Benjamin “Ben” Lewis Harris was born December 12, 1935 and passed to eternity on August 31, 2017 at the age of 81.
Ben was born to Clyde & Ida Harris in the weeks of aftershocks following Helena’s M6.2 earthquake. “Benny” attended Kessler School and graduated from Helena High’s class of 1954. He was nicknamed, “Tex” by his peers. He enjoyed roughin’ it with the neighborhood kids, playing basketball at 7th Avenue Gym, and attending shop and agricultural classes. Above all, Ben forever shared his own father’s love for anything related to horses; whether that was trail riding, hunting, attending and working rodeos, breaking a colt, working as a ranch hand, roping calves, bulldogging steers, shoeing horses, competing in O-Mok-See events, reading the Western Horseman, rigging tack, or loading someone’s cantankerous horse in a trailer. His herd over the years was comprised of nags to ponies, doggin’ to calf horses, and mules for both pack and competition. His own top horse was his widely ridden and appreciated paso fino, “Tex.”
Ben joined the US Army in 1958 and was deployed to Korea within a month after the conflict where he drove a deuce-and-a-half hauling mail and supplies. After an honorable discharge, his various jobs included RV Ranch hand, United Van Lines truck driver, glazier with Bozeman Glass & Dan’s Glass of Helena, rural mail carrier for the US Post Office, mail handler for the State of Montana, summer wildland firefighting support, and a farrier until he physically could no longer do it.
Ben volunteered and created years of memories with many friends in the Bozeman Jaycees, Helena Trail Riders, Helena Valley Blues Saddle Club, Montana Saddle Clubs, Birdseye Volunteer Fire Department, L&C County Rural Fire Council, Cub Scouts, Montana & Helena High School Rodeo Teams, Last Chance Square Dancing, Elks Lodge #193, Apple Cooney Nursing Home, and Last Chance Chapel. Ben is survived by the families of his three sons: Ben & Emily Harris with grandchildren LeRoy, Colton, Kaitlin, Morgan of Helena; Jason & Rebekah Harris with grandchildren Adella, Cole, Evelyn, Lillian of Helena; and Josh Harris of Denver.
A memorial service for Ben will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 7, 2017, at Last Chance Chapel, 6240 Raven Road, Helena, Montana, with a potluck reception to follow. Internment with military honors will be 2:00 p.m. at the Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery, Fort Harrison. Those so choosing can make memorial gifts to Last Chance Chapel in Ben’s name. Please offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Ben below.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday September 7, 2017
Last Chance Chapel
6240 Raven Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Thursday September 7, 2017
Last Chance Chapel
6240 Raven Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Thursday September 7, 2017
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Hero's Road
Fort Harrison , Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday September 7, 2017
Last Chance Chapel
6240 Raven Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Thursday September 7, 2017
Last Chance Chapel
6240 Raven Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Thursday September 7, 2017
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Hero's Road
Fort Harrison , Montana 59636
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Holley Embler-Kershaw says
Ben, Jason and Josh,
Ben was so loved by our family. We are saddened by passing. We pray for your whole family during your time of grief. He is now tending the horses in heaven. Chuck will be glad to see his friend in heaven. He now rests in God’s kingdom.
With love and respect,
Holley Embler-Kershaw
Tom and Kathy Miller says
My prayers are with the Harris boys at this tough time. While you boys were at C.R.A., Ben and I became acquainted and had many interesting visits. He always had your best interests at heart. You boys were some of the most memorable students and favorites of many of the teachers. You were hard working, well behaved, happy and positive. Ben instilled really excellent values in you which will help in these difficult situations. My God Bless you and keep you in His care.Tom Miller, Retired Principal, CRA.
Shirley Herrin says
My deepest sympathy to all of Ben’s family in the loss of their Father and Grandfather. May His Holy Spirit surround you with His Love and Comfort during this time of grief and sorrow. I’ve known Ben from High School, but became friends as members of the Helena Trail Riders for decades. Jason and Josh I have known since the day they were born and Ben Jr. through our fellowship at Mount Helena Community Church. I will always remember Ben bringing the boys to the Revivals that were held in a tent down at the Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds when they were just little guys. Ben did raise kind and gentle men. I am glad I was able to see Ben at the Cooney Rest Home at times. I am sure that he and Keith are riding the trails together once again. In Jesus’ Love, Shirley
Freddi Haab-Fiedler says
Ben, Emily & Family –
Mike and I are sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts.
Freddi & Mike Haab-Fiedler