Benedict LaFountain, age 68, of Belcourt, ND passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.

Benedict Roy (Chiman) LaFountain was born on September 9, 1953, in Belcourt, ND to Joseph and Mary (Champagne) LaFountain. He was raised in Belcourt and attended Belcourt School. Chiman had many loves in his lifetime, but the most important significant other would be Diane Marie Lenoir of Belcourt for the past 25 years. Chiman shared a bond of friendship, love, and support for Diane children – Rose McCarty, Lee Merrick, Della Merrick, and Leah McCarty with many step grandchildren. He shared a special bond with Leah and Isabella that he spent many hours of Joy with each of them.

Chiman loved carpentry and worked for the Belcourt Housing and a variety of contracts. He loved to work with his hands to help family with supervising with building repairs, fencing, and gardening. Benedict enjoyed spending time with friends and family.  Chiman enjoyed life to the fullest; if there was a laugh to be heard it was his, or a smile to be seen, it was his.

He loved his weekly drives and trip to the casino to pick up the sisters to spend the day at the casino or just driving around the community and the back rounds.  He enjoyed going visiting family rather it be to raid a vegetable garden for fresh produce, playing cards, rolling dice, and pranking family with his missing finger.  Wherever Sweet and Chugger where, you would find Chiman behind them with traveling to different states to work in California, Illinois, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and South Dakota. If fresh bread was made or gullet was made, chiman was there to test all the treats and food. He loved to eat and enjoy family fun with his many pranks and jokes.

Chiman is survived by significant-other Diane Marie Lenoir. Siblings Florene "Lechite" LaFountain, Sharon "Chigirl" LaFountain, and Ramona "Chicken" LaFountain. Many stepchildren - Rose McCarty, Lee Merrick, Della Merrick, and Leah McCarty with many step grandchildren.

Chiman was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary LaFountain, siblings, George LaFountain, Theresa Tetreault, Johnny LaFountain, Laura Piro, Rita LaFountain, James LaFountain, Marlene Tetrault, Virginia LaFountain, Gerald LaFountain, Alfred "Chidad" LaFountain and Dorothy "Sosweet" Davis. With some nieces and nephews to find in heaven.

Urn Bearer is Clarence Davis.  Music by family and friends.  Reader is Gloria Davis.  Rosary led by Gloria Davis and Gia Davis.  Eucharistic Gifts by Kelly Kepin and Joe LaFountain.  Placing of Blanket by nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 8, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Benedict's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with visitation beginning at 8:00 AM and Rosary Service/Eulogy at 9:00 AM prior to the funeral mass.  Burial will be in St. Benedict's Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt, ND.  Father Richard Fineo presiding.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.