Born July 1, 1943 to Russell and Louise Bennett in Memphis, TN, Russell "Pete" Bennett, Jr. moved to Arizona with his wife and children in 1972.  He worked as a computer programmer and systems analyst for American Express in the Phoenix area before retiring and moving to Northern Arizona in 2000. There he lived life to the fullest and died near Sedona July 19, 2007 while riding his road bicycle, one of the many outdoor passions of this vibrant and physically fit man.

 

In addition to cycling, Pete was actively engaged in many hobbies, including nature photography, travel, hiking, river rafting, fly fishing, cooking, gardening, archaeology, astronomy, skiing, hunting for wild mushrooms and philosophy.  His many charitable activities included working with Habitat for Humanity and going to the Gulf Coast to spend several weeks helping with post-Katrina relief efforts. He enjoyed mentoring and passing on the wisdom gained through a life fully lived.  His love of the outdoors was eclipsed only by his love for his family.  His family is comforted by Pete’s recent visit to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he spent two weeks with his children and grandchildren doing what he loved best, spending time outdoors and with his family.

 

Pete is survived and sorely missed by his mother, Louise Bennett of Memphis; his son Richard David Bennett of Scotts Valley, CA, daughter Kathryn Bennett Feinberg of Palo Alto, CA, and their spouses Elaine Bennett and Ian Feinberg; and four grandchildren (Travis and Jason Bennett and Elizabeth and Jessica Feinberg). Pete is also survived by his former wife, Roberta Farrell of Palo Alto; and his siblings, Durlyn Melton and Richard Bennett, both of Tennessee.

 

A celebration of his life will be held at his home at 5 p.m. on August 4th, 2007.

 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the ACLU, Doctors Without Borders, Planned Parenthood, Hands On USA or Habitat for Humanity.