122SMALLPONDS
around the world, and provides
insightful backstories and
personal anecdotes.
Currently, Heppner and his
wife, Karen, live in Toronto. They
have three grown children and five
of the most adorable, witty and
intelligent grandkids the world has
ever seen (he says). In his spare
time, Heppner loves drinking
coffee on the deck and touring the
countryside on his motorcycle.
Your name?
Ben Heppner
Home (or adopted) town?
Dawson Creek, B.C.
Population?
About 12,000 in 1973
Years in residence?
1964 to 1973
Where do you live now?
The Big Smoke, T.O.
Local school attended?
Tremblay Elementary, Central
Junior High School and South
Peace Senior Secondary School.
Class of 19- -?
1973
Local jobs you held?
Helped my mom clean the church
and worked at Northern Glass.
After I graduated, I worked on
the Northern Alberta Railroad for
a summer.
Your pastimes there?
I always loved to sing and play
instruments. The church was a big
part of my upbringing.
Best french fries?
A&W. There weren’t too many
choices when I lived there.
Best swimming hole? Rotary Lake.
It was a man-made swimming spot
and I could walk there.
Best place to get in trouble?
My delinquency was never
connected to one place...
Nicest road for a hike/bike/drive?
I really liked the Kiskatnow River
Bridge at Mile 21 on the Alaska
Highway. It’s a nice place to
stretch your legs and catch some
great pictures.
Your town’s claim to fame
(before you)?
It’s Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway,
don’t cha know!
Unofficial/suggested town slogan?
“Our mosquitoes have fur coats!”
What part of this place do you
wish you could bring with you on
the road?
For me, it’s not a wish. I carry the
people and their honest, hard-
working attitudes with me right
onstage.
Last time you were home?
I think I sang a concert in Dawson
Creek in 2006 in Unchagah Hall.
Your local mentor, if any?
A high school drama teacher,
Anne Exner, heard me sing in a
community-wide church event.
She twisted my arm and made me
sing for the high school Christmas
program. She eventually headed
back to the Czech Republic, where
she was born. She would come
to my performances in Vienna
whenever she could.
How has this place contributed to
your career?
Dawson Creek is filled with
wonderful salt-of-the-earth people.
You can’t find better, anywhere.