Benny Ray Benson
Benny Ray Benson was born Dec. 3, 1948 to Robert and Donna Benson in Livingston, Montana. On Sept. 20, 2018 Benny Benson lost his courageous battle with cancer.
He graduated from Park High School in 1967. After graduating, Benny worked for Burlington Northern Railway as a hostler while commuting from Livingston to Bozeman to attend Montana State University. After earning an accounting degree, Benny immediately went to work as an engineer for Burlington Northern in Livingston before transferring to Whitefish in 1987. He retired from BNSF after 42 years.
Benny will be remembered most for his love of family. In return the entire Benson family showed their strength, love and support throughout Benny’s illness. He was incredibly proud of his children Tara and Jeff but his heart was stolen by grandchildren Maxwell Douglass and Sheri Rae.
As well, “B” loved people — the more the merrier. That was never more evident than when he and Shirley returned every winter from Mesquite, Nevada, to entertain for his favorite time of year, Whitefish Winter Carnival. He welcomed everyone into his home with coffee brewing in the mornings and Bud Light later in the day. He was truly a kind, non-judgmental, and caring man — one of the “good guys.” We will forever remember his big smile and especially his hearty laugh while throwing his head back and slapping his knee.
He loved watching sports, especially golf, the MSU Bobcats, the Chicago Bears and the Boston Celtics. Although Benny wasn’t talented using tools, he was a wizard with a TV remote.
Benny is survived by his loving wife Shirley, daughter Tara of Whitefish, son Jeff (wife Stacey and two grandchildren Max and Sheri) of Vancouver, Washington, his mother Donna of Livingston and Whitefish, brother Bobby (Mona) of Whitefish, and brother Jeff (Teddi) of Billings. Benny was preceded in death by twin sons, his father Robert Benson and his ex-wife Sheri Walden Benson who remained a lifelong friend.
Services will be held Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 11 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish. Burial will be in Livingston on Friday, Sept. 28 at 1 p.m. at Mountain View Cemetery. Reception will follow the graveside at the Livingtson Inn Golf and Country Club.