Ben J. Harada was born in Havre, Montana to Yasui “Arthur” and Kiyo Harada on April 3, 1924. He passed away on July 11 at the Billings Clinic with his four children all beside him. Ben was the youngest and had six brothers Tom, George, Roy, William “Dido”, Jack and Frank and one sister Mary. All of his siblings have preceded him in death.
He attended Havre schools and enlisted in the US Army in July, 1944; he served in Germany during World War II and was honorably discharged as a private first class. Ben was proud of being a WWII vet. He married Myrle on April 30, 1952 in Chicago, not long after they met and dated in Wolf Point.
Ben and Myrle were married for 54 years until she passed in 2006. He adored her and was very saddened when she passed on. They had four children, Kiyo Ruhd (Rockie), Leni Loendorf (Marvin), Steve (Traci) and Jeff (Michelle). Ben worked for the Montana Highway department as an engineer for 25 years and retired in 1978. He later worked in several different capacities both full-time and part-time, including Randolf Construction, High Plains Motors, Wolf Point Cable TV and Camrud Motors. He was a very hard worker and as meticulous as one can get at doing things right. He was a jack of all trades and always wanted things done to perfection. Later in life he became more intrigued with getting it done ASAP than demanding precision. His cooking was second to none and he could make a gourmet meal out of a bit of leftovers or whatever he could scrounge up from the kitchen. Nobody went away hungry or “especially” thirsty from his house.
Ben enjoyed fishing, playing cards, playing pool and socializing with family and friends. For almost his entire life he enjoyed a cold beer and a good cigar. In fact, the day before he passed away he asked Kiyo and Leni if there was a beer in the fridge at his hospital room. He and Myrle enjoyed traveling particularly after retirement and he truly cherished his children and grandchildren. He was always more than willing to provide a helping hand to his friends and family. Ben was a former city councilman, past Mayor of Wolf Point and was a member, past Elder and Deacon of the First Presbyterian church. Although he wasn’t extremely cultural to his Japanese heritage, he could understand and speak some of the language. He mainly passed on bits of the language that the kids weren’t supposed to add to their own vocabularies. One thing he did for years was omiyage (pronounced oh-mee-ya-gay), the traditional bringing of a gift when you go to visit or return from a trip.
Ben is survived by his four children, grandchildren Ross and Ryan Ruhd, Justin Loendorf and Heidi Loendorf Kent (Jeff), Krista Harada Brunelle (Jeremy), Kara and Sara Harada, Dakota Robinson, Jaki Harada and three great grandchildren Maia, Audri and Gavin Kent, with another on the way. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and his best friend Leroy Anderson.
Dad, Grampa and Friend Ben will be truly missed but he’s in a better place and left an abundance of lasting memories for all…
A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 19 at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. Inurnment will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery in Wolf Point with full Military Honors.. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family by using the form below.
Brian and JoAnn Nelson says
We are so very sorry for your loss!! He was a very kind personable man who always had a friendly Hello when ever we met! He will be missed!!
Susi Enis says
Jeff and family, your church brothers and sisters at First Pres. in Poplar lift you all in prayer at this time. Pastor Susi
Marguerit says
My neighbor, my lookout, sharing good times, good fruit, good gardens, & wife Myrle. You have come into His Kingdom. I will & my family will miss him. harada family our sincere prayers & condolence for a wonderful father, grandpa, neighbor.
Joesph Neu r gens says
Nephew/niece Jeff and Chelli, and family, so sorry to hear of Bens’ passing. Condolences and prayers. He is with those that passed before him, we will see him and those there when our time comes. Hope your and yours all the best.
Tim Cody says
Passing along my condolences. Thoughts and prayers to all the family! RIP, Ben!
Wemmers says
Harada family,
So sorry for you loss. Such a sweet guy. He used to come and have coffee with me every morning when I worked at Camrud Motors and I so looked forward to his visits. Always a great sense of humor and always ready to flash a smile and a twinkle in his eye. Be blessed in memories of him and the great legacy he leaves behind.
In sympathy,
Sharon and Paul Wemmer
Susan Johnson says
Ron and I were sorry to hear of Ben’s passing. You are each in our thoughts and prayers. He will sure be missed. May your sweet memories and your faith sustain you all in the times ahead.
Janet Grow Zormeir says
Harada Family, so very sorry to hear the sad news. Love and prayers to you all.
Doug & Milly Eggebrecht says
So sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad ! Ben was a very kind man. I always have and always will remember him on Our shared Birthday! April 3rd! Our Hugs and Prayers for you all !??????
Lucy Homme says
So sorry…it’s so hard to lose parents…my thoughts are with you and your family.
Lucy Homme says
My sympathies, Lenin.
Lucy Homme says
The few times I met your dad,Lenin, he was so pleasant.
Keeta Clemens says
To Ben’s family, my sincere sympathy. He will be missed by us all.
Kindra Fanning says
Our deepest condolences. The Fannings
Jessica Birdsbill says
My deepest condolences to your Family.
Rest in Love.
Clint and Gaylene Casterline says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Harada family!
Kelly Cranford says
Sorry for your loss.
Pr. Christine Holler-Dinsmore says
Deepest sympathy to the Harada family. May your faith and the love of friends soften the grief.
We hold you all in prayer.
Prs. Chris and Greg Holler-Dinsmore
Dave Bergeson says
As Al Bedoo Shrine Chaplain I stopped to see Ben at Billings Clinic, but his room was full of family so I passed on by. He sounds Jeff like a man I would have liked to get to know. Pastor Dave Bergeson
David and Chong Ae Boyd says
Sorry to hear about Ben’s passing, our prayers are with you all
Wendy Chopp says
To the Harada family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am glad he was surrounded by family.
Wendy (Kurokawa) Chopp
Rick and Debbie Seiler, Connie Seiler says
Sending loving thoughts and prayers your way.what an awesome man he was. He will be deeply missed.
Pam says
To Ben’s family, my thoughts and prayers are w/ you. May your memories of him bring you many smiles in days ahead, I totally enjoyed him! He was sweet man 🙂
Rocky and Nyla Braaten says
So sorry ,such a nice man. Prayers for family.
Darlene Rhoads Long says
So sorry to hear. I have not seen Ben for many years but will always remember him as a very special man.loves and hugs to the whole Harada family.God bless you all, l know he will be missed by family and all that was lucky enough to know him. Know that he is with Mayle again and in very good hands !!!
Robin Hayes-Hernandez says
Sorry for your loss the Hayes Family
Ross and Keri Sansaver says
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you today and in the days to come in the loss of your dad and grandpa.
Roy and Kathy Toavs says
So sorry to hear of Bens passing. Such a nice man. He is now in heaven with your Mom. It is so hard to lose a parent. Roy and Kathy Toavs
Jim Patch says
Farewell dear Ben. You always made me proud to have known you.
I truly grieve for your family, living and dead.
Ackie and Judy says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.Ben will be missed by many as he was a good man.I believe that your mom was there to greet him and give him a big hug and kiss and he is so happy to be there with her as he missed her so much. He loved you all very much and was so proud of all of you . Rest in peace our friend.
Pastor Tony Sifuentes says
Condolences Jeff and family. Martha and I are praying for you. May the Lird give you strength today and the days to come.
Lord bless you and your family.
Pastor Tony and Martha Sifuentes
Kati Belgarde says
Leni & family ~ My heart is with you in your time of sadness and loss. You were fortunate to have such a wonderful father for so many years. Best~ Kati Belgarde
Donna McMahon says
To the Harada family, I am so sorry for your loss, Ben will always hold a special place in my heart. He was a wonderful man. I rejoice that he is once again reunited with the love of his life and they share their love once again in the presence of the Lord. We will see our loved ones again. Praise God that through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ we have eternal life with him.
May each one of you know His love and find comfort in Him during this difficult time. All my love to each one of you. Donna McMahon (Swanson).
Mari Presser Vandersloot says
Such great memories of Ben and your Family! Loss is hard for all that loved him, thinking of your family.
colleen birdsbill says
my condolences to your family. Gods blessing for comfort & strength during this time of sorrow.
Carl Stennes says
I feel very blessed to have known Ben and having the privilege of working along side him for several years. I share the Harada’s familys grief and will pray for you and yours’ that you may look back at the good times with your Dad. We will all be with him in a better world.
Cissy Eagleman says
Our prayers of comfort, love and peace to the family of Ben. My Granddaughters and I were always pleased to see Ben when we go to see Mama. The girls were very found of him, as was I. We shall miss seeing him on our visits. Ben was a kind man with a ready hello and smile for the girls and I.
Journey well Ben…
Linda Swanson-Hanson says
My prayers are with your families
Denise (Strand) Stambaugh says
Jeff and family,
We’re sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. May he rest in peace. Prayers!
Bert Stambaugh family
Laurie Stolen Suppes says
“Though gone from our sight, Loved Ones are never gone from our Heart,”. My thoughts and prayers are with Ben’s family at this time. He was a wonderful person.
Ann Baker says
So sorry to hear about Ben’s transition. He has left behind a legacy with all of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to carry on. Thoughts and prayers for your family.
Chandra Young says
I am so sorry for this loss. Prayers and hugs to all the family. You are in our hearts!
Chandra Young
Dennis Visser says
I knew your father from the time I was old enough to remember. He and your mother were “family”. Ben was my respected elder when I was younger and then he treated me as an adult when I was older and worked with him. He and your mother left a lasting legacy…..their children. How special….it really doesnt get any better than that. God bless.
Dr. Carey and Melinda Allison says
Prayers for his family.
JoAnn Langager Booth says
Dear Kiyo, Leni, Steve and Jeff – Ben had a huge influence on me as a child. I have thought of him often over the years. He made sure we had a wonderful, safe backyard where we learned to play and grow. I remember the playhouse, the dirt piles, the swing set, the swimming pool and all of you and Mryle. He also taught me how to eat and love steamed white rice. I’m forever grateful that I got to grow up with your family. I’m sad for your loss but happy to know he is with your mom and with God. Praying for your family. Love to you all. JoAnn
Nancy Kurokawa says
Loving thoughts to the Harada family.
Wayne & Connie Bergen says
Harada Family,
Our prayers are with your family with the passing of your dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Losing a parent is never easy but the memories will bring you all sheer joy.
VERNIE says
I was saddened to see this and in the same instant, very happy. THEY ARE TOGETHER AGAIN!!! God bless those left behind and may the angels give you hugs and the Holy Spirit give you nothing but good memories.
Joyce (Jackley} Baer says
Fond memories of long ago days. My condolences to the Harada family.
Mike Benson says
Jeff and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I always enjoyed listening to the stories you would tell me about your dad. He left you and your family with some great memories
Donna Ross says
Bob and I are very sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Lonnie and Mack Huncovsky says
Harada Family…We lived in WP from 1973-77. I smile to this day remembering the fun I shared with Ben and Frank. One meets many people in 70 years, but I’ve met none better than your dad. Our sympathy…
Tana Mayo says
I have fond memories of your dad. He was so warm and friendly and just really cool. All my love. Tana (Langager) Mayo
Donna Orthman says
Leni, I am very sorry to hear of your loss.
Donna
Jerri Grimsrud says
It was always a treat to sit near Ben in church and hear his beautiful singing voice. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Cam and Jodi Martin says
To the Harada Family so sorry for your loss take care.
Tom and Anita Scheetz says
Loads of thoughts and prayers in your time of sorrow. Remembering the good times will keep him forever in your hearts.
Kevin and Vicky says
Our heartfelt condolences to the family. My you find comfort from family and friends during this most difficult time.
Bob Parsley says
So sorry to hear the news about Ben’s passing! My most sincere condolences to the family! I know how much he will be missed!!
Dale Buckles says
To the Harada Families. I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Ben was a good man and he always treated me like one of the family when Jeff and I would hang out. My prayers are with all of you.
Jane Gabler says
JMy dear wonderful loving Montana P❤️Ps…who is still in my heart many,many years later!