Richard passed away peacefully at home from the effects of his second brain tumor.
He was born in Salt Lake City to Golden J. and May Fox Bennett on December 6, 1929 in Salt Lake City. He lived across the street from Nibley Golf Course as a child and learned to golf at an early age, enjoying golf throughout his life time. He served briefly in the Marine Corps and married Darlene Elsa Bluhm on November 23, 1949 in the Salt Lake Temple.
Dick was a born salesman and enjoyed a career in sales with Gillette (Toni Division) taking his family to Canoga Park, California for two years and later to Wayzata, Minnesota for four years. These were some of the happiest years for the family. The family returned to Salt Lake City where Dick opened up the western region of the country, including, Alaska and Hawaii, for Litton, Microwave Division, setting up distributors and dealers and introducing the new microwave oven to homemakers in this part of the country for the first time.
Dick loved the out of doors and engaged his family in many activities. He loved to fish and hunt. The family cabin at Island Park, Idaho provided them with wonderful memories. After retirement Dick continued in sales for CKay Cummings Candy here in Salt Lake City and helped to develop the commercial division, selling to resorts, five-star properties and cruise lines until age 84. All of his work experiences were very fulfilling.
He loved the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served well in every calling. He served as stake clerk to several stake presidencies and on the high counsel in Winder West Stake. It was his great privilege to serve as bishop of the Winder Third Ward, a calling that was challenging but such an honor. He also served as a counselor in a young singles ward and other callings with the young people. Richard and Darlene served at the Los Angeles Temple Visitors’ Center in 2003-2004 and as humanitarian service missionaries in the Church’s Addiction Recovery Mission.
Richard and Darlene are the parents of six children, Gayle (Brian Nelson), Rick (Marilyn Seaman), Jana (Mark Moffitt,) Dan (Amy Romney), Mark (Holly Nelson), Carolyn (Joe Ney). They have 24 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren. They celebrated 70 years of marriage and his 90th birthday in 2019 with their extended family.
Richard loved his fore-bearers and loved to talk about them. Both of his parents were from pioneer ancestry and there are many books and stories, which he reveled in. His great-grandmother, Ruth May Fox wrote the hymn, Carry On and he requested that his tombstone be engraved with those words.
Due to Covid-19, services will be private for immediate family only. In lieu of flowers, we suggest a contribution in his name to Hospice Organizations or a charity of your choice.
So sorry to hear of Dick's passing. I'm so glad I saw you both on the last visit. I remember well how you both welcomed me when I came to the U so many years ago. I've never forgotten it. Our prayers are with you and your family as you remember a great husband and father.
I will truly miss Richard ,he was always a pleasure when he would go to Foothillfamilyclinic for his labs. That is how I met this wonderful man. He always put a smile on my face. He called me Miss America and always asked about my family and would share how his family was doing.last time I saw him he told me he was going to the other side..,,he wasn’t sad he had a smile on his face and I knew he was ready fir his savior. God bless your family
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. I have wonderful memories of him while growing up in the Garden Park Ward. I remember when your dad got the first microwave and Dan showing me how it cooked a hot dog in seconds! Your dad was like a rock star to me! My heartfelt love your mom and to each of you at this difficult time.
Dear Dar,
I dearly love this wonderful man. I am so happy he is finally able to be free of his suffering. He will be missed!
Love, Shauna
Our love and condolence to you Darlene and your family in the passing of Richard.
We remember him fondly. You were wonderful considerate neighbors on Michigan Ave. We remember visiting you in Canoga Park in California. As I recall it was the first time young Tim swam across a swimming pool. Well do we remember when Tim won a Litton Microwave oven at a Hercules summer party at Lagoon. We were afraid to turn it on and Dick was excited to come over and show us how to use it.
May the Lord bless each of you as you celebrate the life of your dear husband, father and grandfather. Our prayers will be with you.
With Love,
Tim and Shirley Lunt and family
Dearest Darlene,
What wonderful memories we have made. I will always remember our dinner outings. You two are the best friends - we could pick up our conversation no matter how much time had passed between our visits. I'm sure "our men" are hopefully playing golf in heaven!
Love,
Bev Seal
Jana and family,
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Your father/ Grandfather left a wonderful legacy. A life well lived . Love you all.
Please know we are thinking about you today. Your husband and dad truly was born of goodly parents. Golden J. and May Fox Bennett. I remember as a boy going to their house on 700 East in Salt Lake. We were always treated with such love. Your dad was so friendly and kind to his younger cousins. He was a great man. I have always been impressed with the love he has had for you Darlene. He told me once that marrying you was the "Best" thing he had ever done. You both have raised wonderful children that will call you blessed forever. In a recent talk by our Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, he said "we are born to live and we live to die". Families are forever. You will see your dad and husband again. May our Heavenly Father bless you as you go "carry on"!! We know He will.
Love Dave & Judy Fox
dick was a very sweet man whenever him and your mom would come into Artic Circle for their usual lunch
it was always good to see them. I enjoyed helping them when ever they came. They always had a way to make you smile. He will truly be missed. I hope that your mom will try to come in if she can.
Dan, I’m so sorry about the passing of your beloved father. I so enjoyed reading your Father’s obituary. What fun childhood experiences you must have had as a family with all your siblings and wonderful parents! I have loved working with you and Amy at your beautiful store and seeing this amazing Gift Store succeed! You are both a very talented couple...and we love when you come into the store and keep us all in check! Sincerely...and with much love and gratitude, Laurie Johnson
