David Robert Benson

Sent in by his mom, Linda

"Super Dave" lived in Bigfork with his mom, Linda, for only 17 months before he was killed. In that short time, he made quite an impression on the community.

Dave was a busy guy. He was secretary of the BHS student council, he worked on the yearbook staff, participated in drama, played on the high school football and golf teams and was active in the Catholic Youth Coalition and Civil Air Patrol. He had been accepted at the US Coast Guard Academy and had been nominated by Sen. Max Baucus to attend there. He was the recipient of two ROTC scholarships. Michael Boshka, Dave's teacher, describes Dave as "kind, intelligent, and witty; the kid of kid who only comes along once in a great while."

Dave was delivering pizza on a Thursday afternoon when his small eastbound car went out of control on an icy and slushy highway. His vehicle collided with a westbound pickup driven, unfortunately, by a family friend. Dave was killed instantly.

Dave's cross is located on Hwy. 209 between Bigfork and Ferndale along the Swan River. His mom decorates it every month and every holiday. She remembers her son as a gifted student and writer, a lovable clown, a caring and thoughtful son and a great friend to all who knew him.

September 18, 1973 -

January 23, 1992