Obituary of Ralph D. Bennett

Born 6/1/1945 in Norwood, MA and passed away 1/31/2009 in Fort Lewis, WA surrounded by his loving family. Ralph D Bennett Sr. joined the navy in 1962 at the age of seventeen and retired after twenty years of serving his country in 1982. Most of his naval career was on submarines. Military life took him and his family all over the United States. He decided to retire in Washington State. Ralph worked in real estate as an agent for four years. Also worked for several years in correctional facilities for the state, but the road and travel called him and he became a long haul truck driver. He truly enjoyed travelling all over America and visiting his family along the way. He did that until 2003 when he was diagnosed with Colon cancer. His battle had begun, but never kept him down. He rode his motorcycle that he very much enjoyed, to visit family in California and Arizona. He would say, “If you act sick, then you are sick.” He was brave and courageous during his battle, doing chemo for five years. He was proud of his family and his family was and his family was proud of him. Ralph touched many lives and will truly be missed. He survived by daughter Mona (Tom) Armstrong of Gig Harbor, sons Ralph of Lakewood, Matthew of Lacey, and Michael of Lacey. His siblings, brothers Bob Gilmore of New Jersey, John Bennett of Florida, David Bennett of New York, Robert Bennett of California, and sister Lucile Todd of Arizona, and grandchildren, Craiger, Heather Ann, Heather Joy, and Danelle. Dad we will always love you and miss you. Service to be held 10:45AM Monday 2/9 at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent, WA 98042. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008.