Prince George, B.C. – Tributes to Ben Meisner are coming from people in so many different walks of life following word of his passing in Winnipeg.

Ben knew people, befriended and had interviewed people from such a wide variety of occupations and lifestyles, from politicians to shoe repair shop owners, hunters, boaters, those who enjoyed fishing, cabbies, tow truck drivers, Lieutenant-governors and premiers, trades people, sales clerks in his favorite stores, athletes, businessmen, folks in wildlife conservation and those in the fields of education and medicine.  All sorts of walks of life.  He connected with people, and some of those people are relaying their thoughts about the man.

Ben Klassen at Homesteader Meats in Prince George has known Ben Meisner for 33 years.  They go back to 1982.  “Ben became a very good friend and we even celebrated our birthdays together one year, we’re only a month apart.  I always felt very close to Ben and when we heard the news this morning it was a big shocker.”

“Actually it was just two weeks ago that Ben was in the store here and I asked him about his health and he said, ok.  I just want to say that we’re going to miss him greatly and the city of Prince George is really going to miss him a lot.  I always appreciated talking to him on the air and aside from that we would visit lots of times with each other.”

Klassen says Meisner became a very good customer at his meat shop.  “We’d see him every week or every second week.  I had special feelings for Ben, he was a great fella and we’re going to miss him deeply.  Many people have talked to me over the years about Ben and I’ve hardly ever heard anything negative about him.  It’s been very positive and people appreciated the fact that he looked after the little guy, he was very instrumental in that.”

Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris contacted us from Cuba with his thoughts.  He says “Today Prince George and all of Northern BC lost one of its strongest ambassadors with the passing of Ben Meisner while in Winnipeg on his final ice fishing trip.  How like Ben to leave us while doing what he likes the most!”

“His quick mind and wit will be missed by all of us here in Northern BC.  In my former role as District Officer for the RCMP and as a politician representing Prince George-Mackenzie, he always held my feet to the fire and challenged me to see life in the North in all its various aspects as a gift and a privilege to represent its residents.  In his own gruff way, he embraced and lifted us all up.”

“Ben will be missed greatly and I pass on my condolences to his wife Elaine and all of his family.”