Ben White

Ben was born in Hamilton, Montana, on July 1, 1986 to Martha Stomberg and Don White. A cheerful chubby baby, the apple of his mama's eye, Ben grew like a weed, toddling his way ever faster around the family farm in Conner. Ben grew up a Montana mountain kid, with sun and snow in his blond hair, the butterscotch scent of ponderosa pine in every breath he took, and the hard beauty of mountains always reflected in his eyes. Ben was seen off at the bus stop on his first day at Darby grade school by his new step-dad, Rod Miner. Generally a good student, one who took in learning as naturally as drinking water, little Ben would come home from school with energy left over for an evening wresting match with Rod, a cuddle with his baby sister Skye, and a bedtime story with Mom. As a middle-schooler Ben began his sports career with wrestling, learning hard lessons about getting up every time you get knocked down. Ten year old Ben delighted in adventures with his friend Jake, wandering through the woods and jumping off the house roof onto the trampoline. As a teenager, Ben was sometimes quiet and bookish, and sometimes a little wild. He was protective of his younger sister. He was tender and gentle with his pets. In football, he led the younger players. In track, he learned the discipline to channel his efforts for the best possible performance. After graduation, it took a winter of ski-bumming for Ben to decide that he wanted to become a helicopter pilot, and he then put his heart and soul into it. Ben loved the kinetic experience of skiing, motorcycle riding, and flying. The first time he landed the chopper in the yard, Marty and Rod were petrified. But Ben was supremely professional, and rightly proud of his work. This exemplary young man was fiercely loyal to his friends. He loved his family. He cared for the land, and left it better for his having been there. He was a wonderful boy, a strong gentle man, and a bright spirit. Weeks before his 24th birthday, he was lost to us. We are richer for having known him.