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BORN
1934
DIED
2022
Masaharu Hirowatari Obituary
Dad was born on June 8, 1934 in Haney, BC and during World War II he was interned and relocated to Tashme, BC. After the war, he settled in Kamloops with his family. He graduated from Kam High in 1954 then enlisted in the Canadian Air Force where he was trained to be a pilot and then became an automotive mechanic.
Dad met Terry while he was working at Reid Motors, they married in 1962 and started BenHir Motors together.
When I am asked who is your mentor? My answer is simple. My Parents. Dad taught me how to work hard and mom taught me how, in a professional manner. For those of you who knew him or worked for him during his 25 years of owning a BA/Gulf/Petro Canada would understand what I mean. They made a good team.
Dad was a generous man, provided for his family and would always offer a helping hand. He is now off onto his next journey hunting, fishing, pruning his bonsai trees, spinning mom around the dance floor and enjoying delicious meals.
I would like to thank the staff at Kamloops Senior Village for their exceptional care. Due to current regulations, a small family gathering in honour of Dad's life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of koden and flowers, please raise your glass at your next dinner in Dad's memory - it is the most fitting tribute.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Masaharu Hirowatari
5 Entries
Thomas Hara
March 1, 2022
I am saddened to learn that Ben has passed . We went to Kam High until I left for Vancouver in 1954 . I met him once in Vernon where Inwent ski . He was with his wife and 2 daughters and we had a nice chat . He was a hard working man...a very good man . He will be missed .
Kevin pitre
February 25, 2022
Ben always made you laugh and had a real sense of humour
Always had time to chat
Bill Moore
February 14, 2022
I WORKED FOR BENNY IN THE EARLY 70S WITH MY BROTER IN LAW ABE HE TAUGH ME A LOT WILL MISS HIM
Brenda Nesbitt and the McDougall family
February 12, 2022
So sorry for your loss. My brother Terry McDougall worked for Ben many years ago as well as many of his friends throughout the years had worked and learned so much from him right down to work ethic. And it wasn't until more recently that we learned we had also rubbed shoulders with your dad at active Care. He was a kind and gentle man when we knew him there unfortunately we did not know this was the same Ben that we had known from many years ago. My mom was his table mate and he was always such a gentleman. I was fortunate enough to share a meal with them both one day and he was telling me to take his extra food. A man like that will be missed dearly.
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Jim Standen
February 10, 2022
My deepest condolences Kim. I had great plans to reconnect with your dad but COVID got in the way. As one of those many who worked for Ben, I too learned work ethic from your dad. I remember like it was yesterday the day in the 1980s my family pulled into the Gulf station to fill up and your dad leaned into the window and asked my dad "does your son want a job?". That question led to 3 1/2 years of fun and hard work, great friends and lots of learning. To this day, when I hear a service bell ring I hear Ben's voice in my ear telling me "when you hear the bell you don't walk, you run!' Ben could be tough, but he truly cared about his staff. He taught me so much. Not just about automotive repairs (when I started I didn't know a flashlight from a timing light) , but also about customer service, commitment to quality work and teamwork. All learnings I use every day. Thank you Ben.
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