Benjamin George Johnson, Sr. was born November 22, 1950 on the Fort Belknap Agency to Edgar Johnson and Bernice (Blackbird) Johnson. He resided on the Fort Belknap Agency and many other places before settling down and making his home in Brockton, Montana.
Ben attend schools in Harlem and Busby before receiving his GED in 1973 and begin his career in the oil field which lasted twenty plus years where he made many great friends and memories. Many of his stories he shared throughout the years revolved around his adventures traveling and working in the oil field, he especially enjoyed sharing these stories with his Grandson-In-Law Josh Fish. After retiring from the oil field due to health reasons Ben begin a short career of working for Fort Peck Tribal Health in different positions and eventually started his journey in furthering his education by attending Fort Peck Community College where he was given the honor of being the very first AIHEC Student of the Year and received this award at the AIHEC Conference in Billings, MT. He then went on to Rocky Mountain College of Billings where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education in 2003. After graduation he begin his career at Fort Peck Community College and discovered his love of golf, a sport he enjoyed immensely and according to him, excelled at. After Ben retired from Fort Peck Community College he begin his service to the Brockton Community in the position of Mayor, which he held for many years. Also in his retirement years he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren attending many school and sporting events. Ben was a huge advocate of education and he served a couple of terms on the Brockton School Board. Some of his proudest moments was watching his children and grandchildren’s graduation ceremonies. The Denver Broncos was Ben’s favorite football team and in December 2019 he made the journey to Denver to watch his beloved team play in person. He was also an avid NBA fan and he favorite teams included the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors, he was also a huge fan of Steph Curry. Ben enjoyed various TV shows but his favorites included Gold Rush, Deadliest Catch, and old Westerns. He was an avid reader and loved Louis L’Amour, John Grisham, and any newspaper he could get his hands on.
In 1975 Ben met Judy Belgarde in Brockton, Montana and they were together for 44 years uniting in marriage in 2001. Later that year they happily adopted Brady and Jalen officially making them their sons. Ben had a huge family as he had 9 children, 28 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren. He loved each and every one of them and he enjoyed spoiling each of them in his own way. Ben had relatives far and wide and his family included the Blackbirds, Smalls, Dennys, Mounts, and Strikes.
Ben is survived by his wife Judy of the family home, children Noreen (Henry) Lone Bear, Brockton, Melissa (Terry) Belgarde, Brockton, Eugene Belgarde, Poplar, Darcy (Carolyn) Azure, Havre, MT, Olivia (Ira) Johnson, Brockton, Terrence Johnson, Brockton, Benjamin Johnson Jr. of Wolf Point, Brady (Carla) Johnson of Kalispell, MT, and Jalen Johnson, Brockton, and a special granddaughter Heather Youpee of Brockton who he took as a daughter. Sisters Vivian Herschel, Vikki Johnson, Roberta Johnson, Thea Kirkaldie, and Maxine Rutherford all of Fort Belknap. Brothers Stanley Johnson, Edgar Johnson, Elgin Johnson, and Ival “Pee-wee” Jackson of Fort Belknap. Uncles Monte Ball, Walter Blackbird, and John R. Strike all of Fort Belknap. Grandchildren Nichole and Nathan Lone Bear, Terrille Rattling Thunder, Keith Belgarde, Jalen Belgarde, Jamis Rattling Thunder, Melvin Rattling Thunder, Jr., Bailey, Adam, Caleb, and Rita Track, Jacob, Alex, Quincy, Minka, and Ruby Belgarde, Prime Johnson, Margaux Runs Through DesaRae, Cheyenne, Anthony, Matthew, Raymond, Eric, and Devyn Azure, Melina Leo and Cuarissa Taylor. Great-Grandchildren Mikaila Youpee, Blaire Stump, Claire and Azalea Clampitt, Chanel and Chisen Bouldin, Aden, Braelynn, and Cace DeMarrias, Ava Lone Bear, Kahlil Beauchman, Sheaann LeMere, K’maya Lone Bear, Kameron Rattling Thunder, Taiya, Madalyn, and Matilda Fish, Jaylynn Johnson, Jordyn and Jessie Scott, Kokoan Matte, SkyLynn Shortman, Mycah Lea, Loyalty and Mycha Azure, Sister-in-law Rae Belgarde of Brockton, Brother-in-Law Kermit Belgarde of Walla Walla, Washington and Niece Myrna Walking Eagle of Brockton, and two special nephews, Adrian Spotted Bird, Jr. and Jace Johnson.
He is also survived by a favorite cousin Richard “Dude” Jackson of Newtown, ND and adopted brothers Gregory Jay Brugh, Sr. of Newtown, ND and Joseph Chase of Newtown, ND and special friends James and Marty Dillon and Alpheus Bighorn Jr. all of Brockton.
Preceding Ben was his parents, Sisters Mary Kay White and Abby Johnson Wooden Legs, Brother Douglas Johnson, his mother-in-law Rita Red Eagle Belgarde and adopted Brother Leonard Boxer.
The family would like to express their gratitude to James “Chuck” Weinberger who was Ben’s Dialysis Driver for all the care and conversation that he gave him. Ben had many friends and family members far and wide, so if you are not listed please know he loved you all.
A wake will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 16, 2020 at the Brockton Highschool. The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2020 at the Brockton Highschool. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Brockton. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements and condolences can be left for the family by using the form below.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday February 17, 2020
Brockton Highschool
Brockton, Montana 59213
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday February 17, 2020
Brockton Highschool
Brockton, Montana 59213
Darlene wooden Legs says
My thoughts and heart are with my family at this time.
Darlene Wooden Legs and family
Carlos J BuckElk | Waikiki, HI says
Awww, it’s sad to hear of Bennie’s passing. my condolences to Judy and all the families.
Rita Weeks says
My condolences to Judy and all of Ben’s family and friends.
Cissy Eagleman, Children & Grandchildren. says
Benny, you shall be missed dearly! “Heyyy my girl.” will never sound the same. I know you had many come for your Journey. They had patiently been waiting to walk with you. You are a good friend, always made me smile. I thank God for you. Judy…everyone. my heart & prayers go out to you, from the time I heard and for the days to come. I love you all.
Robert/Terry McAnally says
Condolences to all of Bennie’s family and friends. He had good stories and a great laugh.
Donna Archdale says
Judy I’m so sorry for your loss of Ben. He is in a better place now but will be missed by all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
SOPHIA MARTELL/YOUNGMAN says
JUDY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYER ARE WITH YOU
Rhonda L Mason says
Thanks for your friendship over the past 40 years or so Ben. Always enjoyed seeing you around and visiting. Prayers for your family during this sad time, but happy for you because your in God’s loving arms.
Pat Wilson says
I was very sad to hear of Ben’s death. Not only was he one of the best students I ever had, but he was also warm, generous hearted, thoughtful, and often hilarious–a richly complicated human being. He will be sorely missed. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Luella Brien says
My heart goes out to my friend Terrence and his family during this time of great loss. The family is in my prayers.
Petrea Martin-Rauch says
So sorry to hear of Ben’s passing. A crazy bunch of FPCC students had a great time a ‘few’ years ago! I have many great memories of Ben and appreciated his friendship. I am so sorry for Ben’s family. I know he will be greatly missed by so many.
Danielle walker says
I miss you gpa and always going to be in my heart and I know your inna better place now but you will be missed.😞 rest easy gpa🤧☹️
Wes Stevenson says
Rest in peace, Bennie. We crossed paths for just a very short time in 2006 but your humor and spirit touched me. I’ll see you on the other side.
Anita Scheetz says
Judy and family,
Loads of prayers and hugs to all of you. Benny was one of my first FPCC students all those years ago. I considered him a friend. He would hold down the Library for me so I could go to lunch once and a while and I always appreciated it. When I think of Ben I can smile and say I was proud to know him. May your happy memories keep him forever in your hearts.
Lanette Ryan says
Judy & Family,
My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Deanna Rock Hardinger says
My deepest condolences to the family.
Deanna Rock Hardinger
Margaret Horn-Sampson says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Benny was a good man and will be missed by all. He is no longer in pain and is with his family that has passed on 🙏🏽
minka rae beldarde says
i just want to sat you will be missed papa
minka rae beldarde says
love you papa and i miss seeing you sitting there in you seat you allways sat in and me and all your grand kids will allways have you in our hart.