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Richard Edwin Bennett, Sr. OBITUARY

Richard Edwin Bennett, Sr. beloved husband of Denise Bennett, died peacefully surrounded by family on May 10, 2026.

There are many words that describe Richard Bennett, Sr.: Naturalist, Adventurer, Explorer, Geologist, Business leader, Swimmer, Fisherman, Music lover, Reader, Thinker, Commander (Howitzer Unit), Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-grandfather, Poppy.

Richard was born in Arlington, Massachusetts. Even as a small child he was enthralled by Mother Nature. She became his first love. “I can hardly bear the thought of being indoors for even an hour or two,” he would later declare. As a young man he wrote an essay affirming how mesmerized he was by the “tranquil beauty of the green forests, landscapes, still lakes and running brooks” near his home. It could be said that fishing became his second love. While some people might see a fishing rod as a “nicely shaven piece of wood,” he wrote, he regarded a well-made rod as “signifying everything true and fine about the hobby of fishing.” So passionate was he about the sport that, in winter, he and a college friend would sometimes fly a small plane to the bitter reaches of Northern Maine to ice fish and camp out on a frozen lake.

Until recently Richard spent all his summers on the coast of Maine. There he transferred his fondness of nature to his children and grandchildren. He taught them to swim, fish, and body surf the tidal waves (although no one could match his prowess.) He was clearly the master of the art. The children became skilled at fishing off the rocks. One in particular. The “Big Rock”, which they dubbed as “Daddy’s Rock.” Richard was a fun-loving father. Denise remembers when the children and grandchildren were small, gently putting them to bed with prayers and lullabies. Then Richard would arrive with a full-throated rendition of “Rockin’ Robin,” while bouncing the children up and down on the bed to a cacophony of giggles. It remains unclear if Denise joined in the giggling.

Richard’s love of all things Nature led to his profession as a geologist, specializing in oil and gas exploration. He attended Williston Academy and then on to the University of Maine, Harvard University, and the University of Texas with degrees in geology. As researcher and exploration manager in the field, he worked in the oil and gas industry first with Shell Oil Company, then Cockrell Oil Corporation and eventually forming his own company, Bennett Petroleum Corporation. He made significant contributions to the industry including innovative techniques and discovery of oil fields both on and off shore. Unsurprisingly, Richard was well regarded as a generous employer, sharing the company’s successes with his employees.

But, for the most part, he kept his accomplishments to himself. Most knew him as a humble man of strong faith, good humor and goodwill. His delight was in knowing that his children and grandchildren have become devoted to their families and fine citizens, contributing to society in meaningful ways.

Richard’s well-lived, well-loved life is an example for all who had the privilege of knowing him. As his daughter-in-law, Hillory, says of him, “He loved big.” The family wishes to thank Allen Dejel, who kept him spry well into his 90s, Karin Salazar who continues to fill the family with joy, and especially Fr. James Fox for his friendship and compassion during Richard’s final illness.

Richard was predeceased by his parents Helen and Edwin Bennett and his cousin, Shirley (Arthur) Lindsay.

Richard is survived by his wife Denise Wilcoxson Bennett; Children: Sandra Walker (Patrick), Houston, TX; Richard E. Bennett, II. (Hillory), Colorado Springs, CO; Victoria Cowan (Casey), Denver. Grandchildren: Austin Walker (Raychel), Kelly Walker, Stephen Walker (Caroline) and Catherine Walker, Hannah and Travis Bennett, Ethan and Savannah Cowan. Great-grandchildren: Henry, William and Charles Walker; Thomas Walker. Sister-in-Law: Lisa Sims (Randy), Seattle, WA. Nephews: Will Patrick Sims, Montrose, CO and Tanner Sims (Melinda), Seattle, WA. Great-niece and -nephew: Clara and Robin Sims. Cousins: Scott Lindsay (Karen Morgan), Falmouth, MA; Susan Lindsay, Arlington, MA Funeral: Tuesday, May 19th, 11:00 a.m., Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 2626 E. Seventh Ave Parkway, Denver, CO 80206, Ph. 303.322.7706. Reception to follow at the family home. Memorials: Contributions in Richard’s memory would be gratefully accepted by Good Shepherd Catholic Church, St. Martin’s Chamber Choir, 2015 Glenarm Place, Denver, CO 80205 303.298.1970.