Benjamin Asencio

PABLO — Benjamin Asencio, 63, died of cancer at his home in Pablo, Aug. 23, 2006, while surrounded by his loving family.

A dedicated family man who lived for his children and grandchildren, he was born at Dirty Corner near Arlee on Feb. 1, 1943. Raised and educated on the Flathead Reservation, he eventually received his AA degree from Kalispell Community College.

Ben went to work for the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribe as a counselor in 1978. Retiring in January 2004 from the Narcotics Drug Team where he had worked as a manager for FRACAP, Outreach Counselor for Tribal Health; Drug & Alcohol Counselor; Director of Blue Bay Healing Center and IHS.

While skilled at his work Ben had other loves. He loved the outdoors, whether it was hunting, cutting his own firewood or taking pride in have a beautiful yard, he kept busy. With declining health he took up gambling while at home but nothing came before his family. Their accomplishments were the things that made him proud.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecelia Cullooyah and Pete Asencio, and a son Geno.

He leaves behind his wife, JoAnne "Dode" (Antoine) Asencio; his children, Bonnie Asencio, Ben (Brenda) Asencio, Gena Asencio, Berta Asencio (Lee Grant), Bobby (Becca) Asencio, Norita Mathias, Nikki Antoine, Carrie Antoine and Misty Whitworth (Dave McClure); his aunt, Oshanee Kenmille; his sisters, Virg Charlo, Josephine Gonzalez, Madeline Finley and Madeline Pierre; a brother, Max Asencio; 24 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; numerous foster children, cousins, nieces, nephews and all of his wife's Day Care kids to whom he was known as "Papa."

Rosary was held Aug. 24 at the Longhouse with wake closing on Aug. 25 in the Longhouse. In accordance with Ben's wishes cremation took place after the closing service.