By Sarah Stone

A man born free; Ben Darchuk

May 28, 2012 | 5:52 PM

Never does one see such a mix of tears and laughs, as at a Celebration of Life—and Ben Darchuk’s ceremony experienced that on the largest possible scale.

Monday afternoon more than 1,000 people from near and far gathered at the Art Hauser Centre to celebrate the life of a man who was described as charismatic and passionate. It was clear after only a few minutes into the ceremony that he lived every experience in life to the fullest.

He was a pilot, avid traveller, and car enthusiast to only name a few of his hobby titles. But, Ben had more than just “hobbies”. He was an active member of the Kinsmen Club, he was the highest fundraiser for the annual Jail and Bail, and he was a sponsor for various other clubs and organizations.

As soon as you walked into the AHC there were two big screens with Ben’s smiling face shining down. A smile that is remembered as one of enthusiasm, kindness, and honesty. These pictures left you with a feeling that he was looking down on day with fun and love; just like the way he lived his life. With all of this, it is undeniable he was a man that made his mark in the world.

The ceremony opened with the words of Rev. Sandy Scott.

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“Living love leads to joy,” Scott said, adding Ben did this with every action and smile he gave. “Ben knew love breeds love.”

Scott described him as a man who embodied the perfect example of joy in the most practical and meaningful ways.

The mixed emotions were visible on the faces of those in attendance, as people wept because he died, but smiled because he lived.

“The truth is the truth,” said a friend of Ben’s in his tribute. “Ben was unparalleled.”

“After 30 years of always waiting for Ben. He’ll be the one waiting to greet us,” said another.

But, whether a friend saw him just hours before his passing or years ago—the pain of his loss was high.

On May 20 Ben was tragically killed in a head-on vehicle collision on Highway 2, just north of Prince Albert. He died on scene at the all-too-young age of 53.

“I don’t know what good will come from Ben’s death, but I can tell you this, Ben lived with joy. Ben lived with love … I have witnessed hope alive,” Scott said trying to bring comfort to the crowd of mourners.

A tribute video played numerous and exciting moments from Ben’s life. In the background played the song Born Free, which was truly fitting because he was a man that let nothing hold him back.

After the ceremony many stayed behind to celebrate his life over great food among great friends and family.

Ben’s motto was “where there is a will, there is a way” and after only a few hours around those who loved him most, it was clear his will was strong because he had a life worth remembering.

sstone@panow.com

@sarahstone84

The family is asking in lieu of other tributes, memorial donations can be made in Darchuk’s honour to Friday Night Lights at Postal Box 5800, Prince Albert, Sask. S6V 7V6. These donations will help provide lighting for the football field at Prime Ministers Park.