Robert N. (Bob) Bentley passed from this world May 29, 2013 at the age of 92. Bob leaves behind his wife of 71 years, Dorothy and his three children, Linda, Jim and Connie, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
As a defining example of “The Greatest Generation”, Bob proudly served his country in the Pacific as a sailor in the U.S. Navy during both World War II and the Korean War. He became recognized as a “golden shellback” having crossed the Equator over 50 times in action including the Battle of Leyte Gulf, Luzon and Okinawa.
In the year 1956, Bob and his family moved to Phoenix, Arizona from upstate New York, as a member of General Electric’s initial effort to establish computer operations. He retired from GE after 27 years of service, and worked for Ping, ADR Ultrasound and Bowling Electronics.
His passion for the beauty of Arizona and a love for horses turned from a hobby into quest to assure the old cattle and sheep trails in Arizona were reestablished by organizing trail rides throughout the state and preserving the landmarks for future generations. Bob loved working on committees with the Arizona State Horseman’s Association (ASHA), initially on the 1963 Arizona horse census, and eventually became President of the organization.
Under his leadership, ASHA committees worked tirelessly with Stewart Udall at the Bureau of Land Management, the Phoenix Parks Systems, and the Arizona Legislature to set aside 12,383 acres to be preserved as recreational areas and trail systems. His proudest achievements include the establishment of the Black Canyon Trail, from north Phoenix to Mayer, AZ and the Sun Circle Trail in Phoenix. On June 11, 1987 all of the hard work of the Black Canyon Trail Committee culminated in the signing of an agreement by Arizona Governor Evan Mecham and Henri Bisson of the Bureau of Land Management. He was honored by the BLM and ASHA by having the southern trailhead dedicated the Bob Bentley Trailhead in his honor.
Bob leaves behind a life well lived, and a great deal of love and fond memories from his family and a number of friends who are forever touched by his wisdom, kindness and generosity. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary, 200 W. Beardsley Road. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to horseshelp.org.
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