Benjamin G. "Westy aka House bear" Bear Jr.

Harlem, MT

Benjamin G. “Westy aka House bear” Bear Jr. Passed away February 26, 2016 in Harlem, Mt. of natural causes. Wake services were held Wednesday, March 2 at 6:00 p.m. at Red Whip Center. Funeral services were Thursday at 11:00 A.M at Red Whip at Ft. Belknap.

Westy was born August 17, 1955 to Benjamin G. and, Erma (Snell) Bear Sr. He was raised in the Christian way of life taught to him, and his siblings by their mother Erma at an early age.

He loved his childhood on the family ranch, and especially the animals, he was always raising a pet of his own, and riding horses. He especially loved when his mom would dress him, and his siblings up and the family would go into town for the annual Chuckwagon Days.

After he got older he attended Kicking Horse Job Corp until his dad passed away in 1972. He then moved back home and worked numerous jobs around the Harlem, Ft Belknap area. In his earlier years he got married but later divorced. From the marriage he was blessed with two children, his son Donald Garrett Bear and his daughter Crystal Marie Bear (Pollock).

One of his greatest passions was wildland firefighting, and he was well known for his firefighting abilities. He would go on to train for the elite unit of wildland firefighters called smokejumpers, but an injury to his hand prevented him from passing the rigorous physical fitness training required. Some of his past time hobbies were boxing, jogging, bike riding, always taking some kind of vitamins, and trying new kinds of diets to stay fit.

He enjoyed listening to old rock n roll, watching old western shows and old war movies. He was an avid fan of the sport of boxing. His favorite boxer was “The Hands of Stone” Roberto Duran.

He was also quite knowledgeable of the armed forces, and knew every battle and war the United States was in. He was especially interested in tanks, and fighter jets, he was very knowledgeable of them.

His favorite hobby was assembling model tanks, and jets he must of put together hundreds of them making them look like exact replicas. After he would assemble them he would give them to his son, and later his grandson Jon Thomas “Bubz” to blow up on the 4th of July.

He enjoyed telling stories of the old days, and could visit for days if you would let him. He was well known for his down to earth spirit always willing to help out anyone that was in need. Everyone that met him grew quite fond of him, and would always welcome him into their home. He was one of those guys that no one had a bad thing to say about, always smiling, and joking, a friend to everyone.

His greatest accomplishments in life were his children, he loved them dearly. He was very proud of them and what they had become, always telling people how proud he was of them. His children blessed him with 7 grandkids who he loved dearly, and had nicknames for all of them. Westy will truly be missed by all, especially his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his paternal, and maternal Grandparents, his father Benjamin Bear Sr., and an infant granddaughter Olivia Bear. He is survived by his children Donald (Jean) Bear of Hays MT, Crystal (Michael) Pollock of Great Falls, Brothers Charlie, and Tom Bear of Ft Belknap MT, Wes (Lynette) Medicine Bear of Dodson MT, Sisters Marge (Frank) Plumage of Moses Lake WA, Edna “Blue” Miller of Harlem MT., his grandchildren Kyan, Allyna, Jon-Thomas, Gabrielle, and Kale & Hazel.

Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook is in charge of arrangements. You can visit edwardsfuneralhomemt.com to leave condolences for the family

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