Ernest J. Bennett Obituary

Ernest J. Bennett was faculty at San Ramon Valley High School in San Ramon Valley, CA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Ernest J. Bennett.

School Role	Faculty
Date of Passing	Jun 17, 2009
About	Passed away on June 17, 2009, at age 79, after a short struggle with liver and colon cancer. Born on July 22, 1929 in Redwood City, my Dad earned his Bachelor's degree in Education at Brigham Young University; a Master's degree in Physical Education at University of Utah, and served as a missionary for 2 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean War, assigned to Germany as a young enlisted serviceman. He had a love of plants and later earned a secondary degree in Horticulture from UC Davis. In his early years, he taught P.E. at Emeryville High in Oakland, and coached Basketball and Swimming. He also taught (34 years) at San Ramon Valley High School in Danville, CA, covering classes in Health, Driver's Education and Horticulture. He spearheaded the high school's F.F.A. program and started the first Men's Water Polo Program, Coaching for many years. Also passionate about Genealogy, he traveled the U.S. in search of his relatives. He loved camping, fishing, sports (Baseball & Ice Hockey), and trips to his cabin at Lake Pillsbury (Shangri-la). In the spirit of giving back to the community, he taught at the Women's Prison in Santa Rita covering plant science classes and volunteered at the Open Heart Kitchen in Livermore, and the Family History Center in Oakland. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Susan Lacey Bennett; and 5 children by former wife, Marcia Whipple Bennett: Kristine (Brett), Kathyrn (Brendan), Brian, Bradley (Ruth), and Bruce; grandchildren: Gavin, Jordan, Ashley, Trevor, Jennifer, Stephanie and Sara. He will truly be missed by all. Thank you.