Gail Donovan Bennett

Gail Donovan Bennett passed peacefully away on Father’s Day, June 17, 2018, with his family there to support him. He was born on Jan. 14, 1947 in Denver, Colorado, to Fermin McCloed Bennett and Isabelle (Pat) Trujillo.

Gail grew up in Waitsburg, Washington, and always called himself Dad’s right hand man! His dad was one of his heroes, and there was one simple phrase he used to express his love for him: me, my dad and John Wayne. He loved gardening (he was called the potato man), hunting, fishing, logging and gambling. He particularly loved his grandchildren and taught them all to fish and shoot safely.

Gail was a ladies man, and was married to Connie Bowman and had two sons, Shannon and Leroy Bennett. In later years he married Janie Thompson, and they had a daughter, Janell Bennett. In 1987 he married the love of his life, Carolyn, and they spent 31 years doing everything together.

Gail was fortunate to spend the last decades of his life exactly where he always wanted to be — enjoying the beauty and wonders of the Yaak. He was happiest when he was sharing his love of the forest and rivers and wildlife (and a few pet deer) with his dogs, friends and family, and then telling the stories later at the Tavern.

Gail was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Wally, and his sister Barbara.

He is survived by his brothers, Jim and Terry Bennett; his sister, Patti Smith; his children, Shannon, Leroy, Janell and Bobbi; his stepdaughters, Cory and Robin; his grandchildren, Dane, Vance, Graham, Brianna, Caleb, McKenna, McKenzy, Anthony and Andrew; and his wife, Carolyn. Gail will be missed by many; he had an impact on every life he touched.

A celebration of his life will be held on July 28, 2018, at the Yaak River Tavern. Please contact Carolyn for details. In the words of Gail Bennett, “Thank You Lord for a Beautiful Day!”