Luke Benton

Luke #8220;Ringo#8221; Andrew Benton was tragically taken from this world while hiking Pine Creek Falls on July 22, 2011. He died the way he lived - barefoot, fearless and performing. He was born August 12, 1994 in Salisbury, Maryland to Pam and Mark Benton. He moved to Bozeman in 2002 and quickly engaged in his life here. He would have been a senior at Bozeman High School this fall. He was a percussionist in the BHS Symphony band and a member of Bozeman United Methodist Church. He was a gymnast, skier, and musician, but most of all he was always eager to live life to the fullest. His passion was gymnastics at Lone Mountain. Besides being a member of their competitive team, he shared his love of the sport by teaching younger gymnasts. He was just in Florida for vacation and, when boredom struck in a traffic jam, he back-flipped across the highway between the stuck cars. He is survived by his parents, Pam Benton and Mark Benton of Bozeman, brother Stephen Benton of Bozeman, maternal grandparents Phil and Sue Stephenson in Salisbury, MD, paternal grandmother Pat Benton in Westminster, MD, aunt Kim (Jeff) Harris of New Windsor, MD, and nieces Megan and Kaylee Harris in New Windsor, MD. He was predeceased by paternal grandfather Ed Benton. He also leaves behind close friends Cody, Cole, Josh, and many, many more. His life touched so many others. We were blessed to have him, though not long enough. He was a dynamic friend to everyone he met, and he went out of his way to meet many. He was a tremendous guy - witty, charming, bright, vibrant, and energetic. He has left us waiting, wanting to know what he would have done with that boundless energy. He will always be loved and live in our hearts forever. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, July 28, 2011 at Bozeman United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Lone Mountain Gymnastics and Swim School (phone: 406-587-1180) for a scholarship fund in memory of Luke.