A former Northwest College welding student was killed Thursday, Dec. 10, the victim of a shooting in a Colstrip, Mont., bar.Spenser John Benson was fatally shot at the Whiskey Gulch Saloon. He died at the scene. NWC welding instructor Bill Johnson said he was shocked when he heard about Benson's death.

“I still have a hard time believing it,” Johnson said. “He was a great kid.”

Johnson said Benson was sure of himself and a little cocky when he first showed up for class — “what we call the welder personality,” he added. “We bumped heads some.”

But, as time went by, the two became friends.

“He would sit and talk with us in the office every day about what was going on in his life,” Johnson said. “He was a good student. He made a conscious effort to improve every semester that he was in here ... We talked about everything under the sun.”

Johnson recalled that, before Benson graduated in December 2008, he was offered a job with the boiler makers in Colstrip.

“He had a welding test (to take) for them, and I'd show him what to do and how to do it. He was always pushing himself and trying to better himself.”

That friendship didn't end when Benson graduated.

“I had kept up with him off and on since he left,” Johnson said. “If he was in the neighborhood, he would stop by to chat.”

On Friday, Colstrip police arrested James Wilson, 51, of Lame Deer, Mont., and charged him with two counts of deliberate homicide and one count of attempted deliberate homicide. Witnesses told police Wilson had been trying to start a fight at the bar and was wrestled to the ground and told to leave. He returned a half-hour later with a gun and began shooting.

Colstrip Police Chief Larry Reinlasoder said Benson and another victim, Heath Becker, probably were innocent bystanders. Becker died after being life-flighted to St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings, according to the Billings Gazette.

A third victim, Jason Burnett, remained hospitalized at the Billings Clinic and was in critical condition on Sunday.

Reinlasoder said he did not know whether he had been involved in the fight.

All three victims were from Colstrip.

According to his obituary, Benson put his welding skills to use beyond his employment. In his spare time, he used those skills to create beautiful original artworks.

Johnson said he also got to know Benson's parents, Jeff and Debi Benson of Colstrip, and he feels badly for their loss.

But, he added, “The one I really feel sorry for is that little boy of his.”

Landyn Benson is 3 years old. Benson's obituary describes Landyn as Benson's “greatest love.”

“That's the one I really feel sorry for,” Johnson repeated.

In lieu of flowers, Benson's family is asking for donations to an education fund for Landyn. Donations may be sent to EnerGComm Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 1914, Colstrip, MT 59323.

Funeral services for Benson will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Colstrip. Burial will be in Billings, and will take place at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park, 3605 Grand Ave.

Johnson said Benson “was just a good guy.”

“He's going to be sorely missed, I do know that, by not only his family, but (also) his close friends here in the Powell. There's quite a few of those.”