Benefit for Ron Belcourt set for Saturday

Friends say Ron Belcourt is the kind of guy who was always doing something for other people.

He has taught anger management classes so people could learn to deal with stress.

He has helped people overcome alcohol addiction by working with people in Alcoholics Anonymous.

He retired as a Rocky Boy High School teacher and counsellor, after 20 years of shaping young people's minds.

He has been active in his church, St. Jude Thaddeus in Havre.

But he is best known for playing in several area bands - especially Other Brothers and Sistas Band and Salvation Nation.

His music has brought enjoyment and entertainment to thousands of people over the years, says bandmate Kirt Miller.

"No one will ever know how much he has done for other people," said Miller about his bandmate.

His friends and relatives hope people he has helped over the years will reach out to him now that he is in need.

Belcourt is in a rehabilitation center in Great Falls, recovering from injuries apparently caused by a fall on Sept. 4 at the Millers' home.

He was originally taken to Northern Montana Hospital then transported to Benefis Medical Center in Great Falls, but doctors there determined he needed more medical care than they were equipped to provide. He was then flown to Seattle Harborview Medical Center. After three weeks, most of them in intensive care, he was taken to Missouri River Care and Rehab Center in Great Falls, where he is being cared for now.

The bands have continued to play, said Kirt Miller, but it isn't the same.

A benefit, organized by band members, to raise funds will be held Saturday, 6 p.m., at St. Jude Parish Center. There will be foods, a raffle, a silent auction and other events to raise money, Fran Miller said.

His medical expenses will largely be covered by Medicare, Kirt Miller said. But those and expenses are continuing to mount up.

His daughter, Brenda Neiffer "put a lot of miles on her car traveling to Seattle," Miller said.

And he still has a home and pets in Havre, Neiffer said.

Belcourt has already received lots of moral support from his friends in Havre, Neiffer added.

"There are a lot of prayer chains for him," she said.

She said her father has suffered no neurological damage but can't walk.

"His body has had a lot of trauma," she said. He suffers from lots of confusion and disorientation.

But since returning to Great Falls and seeing old friends, he is beginning to make a comeback, she said.

The Millers said they hope he will be able to come back for the concert, figuring he would benefit from seeing so many people.

But Neiffer said doctors aren't sure they will be able to release him for the event because they don't want to endanger his recovery.

Neiffer said her father was in good health before the accident, and hopes he'll be able to return to his independent life.

He calls her sometimes, asking her to pray with him.

Doctors aren't sure how long he will have to be in rehabilitation.

In the meantime, Neiffer is still taking care of his dog and cat, while longing for his return.

"I miss my dad," she said. "He's been a terrific support to me."

Features writer Pam Burke contributed to this story.