Benjamin (Ben) David Bristow, 82, of Helena, passed away February 26, 2013, at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Helena, Montana. Ben was born in McAllen, Texas on February 18, 1931, to Clarence Bristow and Alma Reicherzer. At the time of his death, Ben was living in Helena and was married to Jo (Denham) Bristow who survives him.
As a younger man Ben served in the Air Force and had been stationed in Washington D.C., Texas, Japan and Spain. His last station was Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls, Montana. His time in Washington D.C. found him working in the Pentagon. He also marched in President Eisenhower’s 2nd inaugural parade. Ben was extremely proud of his 22 years of military service. After retiring Ben lived in Billings and then Helena for many years where he owned and operated The Copy Shop. Although he returned to Texas and lived in California, he loved living in Montana.
Ben was particularly industrious being mechanically and electronically talented. He was not afraid to troubleshoot or tackle any challenge in home or auto repairs. He freely offered this talent and his time to those who needed it. Ben loved his family and they loved him. He very much enjoyed visits with friends and family where he could tell stories about his formative years in Texas and his time in the Air Force. Ben had a variety of wonderful life experiences and adventures that he loved to share, weaving his story-telling with his own blend of humility and humor. Of course he was a faithful fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Louis L’Amour.
Preceding Ben in death were his parents, his sister Velma and half- brother Edwin. Surviving are David Bristow (Sus) and Douglas Bristow (Chris), children of Teresa Durbin; Katie Bristow Myers (Trent), Jacob Bristow (Cheryl), Libby Steiniger (Tom) and Gwen Bristow (Shawn), children of Helen Buell Hart; Michelle Jackson and Melinda Ali and Randy Parker, children of Jo Bristow; foster daughter Ana Petrilli. Ben also had 16 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren located in Massachusetts, Georgia, Seattle, San Diego, Kuwait, Porto Alegre, Brazil and Helena. Surviving sisters are Loretta Moczygemba and Lucille Respondek of Lacoste, Texas. Ben was also a close, abiding friend of Bill Wilson.
The family would like to thank the exceptional doctors and nurses of the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Helena who provided the compassionate care that Ben appreciated so much.
Memorials on Ben’s behalf can be sent to Lewis and Clark Humane Society and Set Free Helena PO Box 1531 East Helena, MT 59635 or at http://www.mtlchs.org/.
Services for Ben will be held on March 4, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home 3750 N. Montana Ave., Helena, MT 59602, reception to follow at the Stevenson Wilke Banquet Hall.
Please visit below to offer the family condolences or to share a memory of Ben.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Monday March 4, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
12:00 p.m.
Monday March 4, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Banquet Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Monday March 4, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
12:00 p.m.
Monday March 4, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Banquet Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
jim vandeman says
I am very sorry to hear Ben is no longer with us. He contributed as much friendship, knowledge, and wisdom to my life in the few years we were neighbors in san diego/national city as anyone I have ever known. Sharing, in my opinion was his strongest attribute and he never hesitated to help anyone when asked . In Bens companionship we here in san diego and national city were made to fell like family, he is loved and I miss him.
Donna wise says
Jo,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss of Ben. You are in my thoughts and in my prayers. God bless you and all your family members.
Donna
Stacey Smith says
Sus and family,
Sorry to hear of your father-n-law passing. May many memories comfort you and your family. Stacey, Cliff, Madison, Meredith and Rylee Smith
Verna Love says
Jo,
I’m so very sad to hear of Ben’s passing. I know how very much you love him and what a wonderful marriage the two of you shared. You have been such an inspiration to me as to what a good wife should be. Know that you are in my prayers and I hope that the days ahead will find you basking in the wonderful memories that you and Ben created out of such a beautiful life together. He was quite a guy; an act that is impossible to follow!
Love you
Verna
Marty and mary mouat says
So many of our fondest 8th Ave. Helena memories are tied up with the Bristow family! Ben was such a good guy and great neighbor! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be missed.
Debby Skinner Brackman says
Dear Bristows,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Ben was a wonderful boss when I moved to Helena back in 1978, and he taught me so much about the print shop business. He treated me like family, inviting me to share meals at his home & being like a second Dad when I needed help with anything. It was a blessing when he returned to Helena, as he always brought a smile & a funny story or two. I’m sure he will be missed by many whose lives he touched.
With Love,
Debby
patty and Jim white says
We are very sorry for the loss of your sweet dad. He was such a good man, so kind and thoughtful of everyone. Each time we would see him after we all moved from Beattie St. he would tell us about all of his kids, that he loved so much. He was very proud of all of you. He will be missed by all. Love to all of you, Patty and Jim
White
Matt & Mary Kunnary says
To The Bristow family,
So sorry to hear of Ben’s passing. I worked at Carroll College and that is where I first met Ben. He was our service person for the machines. It was a great experience and he will be greatly missed.
Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time;
God Bless. Matt and Mary Kunnary
David Bristow says
Thank you so much everyone for the support this past week. I am sure my father would have been deeply honored to know that he had so many friends paying their respects. The family sends their sincerest appreciation to those who attended and helped with his service today. God Bless you all.
David Bristow and the Bristow Family
Amber Mospan says
Jo-
I’m so sorry for your loss. Ben was an amazing man! I’m glad you have a lot of support during this time. Annie will be so sad. When things settle down I’ll bring Annie over for a visit. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Amber
Mason Gallagher says
to the Bristow Family, a great man has gone home to our lord. he will be missed greatly. I knew him as my favorite Uncle and he assisted me and helped me in so many ways over the years. I will miss him as a mentor friend and awesome uncle. I hope to get out there and see you all when you climb the mountain to spred his ashes. Know my thoughts and love are with you all during this tough time. Jo hang tought as he would have wanted you to smile and press on he loved you and you have been so great for him. Jacob, Katie, Libby and Gwen. Love you guys and know my heart is with you as you all mourn your Dad.
Mason
Carol Henry says
My condolences to you Jo and your family. I didn’t know Ben but he sounds like a delightful person. My thoughts and prayers will be sent to you and your family. If you need help with anything, don’t hesitate to ask me. In light, Carol