Gregory J. Bennett

RONAN — Gregory J. Bennett, 72, of Ronan, died of congestive heart failure at his home near Ronan on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2006.

He was born in Deer Lodge on Nov. 24, 1933. He graduated from Powell County High School. He then attended Montana State College, majoring in agriculture. As a freshman, he entered the Army and served in the Korean Conflict. Upon completion of his tour of duty, he finished college in three years as a "Fighting Bobcat." The 55-plus years of loyal dedication to the Bobcat football team are unsurpassed.

After graduating in 1959, he taught Vo-Ag for 25 years. This included two years in Waskada, Canada, where he started a Future Farmers of America club. He was a superintendent of schools in Brockton and Flaxville and spent 13 years of his career in Ronan High School as a Vo-Ag and FFA adviser.

Highlighting his career, he was recognized as "The Outstanding Agricultural Leader of 2002" by the College of Agriculture.

Greg was president of the Deer Lodge FFA Chapter in 1950-1951. He was a president of the Montana Vo-Ag Teachers Association in 1986-1987. After being a member of the Knights of Columbus for several years, Greg became a Grand Knight in 2005. He was a wrestling coach for many years, and on one occasion he accompanied a team of wrestlers to Iran.

Greg never retired, he chose to move on and share his knowledge as the manager of the Lake County Weed Department. His mentoring, leadership, patriotism and honorable character are a model for all to emulate.

He was preceded in death by his father, Sylvan; mother, Martha; three brothers, Sylvan, Jack and Bill; one sister, Julia; one granddaughter, Bridgit; and also his first wife, Betty.

He is survived by his wife, Marie, and children from his first marriage, Mark Bennett of Providence, R.I., and Michelle (Jerry) Bragg of Jackson, Ohio, Renee (Greg) Roseberry, also of Jackson; his stepchildren, Linda Bennett of Polson, Craig Davis of Kalispell and Eric Davis in the U.S. Army.

He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him and loved him, including his two friends, Chico and Zeppo.

The family requests memorial donations be made to the Ronan FFA Chapter.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Feb. 3 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Polson. Military graveside services were held Feb. 4 at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge.

Shrider's Mortuary of Ronan assisted with arrangements.

The accomplishments of Gregory James Bennett were too profound and numerous to list. The focus of his life was the new generation and their education. His faith in our Lord ensures a smile from heaven.