RW/RC/NWA Capt. Jeffrey Arthur "Jeff" Bennett

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, RW/RC/NWA Capt. Jeffrey Arthur "Jeff" Bennett

January 24, 1948 ~ July 7, 2026

 

Following his military service, Jeff went on to fly for Hughes Airwest, Saudia, Republic Airlines, and Northwest Airlines, and at the latter spent the majority of his career before retiring in 2009……...

Jeff is survived by his wife Holly, and by his sons and their families.

PCN memorial site

 

https://cremationsocietyofmn.com/tribute/details/83824/Jeffrey-Bennett/obituary.html

Jeffrey Arthur "Jeff" Bennett Obituary

Jeffrey Arthur "Jeff" Bennett, 78, passed away at his home in Bloomington, Minnesota, on July 7, 2026.

 

Jeff split his time between his home in Bloomington and the family ranch in Hermosa, South Dakota, where he found joy in the beauty of the Black Hills and in time with his family, friends, and animals. Though his life took him around the world, his greatest joy was being Holly's husband and Brett and Chase's father.

 

Born on January 24, 1948 in Pasadena, California, Jeff was the son of Deane Bennett and Pattiejane (Sutliff) Bennett. During his childhood, his family lived near forestry lands in the Sierra Nevada while his father worked as a forester for the state of California. Those early years instilled in him a lifelong love of adventure, the outdoors, and hard work.

 

Jeff graduated from high school in Sacramento, California and earned his degree from Stanford University. He proudly served his country in the California Air National Guard, first as an aircraft mechanic and subsequently completing flight training with a focus on military transport. A highly accomplished military pilot, he specialized in flying the C-130 Hercules before embarking on a distinguished commercial aviation career. He went on to fly for Hughes Airwest, Saudia, Republic Airlines, and Northwest Airlines, and at the latter spent the majority of his career before retiring in 2009. During his aviation career, Jeff operated a wide variety of aircraft, including the Convair 580, Boeing 727, McDonnell Douglas DC-10, and Airbus A320, earning the respect of colleagues for his professionalism and skill.

 

Adventure defined Jeff's life. As a young man, he served as a ski patrolman in the Swiss Alps. Sailing was another lifelong passion. Jeff raced sailboats growing up and later worked as a sailmaker in Newport Beach, California. An accomplished sailor, he could confidently handle virtually any vessel and cherished time aboard his beloved CSY 44 sailboat. He was a longtime member of the South Shore Yacht Club, and many of his happiest memories were made on the water.

 

Whether at the family ranch in Hermosa or in his workshop, Jeff loved working with his hands. He enjoyed woodworking, carpentry, engine repair, tractor maintenance, and caring for the ranch and its animals. He could seemingly fix anything and was an exceptional mechanic. Jeff loved to travel and embraced every opportunity to explore new places and their culture and history. Friends and family affectionately described him as a walking encyclopedia. He had a lifelong passion for history and archaeology, was endlessly curious about the world, and loved sharing what he learned. He found great joy in passing his knowledge and experiences on to others and was a natural teacher and mentor.

 

Those who knew Jeff will remember his striking blue eyes, generous heart, playful sense of humor, and willingness to help someone in need. He truly would give the shirt off of his back to anyone that needed it. He loved music, especially Yacht Rock, which was the perfect soundtrack for a day on the water. Above all, he cherished time with his wife and sons traveling, sailing, skiing, renovating cars and antiques, or enjoying each other’s company.

 

One of Jeff's greatest joys was sharing his passions with his sons. He instilled in them a lifelong love of scouting, sailing, skiing, aviation, and the outdoors, from beaches and deserts to forests, lakes, and open spaces. He created family traditions that they will carry with them always.

 

Jeff is survived by his devoted wife, Holly Surring Bennett; his sons, Brett Weston Bennett of Boulder, Colorado, and Chase Alexander Bennett of Charleston, South Carolina; his brother, Tim Bennett of Anchorage, Alaska; his sister, Sherrin Bennett of San Francisco, California; and beloved extended family members and dear friends around the globe.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Deane Bennett and Pattiejane (Sutliff) Bennett.

 

Jeff will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, an exceptional aviator, an adventurer, a craftsman, a mentor, and a lifelong learner. Whether in the cockpit, at the helm, or behind the wheel, Jeff embraced life with curiosity, generosity, integrity, and gratitude. His legacy lives on in the passions he inspired, the wisdom he shared, and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

 

Fair winds and following seas.