[Blindtlk] Richard Bennett

[Andrews, David B B (DEED)]

From: Wilson, Joanne [mailto:JWilson at nfb.org]
Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2010 2:00 PM
To: Andrews, David B B (DEED)
Subject: Richard Bennett

It is with deep regret and sadness I wish to inform you that on 
February 27, 2010 our colleague and friend Richard Bennett passed 
away in his home in Wilmington, Delaware. Catherine Newman, the 
president of the NFB of Delaware Student Division, conveys our 
thoughts about Richard best in the message that follows.

Joanne Wilson

President Richard H. Bennett of Delaware passed away late Saturday 
afternoon in his home in Wilmington Delaware. The student/career 
division group and the Delaware federation family will deeply miss 
"Papa Richard". He was a kind, caring, and wise man. He was a man who 
would give the shirt off his back for his federation family or anyone 
that needed his help for that matter. Respected by all who knew him, 
Richard was truly a champion for the cause of blind independence. 
Having dreamed for years of the founding of a student division in 
Delaware, he thought of us in the student division as his own 
personal daughters and sons. Ever compassionate and always patient, 
he was willing to explain things in such a way that everyone could 
understand. He was a lamp in the darkness and a living example of 
what we all hope to become; completely free and independent blind 
people fully capable of fulfilling our dreams. His encouragement 
helped us to become stronger people, and knowing that he believed in 
us as individuals and as a division we felt there wasn't a thing we 
couldn't accomplish. The student career division promises we will 
keep his memory alive, pass on his legacy of moving mountains in 
Delaware for blind and visually impaired people for generation to come.

Family is asking that donations be sent to National Center or the 
Maryland School for the Blind in his memory. Memorial services 
details will be provided at a later date.