Charles Benjamin Azure

Charles Benjamin “Ben” Azure, age 76 of Mahnomen, MN, died Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at Triumph Hospital in Fargo, ND. Charles “Ben’ Azure was born March 12, 1934 in White Earth, MN, to Benoite and Madeline (Roy) Azure. He lived on the White Earth Reservation most of his young life until he joined the United States Army and served in the Korean War until his honorable discharge. He was then united in marriage to Dolores Hasbrook on June 8, 1963. They had 2 children together and he had 3 step-children he raised as his own. They resided in Minneapolis until moving to the Roy Lake area in 1979, which is still their home to this day. He loved to spend time with his family and be outdoors. He worked as a carpenter at the Shooting Star Casino for many years until his retirement. Ben loved to fish, hunt, rice, spend time with his children, grandchildren and all 36 great-grandchildren, family and friends. He was very proud to be a part of the White Earth Honor Guard. He traveled all over to different pow-wows. He lived a long happy life and will be greatly missed. Ben is survived by his wife, Dolores of Mahnomen; a daughter, Cheryl LaFriniere-Alrick Wadena Jr. of Mahnomen; a son, James Prince of Mahnomen; a sister, Minnie (Collins) Oakgrove of Red Lake, MN; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his step-father, Fred Murray; 2 sons, Robert Morgan and Benjamin Azure; and several siblings. Funeral Services were led by Rev. Robert Roy on Friday, December 10, 2010 at 11 am at Samuel Memorial Episcopal Church in Naytahwaush, MN. Special music was provided by Mother Lisa Smith. Visitation was held Thursday, December 9th from 5-7 pm with a prayer service at 7 pm at the Samuel Memorial Episcopal Church and visitation continued one hour prior to the funeral on Friday. Serving as pallbearers were Raymond Misquadace, ALrick Wadena Jr., Jonathan LaFriniere Sr., Bertram LaFriniere, Jeff Azure, and Nathan Keezer. Honorary pallbearers included the White Earth Honor Guard and the White Earth Veterans. Military Honors were provided by White Earth Honor Guard and the Mahnomen American Legion Isaacson-Bjorge Post #31. Burial was in the Samuel Memorial Episcopal Cemetery, Naytahwaush, MN.

Charles Benjamin Azure

March 12, 1934 - December 7, 2010