Chester G. Bennett

January 27, 1920 – May 11, 2011

      After a brief illness, Chester G. Bennett, age 91, went home to our Lord.  He died peacefully with family members at his side. 

      Chet will be remembered for his unceasing devotion to his family and his medical practice, as well as his integrity, humility and wry sense of humor. All who knew him were touched by his positive, honest nature and his ability to enjoy the moment.   

      Born and raised in Iowa City, Iowa, Chet attended the University of Iowa and graduated from the U of I Medical School.  In 1941, Chet married Nancy (Ruth) Hockett.  He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and completed his surgical internship in Seattle, Wash. After completing his residency in 1952, Chet and his family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where he began a 40-year practice in surgery. 

      Admired by his colleagues and the staffs at St. Joseph’s, Good Samaritan and Phoenix Baptist Hospitals, Chet was a gifted surgeon who cared deeply about the health and welfare of his patients.

      In 1989 Chet retired from practicing medicine and moved to Bainbridge Island, Wash., so he and Nancy could be nearer to their ever-expanding family. He loved the Northwest as much as he loved Arizona and Iowa and spent time traveling the area, as well as Alaska, extensively.

      In addition to medicine, Chet loved golf and baseball, big-band-era and old-school country- western music, his citrus orchard, camping in the desert, a good pipe and any opportunity to “tinker” around his home.  Forever the perfectionist, he performed all tasks with diligence, thoughtfulness and patience, thus earning him the moniker, “Chet the Jet”.  

      Chet was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy, in 2006.  He is survived by his five children:  Claudia (Lynn) Divelbess, Suzie Cary, Joanne (Ray) Moudy, Ken (Susan) Bennett, Carolyn (Mark) Greer, nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. All who knew Chet will miss him and will carry in their hearts special memories along with his loving words of encouragement, “Always keep your face to the wind.”

      A family memorial service will be held in Arizona. Charitable contributions in Chet’s memory may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 8595 NE Day Road, Bainbridge Island.

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