Benjamin Joseph “Ben” Pierson, 18, Dickinson, died Saturday, July 17, 2010 at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck, as the result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on Friday in Dickinson. Ben’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, July 22, 2010 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Fr. Todd Kreitinger as the celebrant and assisted by Deacon Ron Keller. Burial will take place at a later date. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, with the family present from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. to greet and visit with friends. There will be a vigil at 7 p.m., Wednesday at Ladbury Funeral Service, with Deacon Ron Keller presiding.
Benjamin Joseph Pierson was born July 30, 1991 in Portland, Ore. Ben lived his life with great passion and enthusiasm. He was a gifted artist and musician. He loved all things motorsports related. He was a devoted son, brother, cousin and friend to quite literally all who came to know him. Ben was a rare individual….a jewel in the crown.
Ben graduated from McNary High School, Class of 2009 in Keizer, Ore. He will be remembered as the guy who could always cheer up the sad and bring a cherub smile to a frowning face. Ben’s character has left an indelible mark on the lives of so very many. In Ben’s short time in this world, he taught us a lifetime’s worth of lessons about loving one another.
He is survived by his mother, Lisa M. Dutchuk; step-father, Chad Peterson; brothers, Alex Pierson and Brandon Peterson; sister, Salisa Peterson all of Dickinson; his father, Thomas Pierson; step-mother, Kelley Pierson of Keizer, Ore. Ben is also survived by his grandparents, John J. and Louise Dutchuk, Dickinson, and Lynn and Dan Onion, Canby, Ore.; and many uncles, aunts and cousins in Oregon and North Dakota. Ben was preceded in death by Grandma Dee and Papa Tom.
