Charming, gregarious, musical, full of life, mega-watt smile, sparkling eyes, a servant’s heart, avid outdoorsman, the best bear-hug-giver ever, brimming over with laughter, loving son, brother, uncle, and friend: he lived life at full volume! These are just a few of the phrases we use to describe our precious Ben.
Benjamin John Homan, 29, was tragically taken from us far too soon on Wednesday, September 25th, 2013. Ben was born July 1, 1984 in Wamego Kansas and through the amazing gift of adoption joined the Homan family. Ben was raised in Helena and loved the mountains, lakes, and rivers of this area. He graduated from Montana Youth Challenge in 2002, Montana Master’s Commission in 2007, had attended the Helena College, and was making plans to attend Montana Tech.
Ben had struggles in this life that he was working diligently to overcome. His family is grateful for the support, counseling, and friendship he received from his AA sponsor, peers, and his counselor, Keith Trafton. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this gift of understanding.
Benjamin touched the lives of everyone he met with his warmth, genuine interest in them, and his smile. His family often joked about this capacity for friendship, but what a gift to be a stranger to no one! He loved the Lord, his family, his friends, and his country.
Ben was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Edith Homan, and Ellen Johnson, and his Aunty Sandy Burch. He is survived by his parents Ken and Robin Homan, sister McKenzie Homan and her fiancé, Kyle Perkins, niece Maci Trapp, the love of his life Lisa Sullivan, and grandparents Clarence and Margaret McKenzie and Garland and Genise Johnson. Ben is also survived by a wonderful array of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, who loved and supported him. He was a good man with a loyal and loving heart and he leaves a big hole in all of ours. Good-bye for now, our beloved Ben, till we see you again.
The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, September 30, 2013 at the Youth First building at the Helena First Assembly of God Church, 2210 Dodge Ave., Helena. A memorial service celebrating Ben’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at the Helena First Assembly of God Church. Burial will take place at Forestvale Cemetery immediately following the celebration of life service. A reception will follow the burial back at the church gymnasium. Memorials in Ben’s name are suggested to any Alcohol Addiction Awareness programs, the Helena Music Teachers Association, 718 Sierra Road West, Helena, MT 59602 which helps kids attend music camps, or to The Wounded Warrior Program, PO Box 4964, Helena MT 59604. Please see below.
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Monday September 30, 2013
Youth First Assembly of God
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday October 1, 2013
Helena First Assembly of God Church
2210 Dodge Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Burial
Following the Celebration of Ben's Life
Tuesday October 1, 2013
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Tuesday October 1, 2013
Helena First Assembly of God Church Gymnasium
2210 Dodge Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Monday September 30, 2013
Youth First Assembly of God
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday October 1, 2013
Helena First Assembly of God Church
2210 Dodge Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Burial
Following the Celebration of Ben's Life
Tuesday October 1, 2013
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Tuesday October 1, 2013
Helena First Assembly of God Church Gymnasium
2210 Dodge Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Share
Kelli Kaufman says
Robin and family,
I am so very sorry to hear about Ben. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rick Norine & Family says
Robin & family,
My deepest sympathies to you on your loss. My prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Rick Norine & family
Andrea Evans says
My heart and prayers go out to you and the family. Ben is with my Jon watching over us from heaven until we all meet again someday…I love all of you and know as much as I want to be there my memories and love are!
Jolene says
Ben always has and always will hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for sharing your son with me. My prayer is that even when you walk through this dark valley, that you will know and feel that special peace of His presence in ways that bring comfort like never before. I love you, Homans.
Daniel Mack says
Ken Robin and Mackenzie–
I am so sorry this has happened.
I am devastated and heartbroken over this loss for all of us, and most of all for you… I am sustained only by knowing the wonderful, beautiful gift you all chose to give one another as a family. Such a beautiful thing is truly one of the only things we know as Eternal, more so than these bodies we inhabit for such an all too brief a time. Love LIVES it’s own life, and does not suffer the loss off that which might be taken away in the sadness and tragedy of mortality.
I pray and trust that Ben now knows and sees all the love he gave and received, and the beautiful gift this sharing always was. You all are deeply in my thoughts and heart….
Ann Tezak & Martin Muganga says
Such beautiful words to describe such an amazing person! Ben, you truly were a gift to everyone you met with your kindness, love, and generosity! You will forever be missed and cherished in all our hearts! Thanksgivings and campfire songs will remain treasures in our memories! And we will think of you fondly when searching for big-bear-hugs! May your spirit rest in peace! You are forever loved!
Polly says
The words described Ben to a “T” he always had a big hug and a smile…always took the time to talk and listen. He will be so very missed by family and friends. He is with us always in our hearts and memories and he is with those he loves in heaven and will be watching over us all. My prayers are with you all may you find peace and strength in your faith in God during this time
Mike Butters says
Ben was a good friend, band mate and soul who was guilty of life and always either provided me with a laugh or laughed at something I would say. Drums and bass keep the rhythm of a band and Ben’s drumming reflected that. His non-combative demeanor and easy going attitude provided “the glue” for both bands I played with him in.
Ben and I love music and we often shared long discussions about it. He loved the grunge era of the 90’s. One of his best thoughts and quotes was “They stopped writing any good music in 1997.” He had it pegged to the year.
Recently, Ben was planning a huge surprise party on Halloween for his gal. It consumed him. He was so exited to be working on this project and his enthusiasm was rubbing off on the rest of the band. His passion for every detail of the event was evident and when we saw how much he wanted this night to be more than normal it really raised the efforts of the group.
Ben’s character had a profound effect on all of my friends who met him. Many of my friends didn’t know him until recently and when they met him he left an impact on them. “That guy is just an all round good guy,” one of my buddies said. “He would say anything bad about anybody,” was another oft-used quote to describe him.
Ben was a good friend to me, never judging me and always there to support. Ben was supposed to help me and my family move this weekend. I didn’t ask, he simply offered. And he didn’t take no for an answer. He sincerely wanted to help. There are so many things that make him a special person. Those are just a few of the things I felt to share with you. Ben, your life may be gone but your memory will never be forgotten. Your friendship makes it impossible as you left an impression on all you met.
Thank You for allowing this forum to share our thoughts.
Suzy Williams says
I wish people would stop drinking and driving. My strongest memories of Ben are from my grand-daughter’s funeral. I remember him playing the drums to her favorite song, him holding my hand so I didn’t slip and fall in the snow walking from one building to another, him helping me put the flower in my car and just taking care of me. I remember a couple of days later, when I was standing trying to get it together so I could walk into a room, he gave me a big hug and helped me get the strength to deal with what I was going to have to deal with when I walked through the door. I remember him helping me move all my and my grand-daughter’s stuff into storage a couple of weeks later. I can’t believe I’m going to have to attend his funeral. I can’t stop crying. The Homan’s lost a beautiful treasure.
Darryl (Bubba) Wren says
Ken and Robin and the whole Homan family and the friends of Ben
My heart is cruched for your loss of Ben and I feel deeply sadden I missed meeting the man that Ben became. I still cannot believe this has happened. And I wish I could find the words to comfort you. I speak for the whole Wren Family that out thoughts and prayers and God be with you at this time of need. God must needed Ben for a very special reason to take him at such a young age
Cris Fleming Bloxom says
Robin and family,
I cannot imagine what you all are going through. A beautiful soul taken way too early. Please know that you have been and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Ben’s obituary was wonderfully written and brought tears to my eyes. Take Care.
Jaxi Foster Howes says
I will miss Ben. I saw him last when he was in Billings playing rugby, I was pregnant and he laughed with Nathan and I about how crazy it was that we were going to be parents. He spoke life into our new family, and I am so blessed and grateful that we saw Ben on that day. I’m looking forward to the day I see him again and get to remember all our fun adventures in Master’s Commission, and how we never saw eye to eye on anything…ever! We always managed to get put on the same projects together and even though we drove each other crazy most times, he was good for me. 🙂 I can thank him again one day for encouraging me in PT when he saw I was struggling. For that really tough day I had in the prayer room and he gave me a word I’ll never forget. He prayed for me, and I for him.
I am better for having known Ben.
We send our love and prayers ~ Nathan, Jaxi & Emet
Abby Holm says
Homan Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your son, brother, uncle, and friend. I hear so many wonderful stories of Ben and your family from Robin at work. The pictures of Ben playing music by a fire made me smile and remember what Montana, family, and good times are all about. And speaking of smiles…his was truly beautiful. This is a tragic loss; he was way too young. I hold you in my thoughts, prayers, and heart during this difficult time. Blessings, Abby.
Kirsten Smith says
I am so sad for your loss. I can’t imagine what you are going through. Robin, I am thinking about you and your family, and sending you my warmest wishes to get through this difficult time as well as you can.
Kathy Waymire says
Robin and Ben’s Family/Friends:
Please accept my sincerest condolences! I wish you all fond memories of him and that each of you know that he has peace now. I do not know your religious beliefs but in my family, God brings peace with passing…I hope that y’all find peace in knowing this! He was way too young to go so soon! Take care of each other and stay close/talk to one another!
With my Heartfelt Warmest most genuine wishes,
Kathy Waymire
Billings, MT
Karen Bauch says
Robin and family…..
Words are inadequate to express my sorrow for your huge loss. Knowing that you will all journey on without a piece of your heart is beyond difficult. Please know that my thoughts, tears and prayers are extended toward you at this time and in the future challenging days. May you know abundant blessings as you move forward. You will continue to be in my prayers.
Karen Bauch
Billings, MT
Jeffrey Frank Herrick says
Ken, Robin, family, friends: I greive at the loss of Ben from our lives. I’m a bit heartbroken with the loss. I was privileged to have known Ben and call him friend. He certainly lived fully and was loved by many. I look forward to seeing him again when my tasks are done here. I have to wonder if God has wilderness and adventures in store for us. My guess is ‘yes’, and we’ll likely recognise a lot of Montana there. All of you are in my prayers. My thoughts are also with you. I will miss Ben, but look forward to new good times and challenges together in the future.
Remembering Ben,
Jeffrey F. Herrick.
Becky & Joe McAnally & Family says
Ken, Robin and Family,
There are never any right words for this diffcult time for you and family. Just know that our thought, prayers and blessings are coming your way!!
Love,
The McAnally’s (Joe, Becky, Emily & Brian)
Alex Brown says
Ken, Robin and Family,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I briefly met Ben many years ago while working for you at the Stonehouse. This was almost 20 years ago now (I was 19) and I doubt you would remember me. However, one memory of Ben has stuck with me: him goofing around in the kitchen – mischievous, but very polite and full of life. He must have been 9 or 10 years old at the time. After reading about Ben, he grew up to become an incredible person who brightened the lives of everyone around him. His loss is a tragedy.
My sincerest condolences to all of you during this incredibly difficult time,
Alex Brown
Tausha Lee says
Robin and Loved Ones,
Please accept my condolences on your loss. Ben sure sounds like a fun loving young man. I am all too sorry that you are experiencing this tragic loss in your lives as losing a child is not ever expected. I take great faith that I will see my Damienn (who would be 25 years) when I go to heaven as you will see Ben again. Maybe our boys will play music together. 🙂 Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Robin, please know that I hold you very dear to my heart. I will be praying for strength for you during these next few months. With much love.
Todd Wood says
Robin, Ken, McKenzie & family: My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. Wishing you peace and that time replaces the pain in your hearts with the best of memories of the time you shared together. Hoping that the lessons that Ben provided that you can overcome problems and difficulties in life if you keep trying will live on forever.
Julie & Steven Hicks says
Dear Homan Family,
We are deeply sorry to hear about the death of Ben. Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
Steven & Julie Hicks
Tanna Friske says
Dear Robin and Family,
My thoughts and prayers have been with you. Please know that there are others here in the Valley that have been thinking and praying for you. May the memories of his life lighten your heart at this great time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
Tanna
Parrish Strong says
Dear Robin, Ken, McKenzie, Lisa and Family,
There are no words to express my sadness for your loss. I don’t know why the good ones have to go but I know they are incredibly happy where they are! It is the people left here that have to figure out how to get through this life without them. And I know the pain is deep and I pray that our Heavenly Father holds you so incredibly close and gives you more comfort and love that you have ever felt in your earthly existence. That is what Ben is getting now and forever. I can’t wait to get to meet Ben up there. The videos portray exactly what your beautiful eulogy said. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
All my love,
Parrish Strong
Lorna Palin says
Robin and family,
So sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rose says
My condolences to the family. It’s so sad to lose a loved one at such a young age. Be it known that the bible lets us know it wasn’t Gods purpose that humans should die. He soon will fix all humanity problems, end suffering,and bring our loved ones back to life. He promises,” Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in
the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.” (John 5:28,29) Soon we will be with our loved ones again.May this promise bring you comfort during this difficult time. (Revelation 21:4;John 17:3;Psalms 37:29)