Royce L. Bennett

Our father, Royce Bennett, a resident of the Sunnyside area for 40 years, was born in South Dakota, on June 8, 1931, and went to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 12, 2012. Royce was a husband wholly devoted to his truelove and sole-mate Maureen for 51 years until she too, went to be with the Lord in 2008; He was a loving wonderful father, and grandfather; "Papa" to his large family.

When Royce was a young boy, his family moved from South Dakota and settled in Fresno where he grew up and attended Fresno High. Both he and his identical twin brother Raymond decided to enter military service at age 17. Too eager to wait until

their 18th Birthday, the brothers made some 'adjustments' to their birth certificates and entered the military 'early'. Royce chose the Navy, his brother the Army. Royce served in the Navy for 9 years, sailing around the world on a destroyer (USS Healy) and also on an aircraft carrier (Tarawa). Nearing the end of his second enlistment period, Royce traveled to Fresno to visit his family. While there his sister Shirley introduced him to Maureen, a co-worker. He was at once smitten, courted her, and they soon married

.

Once married, they settled in Glendale where Maureen had family. Royce began his civilian career as a computer operator working the night shift at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach. Hardworking by nature, Royce also started training classes during the day to become a computer field engineer. During this time Maureen was working at the phone company. Despite such a busy schedule, they did not waste any time starting their large family. In fact, a neighbor once called to complain that they

were operating an unlicensed day care facility when they saw so many children playing in the yard. The Navy training Royce received helped him run a 'tight ship' at home. He handed out chores to the boys, while Maureen took charge of the girls.

And while he was at work during the day.... we boys knew that any bad behavior, and dad would apply the "hand of learning" to the seat of our pants when he arrived back home. Because of the great love and respect he had, his guidance far exceeded that of the immediate family and had wide influence on family friends, nieces and nephews, cousins, and the all those who knew him. He was always the champion of 'cut through the malarkey and do the right thing'.

When Royce was offered an opportunity to work in Fresno, he quickly moved the family back to his hometown. Within a short time, the "country boy" inside Royce was revealed, and the family soon had two horses, a pony, tractor, chickens, peacocks,

and of course dogs and cats. There was never ever a dull moment at The Bennett's. Royce could fix just about anything mechanical or electrical. He always seemed to have a side job to help support his large family. He put all 8 of his children through a Catholic education at San Joaquin Memorial, and we never lacked anything. Although he worked hard, Royce always made spending time with his family and his wife a priority. He coached little league at Bakman Field, installed a basketball hoop on which we spent hours playing, he taught us how to play ping-pong (and he played tough!.. it was quite a while before we mastered the game enough to challenge him). We have wonderful memories of many summer vacations. Camping in Yosemite was an annual favorite for many years... and RV trips down the California coast or over to Tahoe.... Barbeques with homemade ice-cream. And Royce loved spending time at the Cabin in Fish Camp, where many memories were created, fishing, ice skating, but mostly just relaxing and enjoying each others company.

Perhaps Dad's most memorable trait was his positive attitude towards life, which was most obvious in his sense of humor. Royce always kept you 'on your toes'. He had such a sharp wit, that it always seemed like he was two steps ahead of you. You could never quite tell when he was serious or just pulling your leg. As a result, laughs were never in short supply. Many years ago, Mom had bought a plaque that she placed in the house which said "The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother." We thought it was somewhat humorous at the time. Now we understand how accurately it reflects Royce's devotion and character, as we watched him care for her and nurse Mom during a long illness from Alzheimer's. We already miss him sooo much, but we take great comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with his true-love

Maureen, in heaven ---never to be separated again.

Royce is survived by his eight children, Lori Cherry, Brian Bennett, Bruce Bennett, RussellBennett, Kim Bennett, Kelley Rollins, Lisa Bennett, and Randi Bennett; 14 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and one sister, Shirley McIntyre.

Visitation will be held at Stephens and Bean Chapel on Friday, February 17, 2012, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., with Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be held at Stephens & Bean Chapel on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Belmont Memorial Park.

Arrangements under the direction of Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel, Fresno, CA.