Hundreds honor firefighter Ben Parsons at funeral
Whitefish firefighters were black bands covering their badges at the funeral for Ben Parsons on Thursday, January 12, at the Northwest Montana Fairgrounds. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Justin Woods, right, and members of the Whitefish Fire Department land at attention as the Honor Guard keeps watch over Ben Parsons’ casket during the public viewing portion of the funeral on Thursday, January 12. Parsons was killed in an avalanche while descending Stanton Mountain on January 5. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
The procession for the Ben Parsons’ memorial service drive down U.S. 93 on Thursday. (Aaric Bryan/Daily Inter Lake)
An overview of the funeral for Ben Parsons on Thursday afternoon, January 12, at the Northwest Montana Fairgrounds. It is estimated that around 1200 people attended the funeral.(Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Adam Smart of the Kalispell Fire Department and others cry as the final alarm bell is rung in honor of Whitefish Firefighter Ben Parsons at his funeral on Thursday, January 12, at the Northwest Montana Fairgrounds. Smart said Parsons’ death was like “losing a brother.” Parsons was killed in an avalanche while descending Stanton Mountain on January 5. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Josh Charles of the Bozeman Fire Department helps fold the flag that had been draped over Ben Parsons’ casket at the end of the funeral on Thursday, January 12, at the Northwest Montana Fairgrounds. Firefighters, law enforcement officers and first responders from around the state came to attend and take part in the funeral. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake)
Family, friends, and fellow first responders were openly weeping as the members of the Montana State Firemen’s Association Honor Guard began to ring the bell signaling the end of watch for Whitefish firefighter Ben Parsons at his funeral on Thursday, Jan. 12, at the Flathead County fairgrounds in Kalispell.
The funeral, which was attended by approximately 1,200 people, was an emotional event that culminated with a call coming from the Flathead 911. Dispatcher Luwanna Jensen, a 10-year veteran with Flathead 911 made the call: “All Stations, All Stations, stand-by for a General Alarm for Whitefish Fire Department. Dispatch paging Whitefish Fire, Whitefish Fire this is a General Alarm. It is with deep regret we announce the passing of Firefighter Paramedic Ben Parsons, an eight-year member of the Whitefish Fire Department. He stood his watch with pride, integrity, and devotion to duty. His watch has been permanently relieved, and a new watch has been posted. His devotion and professionalism have brought honor, distinction, and respect to him, his family, and the Whitefish Fire Department. God speed, good and faithful servant. KNDG383, Clear.”
Ben Parsons died after being caught in an avalanche on Thursday, Jan. 5, coming down from a backcountry skiing expedition on Stanton Mountain in Glacier National Park.
Parsons is survived by his wife Jennifer, their son Rowen, his parents Larry and Valerie Parsons and his sister Josie Parsons.
Jennifer spoke at her husband’s funeral and said:
“As someone who got to absorb much of Bens’ light, let me be the first to say that if his life inspires you, do not strive to be like him. There is no need to go dye your hair red and buy stock in Lycra. Rather, turn inward and upward. Sit with yourself and your higher power, if your belief system allows, and give room to who you were made to be, ridiculous as it may seem. Run with that, and love others as they live into their authentic selves. This is what Ben did well.
“This is the thought that I find consolation in today,” she continued. “That even though the void is so expansive, even though there will never be another Benny P, I lean into what he has taught me all along. I invite you to join me in the impossible belief that what is ahead is better than we can imagine. Ben is fully confident of it, and that is enough for me.”