Building blitz helps Bench family

A building blitz Sept. 18 through 20 helped erect a home for Whitefish Chief Building Official Virgil Bench, who is undergoing cancer treatment. But the job’s not done yet, said Tyler Frank of Malmquist Construction.

Frank coordinated the effort by local builders to help one of their own when he learned Bench is fighting small cell lung cancer and unable to complete his new home near Smith Lake.

“We had a fairly good turnout,” Frank said about the volunteer weekend. “We got half the roof installed, half the shingles. We still need a roofer to come in and finish it.”

Windows and doors were set with exterior trim, but lap siding still needs to be installed. There are other opportunities for builders to lend a hand. Trex decking on the back porch isn’t completed, and a plumber is being sought to do the rough-in plumbing.

“We also need somebody to touch up paint when the siding is done, caulk and paint touchup,” he said. “The next monumental phase is going to be finishing the drywall and [interior] paint and we need drywallers and painters. Once that’s done we’ll do another blitz for interior trim and cabinets.

Bench and his wife recently sold their home in Whitefish with plans to build a home in the Kila area. Bench and his son, Logan, were about a month into the building project when Bench learned of his cancer diagnosis in early May. That prompted Frank to rally builders through a letter circulated to Flathead Building Association members.

A Virgil Bench Building Fund has been set up through Glacier Bank to help the Bench family with medical bills.

“My goal is for them to have Thanksgiving dinner in their new home. That’s what I’m hoping for,” Frank said.

Anyone wanting to volunteer their time on the building project can call Frank at 471-8322.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.