Don 'Poppy' Benson, 71

Don "Poppy" Benson passed away Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007, in Redding, Calif., as the result of complications due to abdominal surgery. He was born March 13, 1936, in Roberts County, S.D., the third of five children born to Leif and Helen Benson.

He was an optician for over 40 years and had his own optical shop in Kalispell.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy, of Shingletown, Calif.; four children, Kevin and wife Tawny of Red Bluff, Calif., Brian and wife Leslie of Redding, Crystal Browne and husband Austin of Santa Rosa, Calif., and Eric Pitt and wife Connie of Kalispell; one brother, Leland; and two sisters, Betty and Carol. He has eight grandchildren, Kevin Jr., Stephen, Cameron, Brian Lyle, Samantha, Augustina, Alyssa and Stacey.

His youngest sister, Sonja, is deceased.

An informal celebration of his life will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 26, at their home in Shingletown. Family friends and neighbors are welcome to attend.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Shingletown Medical Center. To send a card to the family, the address is: Nancy Benson, 34538 Timber Ridge Road, Shingletown, CA 96088.

He will be cremated and arrangements are being made by Allen & Dahl Funeral Chapel.