William Patrick Bennett

Known by many nicknames - Bill, Will, Willy and WP – he was loved by so, so many. He had a kind, forgiving heart of gold and was the best friend anyone could have. Bill was always the protector to those that he loved, up to the very end. He would do anything for those that he loved and cared for. A believer in Karma, he was always willing to lend a helping hand to strangers.

He had a wonderful sense of humor, a smile and laugh that could light up a room and was truly a child-at-heart.

Bill found joy in meeting new people, sharing stories and just talking. He was an avid fan of BBC World News (he felt it was the only unbiased news out there), The History Channel and The Discovery Channel, and took great joy in understanding how things work. He was a talented man who could do anything he set his mind to, from plumbing to wood working to remodeling to car repair. He was obsessive in his attention-to-detail.

He particularly loved the ocean and ocean fishing – and had many cherished memories of fishing with his Dad. His other love was vintage cars – and he took great pride in overseeing the restoration of a 1954 MG TF which he enjoyed waxing, polishing and tinkering with. He especially loved the various MG gatherings that he participated in over the years – and the many MG friends he met. He never missed Car Week in Monterey and loved the vintage races, auctions and concours.

He is survived by his wife and soul mate of almost 30 years, Henni Sanft; his sisters Maureen Bryant (Rodger), Kathy Bennett, Helene Little and Patti Bennett; his mother-in-law Bernice Sanft; his brother-in-laws Elliott Sanft (Donna), Stuart Sanft (Lisa); 6 nieces (Shannon Bell, Rachel Bell , Liza Barbour (Trey), Leah Sanft, Samantha Sanft and Corrine Sanft), 1 nephew (Jonathan Little), 1 great-nephew (Jack Barbour) and his BFFs Tim and Liz Kelly. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Patricia Bennett.

He was a very special man who will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Memorial services are pending for sometime in July. Donations can be made to Oceana (www.na.oceana.org or 1-877-7-OCEANA) and the American Lung Association (www.lungsusa.org or (202) 785-3355).

Use this website to send the family messages and share memories. Check back for Memorial Service update.