Benjamin Michael Cannon passed away near Butte, MT on July 18th, 2023.
Ben was born in Glendive, MT on May 14th, 1979. He was the third child and second son born to Michael and Jill Cannon.
Ben was an adorable baby boy with a head full of white blond hair and big blue eyes. Once he learned to talk, he hardly ever stopped. He grew up loving the outdoors, and he treasured the many hunting and fishing trips that he experienced with his dad, grandpas, and friends. He loved spending his summers in Richey, MT helping his Grandpa Lloyd on the ranch. He had a great sense of humor and was full of charm. We will miss his laugh.
Ben graduated from Williston High School in 1997. He attended UND for a short time and joined the National Guard. Shortly afterward, he joined the Navy to become a nuclear power Electronic Technician. This led to Ben serving on the nuclear submarine, USS Oklahoma City, for 4 years.
After serving his country honorably for 6 years, Ben moved to Butte, MT to start a new life. Ben used his outgoing and friendly personality to become a successful business owner as a broker and property manager. He recently became certified as an auctioneer to expand upon his business.
Ben placed his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age. As an adult, he reaffirmed and relied on this firm foundation to uphold him throughout life’s ups and downs. He built his business on and named it after Galatians 2:20. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Ben was devoted to his family and loved his 8 children dearly. Being a father was a source of deep joy and pride. His children were his whole world and everything he did was for them.
He is survived by his beloved children: Makaila, Nevaeh, Joshua, Braydin, Daxton, Colton, Oliver, and Penelope, all of Butte, MT; his loving parents, Mike and Jill Cannon of Williston, ND; his sister Amber, her husband Bryan, and their daughters Halle, Maya, Emme of Minot, ND; his sister Kailee, her husband Scott, and their children Lukas, Dylan, Ezra, Norah, Amos of Williston, ND. Ben is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins and his former spouses Kristin Kelly and Tiffany Cannon.
Ben was preceded in death by his infant brother, Matthew; his Grandparents Gene and Cathi Cannon; Grandmother Marilyn Cannon, Grandparents Aileen Whiteside and Lloyd Schultz; Grandparents Bill and Ann Whiteside.
Family and friends are welcome to join us for the Funeral Service on Tuesday, July 25,2023 at 2:00 pm., at Front Street Station, located at 800 E. Front St. Butte, MT with a reception immediately following. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 27th at 2:00 p.m. at the Richey Cemetery, Richey, MT. A reception will follow at the Richey Senior Citizen Center on Main St. in Richey, MT.
In lieu of flowers, donations in support of Ben’s children can be sent to www.purinternational.org.
To share a condolence or leave a memory of Ben, please visit below.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Ben and his family.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m
Tuesday July 25, 2023
Front Street Station
800 E Front St
Butte, Montana 59701
Reception
Immediately Following Service
Tuesday July 25, 2023
Front Street Station
Butte, Montana 59701
Reception
Following the graveside service
Thursday July 27, 2023
Richey Senior Citizen Center
Main St.
Richey, Montana 59259
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m
Tuesday July 25, 2023
Front Street Station
800 E Front St
Butte, Montana 59701
Reception
Immediately Following Service
Tuesday July 25, 2023
Front Street Station
Butte, Montana 59701
Reception
Following the graveside service
Thursday July 27, 2023
Richey Senior Citizen Center
Main St.
Richey, Montana 59259
Share
Sierra Bartelson says
So very sad to say goodbye too soon! Been lifting up my family in my thoughts and prayers. Very thankful I grew up with Ben and will treasure those memories forever. He was a smart, kind, and loving soul. RIP Ben!!
Lana Robinson says
Ben was such a joy! Once during a family gathering, he was giving my dad a hard time about his thinning hair. My dad told him, “well God only gave a few men a perfect head, the rest he gave hair!” Without a pause, Ben replied, “no… God didn’t see the point in putting a roof over an empty barn!” He had such a quick wit and big, sweet smile – we all just howled! I’ll miss you, dear cousin.
Joni Andre says
Mike, Jill and family,
So sorry to hear of Ben’s passing.I haven’t seen him for years but I remember his smile and laugh. He will be missed.
Joni Andre
Mar jo Craig says
My heart goes out to your family. I didn’t know Ben but Mike and Jill I did know you. Mike flying out of Williston airport to work in the oil fields and Jill always there to meet him. Jill selling a wonderful clothing line that I will never forget
I lost my daughter Susan to cancer Jan 5 2022
The pain of losing a child is the worst . Don’t know why these children went before us but know they are in heaven
Billie Skurdal says
Jill, Mike and family
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. No words can comfort you, only God’s strength, lean on Him and He will always be there.
Evan & Billie
Krista (Penn) Jassmann says
I am heartbroken to hear of this loss. I hope and pray you find comfort and peace at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Julie Skurdal says
Our hearts are broken for you all. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob Julie, Anton, and Beau
Becky (Molland) Sinness says
So sorry to hear this! He was a wonderful person, and had some amazing adventures with Ben. He was the best prom date, good friend, and all around the nicest guy ever. Thinking of his family in this heartbreaking time
Cami (Bren) Rossol says
I’ll always remember Ben’s smile and his twinkling eyes. So sad to hear he is gone.
Rest easy friend, you are missed.
Al Christianson says
We had some great times in our youth! He was a caring and kind friend. He was a natural listener and often had a thoughtful response. You don’t find that in many people, but that is who he was. Later in life we joked as only Navy and Marine Corps vets can. I will miss you my friend! Fair Winds and Following Seas. Until we meet again…..
Abrielle (Abi) Cannon says
So sad to loose such a huge influence on my childhood and my adulthood. You were a big part of my healing process with my father. Unfortunately I dropped the ball on finding out if we were related while you were on this earth, but the news of your passing struck a cord with me and I was able to confirm our family tree branched back in the 1500s. Your absence will leave a large hole in this community.
-With Love.
Doug Carrier says
Wow, Ben. So many fond memories with you. Thick and thieves in high school and our lives eventually took us in different directions, which tends to happen. Many years have passed since we spoke last but I’d check in on you every so often. It felt good knowing you were out there, making people smile and laugh.
Farewell my friend, until we meet again.
Roberta Schultz Beckers says
Jill, Mike and Family,
So sorry to hear about Ben. May your fond memories help you through this really difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim Sandman says
Dear family and friends of Ben,
On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans, we offer our sincere condolences at Ben´s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are always saddened whenever a fellow “Bubblehead” departs on Eternal Patrol. He served with honor on the USS Oklahoma City SSN-723.
To our “Brother-of-the-Phin” we say, “Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. Fair Winds and Following Seas.” Thank you for your service to our country.
To the family… “may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (ESV).
Jim Sandman, FTC(SS) Ret,
National Chaplain, USSVI.
http://www.jimsandman.com
Kris Sampson Haines says
Mike & Jill,
I am sure you may not remember me, but we have met through Sheryl Johnson, many years ago! I am from Glendive and have a sister who lives in Williston, she is the one that told me about your son! I am so very sorry for your loss! I can not even imagine what you are going through! My thoughts and prayers are with you! I read some of the messages and it seems your son was an amazing person! May your memories be a source of comfort for you at this time! God Bless and be with you all!
Kris (Sampson) Haines
Vern and Jan Brost says
Mike and Jill,
We can still see that darling little blondie beneath that beautiful beard! It’s been years! We’re so sorry and we love you all. Ben’s Heavenly Father and yours is with you. We’ll see you in Richey, dear ones.
Larry Granbois says
My deepest condolences to Ben’s family. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. May you Rest In Peace my friend.
Melissa (Ellefson) Simons says
Oh Ben, there are not enough words to express how much you will be missed. It has been many years since we last connected but it is hard to think of a time in my teens and 20’s that you were not a part of. You made those years joyful, I interesting, quirky, and so much fun. Thank you for memories that I will always hold in my heart.
Deepest condolences to the entire Cannon Family. Ben was truly one of a kind. Peace to you all.
Hailey and Rosalie says
Ben was a beautiful, kind, caring soul who truly loved his Lord and Savoir. He was fun loving, with a quick sarcastic Witt full of humor that could easily bring a smile and laugh to the room. Ben also had a deep sense of responsibility to others that seemed to bring out the “big brother, Dad, boss, husband, manager, mentor, and teacher” in him. He was always there to help and support. As difficult as his loss is for his parents, children, family, and friends, we must understand he is happy, home, safe, and rested in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus. May his family and friends find peace and comfort in their happy memories of Ben. Rest in peace Ben. We love and miss you.
Sheila Fink says
Jill, OMG I am so sorry for your loss… I never knew Ben of course, but I cherish the memories that you and I had from high school ….we were besties. I will always love you girl….my prayers and thoughts are always with you.