Robert Bruce Bennett Mr. B 7/30/1915 ~ 9/15/2006 Robert Bruce Bennett, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully Friday, September 15th, 2006 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Bruce, or "Mr. B" as he was affectionately called by many, was born in St. Elmo, Colorado on July 30th 1915, the son of Robert G. Bennett and Cathryn May Campbell Bennett. He grew up in Raton, New Mexico. He enjoyed playing in his High School and College bands. Bruce served in the C.C.C.'s at Bandolier National Park in his youth. He also served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. After the war he worked for the U.S. Geological Survey. His life of service continued as he blessed the lives of many young people who danced through the doors of the Virginia Tanner Creative Dance Studio and Children's Dance Theatre where he worked as business manager for many years. He met and married the love of his life, Virginia Tanner, May 27th 1950. Virginia, who passed away in 1979, and his children, Steve and Ginger, were the joys of his life. More joy was added to Bruce's life as he was blessed with nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Bruce was an avid U of U sports fan. He cheered the Utes on at numerous football and basketball games. In 1996 he was honored as the Super Ute Fan. Mr. B celebrated his 91st birthday this year. His thoughtful, kind and gentle ways, his wonderful stories, and his endearing smile will live in our hearts forever. Bruce will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at Wasatch Valley Rehab and Inspiration Hospice for their care and kindness. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Virginia Tanner Dance Program, The U of U Children's Dance Theatre, or the American Cancer Society. Bruce is survived by two children: Ginger (Mike) Zaccardi and Steven (Natalie) Bennett; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife Virginia, brother Walter, and grandson Scott. Funeral services for "Mr. B" will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2006, at 11:00am, at the Valley View Fifth Ward, 2125 East Evergreen Ave.(3450 South), Salt Lake City, Utah. Friends may visit with the family on Friday evening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, and at the church on Saturday morning from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to the services. Interment: Salt Lake City Cemetery.
Published: Sept. 20, 2006 - Deseret News