Eight-year-old Tristen Kent Benns lived in La Garita and attended second grade at Sargent School. He was a wonderful little boy who loved God, his dad and mom, his grandparents, his teacher and classmates and extended family. He also doted on and cherished his many pets — Scout, Rosy, Brownie and his pet chicken Trooper.
Tristen was deeply interested in all history, but especially the American Revolution. He worked hard to make good grades in school and was in accelerated reading. He was proud to serve as teacher’s helper for his class and was always a cheerful helper at home.
His “home on the range” in La Garita was his little kingdom and it was there he loved to ride his go-cart and bike, practice shooting his .22, and explore down by the creek. He was a chess whiz and enjoyed his battle games online, often viewing historic battle documentaries. He would then spend hours drawing elaborate battle scenes with his big paper and markers.
He also loved his many outdoor adventures with his mom and dog Scout, fishing, hiking and gold panning.
Tristen was loving, funny, quirky, caring and wise beyond his eight years. He was a gift to all who knew him and cast a ray of sunshine in the lives of so many. He will be deeply missed but will live in the hearts of those who loved him forever.
Tristen is survived by his father, Josiah Benns of La Garita, mother Jacquline Benns of Englewood, grandparents Larry and Teresa Benns of La Garita, grandparents Sherell and Jeremy Sabin of Westminster and great-grandmother Judith Delaney of Bailey. He also is survived by uncles Shane Benns and aunt Joanne Willey of Selby, S.D., uncle Eathan Benns and cousin Garrett Benns of La Garita, aunt Aimee (Benns) Bartlett of San Antonio, Texas, auntie Jocelyn of Denver, uncles Jonathan and Joshua Sabin of Westminster as well as numerous cousins.
Visitation for Tristen will be held on Friday, December 27, 2019 from 10am until 2pm with a funeral service beginning at 2pm at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary.
Memorial Contributions to assist with funeral expenses may be made directly to Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary (303-771-3960) or to the family's Gofundme account by clicking the link below:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/fundraiser-for-the-benns-family?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet
