On the evening of Saturday, May 18, 2024, Toby passed away after a brief battle with cancer at home surrounded by family.
Toby Benson was born on July 29, 1941, at home in Waukesha County Wisconsin. He was the first son of Aureal and John Benson.
As a young boy he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandparents at the lake house on Pewaukee Lake, Wisconsin. The family then moved to Montana where Toby became active in 4H with the raising of sheep being his primary focus. Agriculture was always important to Toby throughout his life. He would often talk about his experience with livestock.
Upon graduating from Missoula County High School in 1959. He went to college at MSU Bozeman where he met Dee Dickey. They later married on August 11, 1962, and had two children, Pat and Bridgette.
Toby enlisted in the National Guard from 1959 to 1969. He was a Staff Sergeant (E6), HW Troop 163D Armored Calvary. Toby graduated from MSU with a BS in Industrial Arts in 1966. Upon graduation they moved to Trout Lake, Washington where Toby started teaching agriculture.
After a year of teaching, they moved to Helena where Toby worked at Neil Avenue Tire until he became the Industrial Arts teacher at the Helena Vo-Tech around 1969. He had a passion for teaching which carried him through his entire life. He would constantly search for information to learn and pass onto others.
Following his career at Vo-tech, he became a building inspector until 1976. Toby then joined the NCAT Team in Butte, MT. This was his career passion, and he would share great memories of his time working there.
Dee and Toby divorced in 1980 after 18 years of marriage.
A year later, Toby married Shirley Foreman. They had many wonderful years together, skiing, camping, biking, and they especially enjoyed Black Powder Rendezvous
Toby left NCAT and started his own business called Inspect, in the early 80’s. At Inspect he would help commercial and residential properties with Radon issues, air leaks, and any moisture or mold problems that the property may have had. He was a pioneer in this field and traveled the Pacific Northwest helping properties with their issues. He also put on many training seminars in this field.
Shirley then took a job with the State of Montana, and they moved to Helena. They later divorced in 1995.
After many years of extensive time and long periods on the road, Toby ventured on a new career path with the State of Montana, working for the Department of Environmental Quality. During his time at DEQ, Toby was very committed to the US Department of Energy Rebuild America Program in the late 90’s
He retired in 2006 from the State of Montana. During retirement he worked part time at Capital Sports and later Bob Wards
Dad was a very devoted family man; “Family first”, he would always say, thinking and problem solving to find ways to make our lives better. Grand children had a very special place in his heart and especially enjoyed spending time with them.
How-to books were always one of Dad’s gifts and many hours were spent with him teaching all of us while encouraging all to keep striving for more knowledge and new opportunities for hobbies. Friends were a very important part of his life and he enjoyed all the time and activities they shared. Carving, biking, Rendezvous, skiing, motorcycles, and history discussions were some of his favorites.
Dad was always willing to help people and cared deeply about everyone. His life was devoted to making memories with family and friends. He continually pushed to stay healthy and young.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Aureal Benson and brother, Christopher Benson.
He is survived by his son, Patrick Benson of Florence, MT; daughter, Bridgette Benson (Daryl South) of Helena; stepson, Brandon Foreman of Washington; sister, Kelly Benson of Washington; grandchildren, Chris Benson (Colleen) of Helena, Katie McCarthy (Connor) of Helena, Brianne Benson-Whitehouse (Mike) of Helena; great grandchildren Paislee Benson, Zoey Whitehouse, Ashlyn Benson and two nieces and a nephew.
Dad, you will be forever missed, may your powder always be dry. Happy trails, we love you!
The family would like to thank nurses Cheryl and Krista with St. Pete’s Hospice for their compassionate care of Dad in his final days.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. A private family burial will take place at a later time. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Toby’s name may be made to Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Toby.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
to Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
to Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Una Schlaebitz says
I’m so sorry. Toby was the nicest gentlemen. His death is a loss to the Montana Woodcarving community.
Cathy Burwell says
So sorry Bridgette and Pat and families. Love and prayers to you all. Cathy and Pete
Randy and Sharon Smith says
Pat and Brigette, so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike Griffith says
Toby. A genuine friend. His warm smile, which he continued to display as he graciously accepted his painful end.
Sally Russell says
So sorry for the loss of your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
John Tarr LTC (RET) says
Toby was a wonderful individual who always enhanced our Thursday afternoon group gatherings at the Overland over light libations. Whether starting discussions on various topics or showing his latest carving, he enriched all of in attendance.
Bridget Disburg says
Toby was genuinely the nicest person and always a gentlemen.
Bridget D
John Ulberg says
I was saddened to learn of Toby’s passing. We shared black powder smoke and days in the hills with our
muzzleloaders. Toby was very proud of hs family and always had a smile.
Mike Pasichnyk says
I met Toby on cross country ski trips with the Helena outdoor club years ago. I always enjoyed talking with Toby. He was person with a very positive attitude and a friendly personality. It was my honor to know Toby he was a very special person, he will be missed by all who knew him.
Mike Pasichnyk
Friend
Cindi Farrar says
Toby has been a dear friend since the late 70s. We shared so many memorable times together, he was invaluable when we were building our house, and shared his carpentry as well as his “inspector” skills. St. Patrick’s Day was always a big celebration at Toby and Dee’s. We went separate ways when Toby moved away from Butte, but, as fate would have it, we reconnected 30+ years later at a reunion of friends. From that day forward we were able to share some awesome times together. Thank you Toby for having the patience to teach me how to fly fish, some great camping excursions, and always time to meet at Chili’s in Helena for coffee and lunch. My heart is sad, but I am so grateful for the time we had. Toby never stopped talking about his kids and grandkids, and they are just as kind and energetic as their dad. You make him proud. Until we meet again Toby, rest in peace. You are one of a kind.
John R. Acott says
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for Toby and his family. All the best.
John Cherie Dahl says
Toby was a friend in our Jaycee days in Helena. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family 🙏
John Volkman says
I worked with Toby at NCAT – that was interesting – – –
He was a good friend