Leland Ellis Bennett, of Silverdale, Washington, passed to his rest, after a prolonged illness, on April, 4th 2021 at 9am. He was attended at his death by wife, Betty, and daughters Susan and Catherine.
Lee, as he preferred to be called, was born in Ellensburg, WA on 10 January 1938 to Merton and Esther Bennett. He grew up in the Bremerton area where he attended Bremerton Seventh-day Adventist School. After 2 years at Hylandale Academy in Rockland, WI, he returned to Bremerton High School. Following his schooling he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as an inflight refueling specialist. He had one tour of duty in South East Asia and finished his career in the information field, retiring as Superintendent of Information at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado. He was honorably discharged after 24 years of service.
Following his discharge Lee was baptized at Poulsbo SDA Church where he met and married his wife, Betty. He resumed his education at Olympic College and then Atlantic Union College where he studied Personal Ministries. He completed his studies at Weimar Institute and Palm Desert Institute where he studied natural remedies. Over the years as his faith became increasingly important in his life, it became important to Lee that he share his faith by personal witness as well as formal Bible studies.
The driving force behind Lee was his love and care for his family. He married early in his career and devoted his life to supporting, protecting and providing training for his wife, Irene, and children, Susan, Catherine and Darrin. Later, after marrying for the second time, wife Betty and her daughter, Elizabeth joined the family. Although the word “Patriarch” is rarely used today, Lee served proudly in this capacity in the finest sense of the word for his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and not a few young men in his community.
Lee was a lifelong student of history, with special interest in: The Battle of the Little Big Horn and World II Aviation. He amassed a large library of books and multimedia presentation on these subjects. His scrutiny of these materials yielded a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding the events as well as the people involved. His study led him to an appreciation for the people who persevered to follow the truth as they understood it.
This same persevering character was exhibited by Lee in both professional and personal spheres of life. He was a visionary who looked beyond the immediate situation, a capable leader who gave clear instructions, a talented artist and designer, a loving husband and father. He was a brave man who was not afraid to do the right thing, even if it was difficult or dangerous. The Air Force honored him with the Distinguished Flying Cross after one such courageous action and the Air Medal after another event.
Lee is survived by his wife Betty Billingsley Bennett, daughter Susan Russell (Oscar), daughter Catherine Kalocinski, (Steve), son Darrin Bennett (Kimberly), and step-daughter Elizabeth Taylor. He left 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Joan MacGeorge, (Richard), his brother, Roger Bennett and several nieces and nephews. Lee was preceded in death by his first wife, Irene, and sister Lujean Rosenberg.
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