Benjamin Thomas "Benny" Nelson

Benjamin Thomas Nelson 18, beloved son, best big brother, and dear friend to all, passed away on October 18th in Bozeman, Montana.Ben was born on November 6th, 2002, in Bozeman and had the biggest personality from day one.To know Ben was to truly know love. He had the biggest heart, the brightest smile, the best monster hugs, and some pretty righteous dance moves.Benny was an athlete. Throughout his life he played soccer, baseball, and football but nothing brought him more happiness and peace than the game of basketball. He would say basketball made him feel free and alive. When he wasn't at the courts, Ben could be found in his room; pencil in hand, sketching. He was an amazing artist. He was inspired by the works of Banksy. Every piece of art Ben did was a masterpiece. Ben would joke, "I can't be just a jock, Mom. Art lets people into your soul to see the visions that we can't put into words."Ben had so many people who loved him, but none more than his brother and sister. The bond shared between the three of them is unbreakable. He was their hero.Ben left behind his biggest fan, his momma, Alana John along with his brother, Isaac (13) and sister, Milla (10).He is also survived by his father, Raymond Nelson; grandparents, Dave John, Cheryl and James Hayes, RT and Chris Hall and Mike Nelson; great-grandma Lila Carpenter; uncle Dave and aunt Heather John; uncle, Rusty Nelson; and his papa Willie Ramirez.Ben brought such joy to all the people who knew him. In his sudden passing he will now give the gift of sight through cornea donation; skin grafts to burn victims; tissue to breast cancer survivors, bone donation to wounded soldiers and heart valves for children.Ben's mother asks that you spend time with your children; take drives, throw a ball, sing with them or dance, hug them extra and never take it all for granted. She asks you to please never forget Ben's legacy and the love he shared.We will celebrate Ben's life, love and spirit on Saturday, Oct. 23, 3 PM at the Livingston Christian Center, 1400 Mount Baldy Drive. Visitation with the family present will be Friday, Oct. 22, 4-6 PM at Franzen-Davis Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service at the church. A reception will follow the service at the Christian Center, with further time for sharing stories and love with one another. Franzen-Davis Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.