Richard Bennett, 92

Richard Guy Bennett Sr., 92, a true pillar of the Idaho lumber industry and a beloved patriarch, passed away peacefully at his home in Rancho Mirage, Calif., on June 12, 2026.

Born in Killam, Alberta, Canada, to Guy and Millie (Barclay) Bennett on July 25, 1933, Richard spent his early years in Canada before the family relocated to Clarkston, Wash., leaving the frigid temperatures behind.

His legendary journey in the timber industry began in childhood, rooted in hard work and family resourcefulness. To make ends meet, his parents started a small business in the basement of the family home, making fruit boxes for local orchards. When World War II intensified in the early 1940s, his father secured a contract to manufacture ammunition boxes for the war effort. It soon became apparent that a dedicated facility was needed to support the increasing demand, and Bennett Box Factory was born. Over time, the operation expanded and evolved into a full-scale lumber mill.

With Dick's vision and leadership, the company continued to grow as he successfully negotiated the purchase of additional mills and timberlands, helping build one of the region's most respected family-owned lumber businesses. Through his leadership and commitment to the industry, Dick helped create jobs for generations of families throughout the valley, a contribution that left a lasting impact on the communities he served. At just 19 years old, Dick earned his pilot's license, not for recreation, but as a practical way to save time and travel efficiently between operations. Flying enabled him to scout timberlands and conduct business more effectively, reflecting the drive and determination that characterized his career.

Even after expanding the company's operations and purchasing mills outside the valley, Dick never forgot the community that helped shape him. He remained deeply committed to the well-being of its young people and wanted future generations to have opportunities and resources to succeed. In honor of his late son, Richard Guy Bennett Jr., he funded the construction of a Boys & Girls Club, which was named in Richard's memory. Through this lasting gift, Dick's commitment to the valley and its youth continues to benefit generations. Wherever life took him and whichever community he called home, Dick remained dedicated to supporting local youth programs and community centers, believing that investing in young people was one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen a community's future. His generosity is still evident today in Clarkston, where an aquatic center he helped fund continues to serve children and families throughout the community.

Richard took great pride in working alongside his family and preparing the next generation to continue the business he helped build. His firstborn son, Richard Guy Bennett Jr., joined Bennett Lumber after completing college and beginning his career with the company. Tragically, Richard Jr. was killed in a car accident while on his first business trip for Bennett Lumber, a loss that profoundly affected Dick and his family.

Despite his immense professional success, Dick's greatest joy and proudest legacy was his expansive family. He was married to Jeanene Curtis for 13 years, and together they had four children, two of whom died in infancy. His second marriage, lasting 47 years, was to the love of his life, Joann (Rogers Nichols), who brought six children into the marriage. Dick loved and raised them as his own. In 2008, he married Aliede Klein. Through this marriage, he formed a very special bond with her grandson, Michael.

Dick embraced every aspect of life with enthusiasm, including his work. His adventurous spirit truly shone on the water, where he enjoyed deep-sea fishing, crabbing, and shrimping in the Pacific Ocean. His summers were spent navigating the rugged waters of the Northwest Passage aboard the Mary Jane, a boat he shared with his father. Later, aboard his yacht, the Polar Express, he traveled throughout the breathtaking waters of Alaska. After arriving in Alaska, he would have family and friends flown in to join him on these unforgettable adventures. Dick wanted everyone he loved to experience the beauty and wonder of Alaska, and he made that dream a reality for countless family members and friends. Sharing those experiences brought him tremendous joy and created memories that will be cherished for generations.

Among Dick's most loyal companions was Fancy Dan, his cherished fur friend and best pal in the whole world, who brought him endless joy, companionship, and laughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Millie Bennett; his first wife, Jeanene Powers (Curtis); his second wife, Joann Bennett (Rogers Nichols); his younger brothers, Frank Bennett and Guy Bennett Jr.; his firstborn son, Richard Guy Bennett Jr.; his infant daughter, Kimberly Ann Bennett; his infant son, Michael Jon Bennett; and his grandson, Nathan Bennett.

He is survived by his wife, Aliede, and seven of his children: Debra Bennett, Trisha (Skip Priest), Cinda (Dr. Dave Crow), John Bennett (Stephany), Leann Bennett, Jim Bennett, and Jeanine Bennett. He is also survived by Aliede's daughters, Julie (Jim Osdale) and Amy Talbot.

Additional survivors include 20 grandchildren: Richard Guy Bennett III, Dorei Reynolds, Melissa Wilson, Brett Toney, Zachary Priest, Amanda Palmer, Kimberly Atkison, Scott Atkison, Jennifer Rennison, Casey Jacobson, Marla Bennett, Christian Shelley, Katie Shelley, Corey Bennett, Alex Bennett, Stephanie Delaney, Tony Bennett, Kayla Kurtz, Keri Jo Koefod, and Roger Koefod; 39 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; Aliede's granddaughters, Shelby Yuan and Jessica Lopez; her grandson, Michael Talbot; and her great-grandson, Connor Yuan.

A funeral service celebrating the life of Richard "Dick" Bennett will be held Friday, June 26, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Merchants Funeral Home, 1000 7th Street, Clarkston, WA. A reception will immediately follow at the Clarkston Event Center, 841 6th Street, Clarkston, WA.

Family and friends are warmly invited to join in celebrating Dick's remarkable life, sharing memories, and honoring the legacy of a man whose generosity, vision, and love for others touched countless lives.