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<b>From:</b> Wilson, Joanne
[<a href="mailto:JWilson@nfb.org" eudora="autourl">
mailto:JWilson@nfb.org</a>] <br>
<b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, March 02, 2010 2:00 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> Andrews, David B B (DEED)<br>
<b>Subject:</b> Richard Bennett<br>
<br>
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. <br>
<br>
Joanne Wilson<br>
<br>
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.<br>
<br>
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.<br>
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