Robert Barclay Bennett was born in Winfield, Kansas, October 23, 1934. He passed away Sunday morning, January 13 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington.
Wichita was his home for many years. He met his wife Sharon at Wichita University and they married in 1954.They moved their family to Yakima and then lived in University Place for the past 45 years.
Robert was a sales representative for the McCormick-Schilling Company and later Brown and Haley. He retired as a realtor for Hawkins and Poe in 1999.
Find out what's happening in University Placefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Robert is survived by his wife, Sharon, of nearly 59 years; and their four children, son, Bruce and wife Kathy; son Alan; daughter, Cheryl and husband Ron; and daughter Laurel. Robert and Sharon have four grandchildren and Robert was able to see his two great-grandchildren for the first time in November.
Robert had a great love for God’s beautiful outdoors. He was active in the Boy Scouts as both a youth and as an adult scoutmaster for many years. Robert enjoyed hiking, camping, dirt bike riding, and hunting in the great Northwest. He always appreciated the beauty of our earth and instilled that same love in all his children.
Find out what's happening in University Placefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Robert was an able carpenter, drafting plans and building many projects, including an addition to the family home, as well as many creative storage ideas. He was also an avid collector of almost anything that just might come in handy in some future project. His favorite phrase was, ”I have a tool for that!” Robert was a wonderful storyteller, and all who knew him will remember his warm and hearty laughter. He was a loving and devoted husband and father, and a trusted friend to many.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Robert’s life will be at First Christian Church, 6th and Orchard, in Tacoma, Saturday, January 19 at 2:00pm. Memorials to honor Robert may be made to First Christian Church Building Projects.