[Nfbc-info] Richard Bennett

[Mary Willows]

> 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. 
> 
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> 
> Joanne Wilson
> 
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> 
> 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.
> 
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