Donald A. Bennett passed away January 1, 2011 after a more than two- year struggle with ALS. He was 78. Don was born in Tillamook, OR to Frank B. and Ethel M. Bennett. Don attended Willamette University for two years, and received his BS degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Oregon College. He served as a specialist in the Army Signal Corp in Germany for two years. Awarded an NCATE Scholarship he earned an MA in Education and his Ed D from the University of Denver. Until retirement in 1994 Don spent his life as and educator including professorships at Long Beach State College, Temple Buell College and then he worked for several years with the Colorado Department of Education. Eventually Don became a Professor of Teacher Ed. at Metropolitan State College from which he retired after twenty five years as Professor Emeritus. During his tenure at MSC, in addition to his classroom work, he served as Department Chair and Director of Student Teaching. Donald belonged to several fraternities: Beta Theta Pi, Alpha Rho Tau, Kappa Delta Pi, and Phi Delta Kappa. Don was active in community affairs including: City Club of Denver and numerous education related groups for the Denver Public Schools as well as supporting a number of charitable organizations. Don is survived by two brothers, Frank (Helen) and Robert of Milwaukee,OR., sisterin-law Doris Bennett, Salem OR and by his devoted life partner of more than 49 years, James L. Berggren Jr, Littleton, CO. He is also survived by 22 nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews. Deceased Siblings include brother Richard and sister Mary. Services to celebrate Don's life will be held Monday, January 10 at 11 AM at St. Martin's Chapel of st. John's Cathedral; 13th and Clarkson Street, Denver. Inurnment will follow immediately in All Souls Walk at St. John's.



In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Project Angel Heart or to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (ALS).

PPhoto is a Fern Bray-photograph