Gordon Anderson Bennett

Gordon Bennett was born April 1, 1940 in Towson, Maryland and died at his home in Austin, May 11, 2007. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1962 and continued his post graduate education at University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he completed his Ph.D. Gordon studied and traveled in Taiwan, Hong Kong and extensively in the People’s Republic of China where he became a specialist in Chinese politics. Professor Bennett authored several books about Chinese politics and society and taught at U.C. Berkley before coming to UT Austin, where he researched and taught for more than 30 years. Dr Bennett most recently was engaged in research about the stability of Chinese Political Leadership. He also taught comparative politics and courses on environmental politics. Gordon is survived by his wife Karen, and two daughters, Meaghan and Anna Claire, all of Austin. He is also survived by his father James, and Brother David, both of Maryland. Gordon Bennett was known and beloved by many, and was long active in the Cherrywood Neighborhood Association and in Austin politics. He kept the Association alive during a long period when it had no organized leadership, and participated in most facets of its evolution to one of the most respected neighborhood associations in Austin. Gordon was a member of the Airport Advisory Board during the ‘80s when the decision was being made to move the airport, and served in the ‘90s on the City task force that established the goals for the redevelopment of the Mueller site. He especially valued communication amongst neighbors, penning numerous articles for the newsletter, recording minutes at meetings, and initiating an e-mail list serve and internet Web site to foster dialogue on topics large and small. Over 700 neighbors grew to appreciate these venues for staying informed and in touch with each other. Gordon’s attendance at neighborhood events, meetings, and gatherings was legendary. He was known and admired by neighbors, colleagues, and former students, near and far. Memorial Services will be 1:00pm, Thursday, May 17 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 600 East 50th Street (.Ph: 459-5835), led by Reverend Sid Hall, assisted by Reverend George Holcombe. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to the Gordon Bennett Tribute Fund, % CHULA (CHerrywood Urban Landscaping and Arts), P.O. Box 4283, Austin, Texas 78765. His family and friends loved Gordon, and we will miss him. Memorials and guestbook online at wcfish.com