Obituary
Richard Edwards Bennett
May 28th, 1940 - July 23rd, 2025
Richard Edwards Bennett passed away peacefully at his home on July 23, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born May 28, 1940, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Henry and Zada Bennett.
He met his wife, Linda Hamilton, while attending ISU, and they were married in 1962. Richard, in partnership with his father, ran the family farm for many years until his retirement. In 1995, he and Linda moved to Bigfork, Montana, where he spent the next 20 years hunting, fishing, skiing, and exploring the “big sky country”.
He had a personality as big as the Montana Sky. His humor was – how shall we say this? — salty. He knew a thousand off-color limericks, had a library of colorful stories, and loved to be the “life of the party.”
His daughters remember him as part cowboy, part Clint Eastwood, part John Wayne, and part intimidating Dad – especially when a boy came to the door and Richard just happened to be cleaning his rifle.
After spending several winters exploring Arizona and the southwest in their RV, they decided to settle in the St. George area before returning to Idaho Falls in 2021 to be closer to family.
He is survived by his wife, Linda; daughters: Brooke Bennett (Jeremy) Bradley and Tracy Bennett (Rich) Sessions; his granddaughter, Alex Freeman; and his younger brother, Sam (Karen) Bennett.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Hospice of Eastern Idaho and the compassionate and dedicated caregivers who helped care for Richard in his final days.
Per Richard’s wishes, there will be no funeral. The family will host a small gathering of family and friends at a later date to raise a glass and share a few stories. Cremation is under the care of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. Online condolences may be sent to www.coltrinmortuary.com.
