Virgil E. Bench was born Nov. 6, 1952, and passed away Jan. 11, 2016.
This past year marked an end of an era. What a coincidence that the most prominent building in town has fallen at the same time as our father. What better way to leave this world as the chief building official than to take the very building in which he spent so much time. For the past 30 years, Virgil was a resident of Whitefish and for the last 25, he was the chief building official of both Whitefish and Columbia Falls.
Virgil’s dedication and loyalty to the community never faltered and in turn during his time of need, the community came together and made the impossible ... possible. The selfless sacrifices and generosity allowing our father to see his dream home before his death can never be repaid. Cancer has taken his body but he is not gone.
He will be survived by his amazing, supportive and loving wife Rosalie; five children, Samantha, Logan, Cody, Justin and Megan; and nine grandchildren, Jasper, Alexandra, Maverick, Wesley, Sawyer, Ella, Hunter, Colter and Carson.
The family will be gathered from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, at the Kila School gym to openly share stories, laugh and cry.