Alan Dean Bentz

Alan Bentz (aka Al, hubby, pop, dad, and papa) passed away unexpectedly the morning of December 31, 2022. Al was so very loved by his family and friends and no words can express how much he is missed.

Al was born in Cutbank, Montana, to Gideon and Pauline Bentz. The family moved to Ritzville WA where he and his older brother Wes, and younger sister Patricia, grew up and graduated from Ritzville High School. After high school Al attended WSU and was a true and loyal Cougar. He made some wonderful friendships while at WSU that he enjoyed throughout the years. The summer before graduating from WSU, Al interned with Boeing in Seattle and was officially hired when he graduated with the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He spent from 1960-1964 In Ohio, and then on to Philadelphia from 1964-1970. He came back to Seattle in 1970 where he contributed to several military programs before going to commercial and the IPC program in 1993 where he stayed for 20 years and retired with 53 years of service to Boeing. Al enjoyed his work and the feeling of purpose it gave him. He enjoyed being part of a group and solving problems, and helping others when they needed it. Over the years Al earned the friendship and respect of his co-workers and supervisors. We have received many cards with such kind words of their memories with Al, and they have meant so much to the family.

While working at Boeing, Al also kept busy outside of work. He had become involved in community theater while back east and continued with that upon returning to Seattle. He started with a group called Renton Little Theater which became Valley Community Players. He acted on stage and built sets for many of the shows. He gradually hung up his hat from acting though he continued with building sets. While working and building sets Al still felt he needed to add to his education, so he went back to school and earned his MBA degree. It meant so much to Al to have accomplished this and we were so very proud of him.

Al was a single father of two sons, Kenn and Steven, when he and Amy met while both worked at Boeing. What started as a friendship led to a 44-year marriage, and the addition of two daughters, Jenn and Cate. Al always said he would keep working until it wasn’t fun anymore. It took a while, but after 53 years Al finally decided he could have more fun doing non-work things full time instead of just on weekends. He loved to putter, whether around the house or out in the yard. He enjoyed vegetable gardening, and he got back into coin collecting and getting his collection organized. He liked collecting recipes and made a great Sunday breakfast every week. Family get-togethers were his favorite. He loved being with his family and friends. One thing he loved almost as much as family get-togethers was going to our home outside Victoria, BC. Al was not a “take it easy” vacation kind of guy, but going to our BC home was different. Easy travel, and when he got there, he could do all the things he liked doing at home, but with a better view. That was Al’s kind of vacation.

Al is survived by his wife Amy, his son Steven, his daughters Jennifer (John) and Cate, his granddaughter Samantha (Ramon), his brother Wes (Patty) and his sister Patricia. Al touched our lives in so many ways. He blessed each of us with his patience, kindness and understanding, but most of all, his love. We will carry that forward in our hearts. And while we miss him, I am sure he was warmly embraced by his parents, and his son Kenn, who were there to meet him.

A memorial service celebrating Alan’s life will be held Saturday, May 20th, at 1:00 p.m. at the Greenwood Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 350 Monroe Ave. N.E., Renton 98056. www.greenwoodmempark.com