydia, Joop, Marianne, and Anneke. He immigrated to Canada in 1968, beginning his career in Saskatoon, then Calgary before settling in Ontario (Mississauga), where he worked for many years in residential and commercial construction. Known for his precision and craftsmanship, Ben contributed to numerous projects across the Greater Toronto Area, including heritage and luxury developments.
His artistry, precision, and determination to “do it right” defined both his work and his character.
A lover of great classic rock (especially Pink Floyd), enjoyed playing chess and always ready to lend a hand to friends and neighbours with construction projects or cottage builds. His local pub gatherings with good friends were a cherished part of his life.
Father to Aimee, Lia, and Jason, and a proud Opa to Shaylen, Macy, Essie, Madden, Neve and Margo.
For the past 20 years, Ben shared his life with his beloved partner Karen Guitar, who cared for him with unwavering devotion, especially through his later years.
Ben will be missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Ben was born in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and lived in Den Haag 1953-1968. He was the son of Pieter Leendert Adrianus Van Pelt and Petronella Wilhelmina (Berkhof) Van Pelt, and the beloved brother of seven children: Piet, André, Lydia, Joop, Marianne, and Anneke. He immigrated to Canada in 1968, beginning his career in Saskatoon, then Calgary before settling in Ontario (Mississauga), where he worked for many years in residential and commercial construction. Known for his precision and craftsmanship, Ben contributed to numerous projects across the Greater Toronto Area, including heritage and luxury developments.
His artistry, precision, and determination to “do it right” defined both his work and his character.
A lover of great classic rock (especially Pink Floyd), enjoyed playing chess and always ready to lend a hand to friends and neighbours with construction projects or cottage builds. His local pub gatherings with good friends were a cherished part of his life.
Father to Aimee, Lia, and Jason, and a proud Opa to Shaylen, Macy, Essie, Madden, Neve and Margo.
For the past 20 years, Ben shared his life with his beloved partner Karen Guitar, who cared for him with unwavering devotion, especially through his later years.
Ben will be missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.