Name: Memorial service for David Wells Bennett
Start: 2014-04-13T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Thompson Chamber Music Hall in Gardner Hall, on President's Circle, at the University of Utah

January 1, 1927 ~ February 14, 2014
David Wells Bennett, husband, father, philosopher, musician, and friend, passed away February 14, 2014, at the age of 87, after a long and patient battle with Parkinson's disease.
He was born January 1, 1927, to Wallace F. and Frances G. Bennett, the third of five children. He attended East High School and went on to the University of Utah, where he received bachelor's and master's degrees in mathematics. During this time, he also played the viola in the Utah Symphony, where he met his one true love, violinist and pianist Bonnie Stone. They were married March 18, 1952.
David went on to obtain a PhD in philosophy from Columbia University in New York, then returned to Utah to take up a career in the philosophy department at the University of Utah. He taught there for 30 years and was known as a voice of reason and uniter of divergent factions. He had four papers accepted for publication in noted scholarly journals (one after his retirement). He pursued his interest as a logician throughout his life, meeting weekly with colleagues in the Utah Logic Group for 24 years after his retirement, and working to solve the Twin Primes conjecture until shortly before his death.
A talented musician, David had a special love for chamber music and was a founding member of the Chamber Music Society of Salt Lake City and the Nova Concert Series. He loved playing chamber music with friends and was an enthusiastic audience member at Utah Symphony concerts. He also enjoyed live theater, opera, ballet, and all forms of beauty as manifested in the arts and in nature. He traveled extensively throughout the world and was especially attracted to Norway and Scotland.
David's family and friends will treasure their memories of his quick wit, his loving, gentle nature, and his gift for seeking to understand all perspectives. He is survived by his adoring wife, Bonnie; their four children, Amy Johnson (Kevin), Emily Watts (Larry), Dan Bennett (Leslie Chin), and John Bennett; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. A memorial service is planned on April 13, 2014, at 5:00 p.m. in the Thompson Chamber Music Hall in Gardner Hall, on President's Circle, at the University of Utah.

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune on Feb. 18, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for David Bennett

12 Entries

Denise B. de la Cruz

February 12, 2022

How timely to remember you fondly again today, Dr. Bennett, because today I follow again in your footsteps-quite literally- as I move ever closer towards Friendship Manor, where you and Bonnie lived after you had sold your home. That move, as mine now, represented a radical change of lifestyle, and you executed it with courage and grace. I hope that I can demonstrate that same courage and grace as I follow where you trod.

Thank you for all that you gave me, both as your student and as your friend. You shall shine forever among the constellations, beckoning us onward and upwards.

Denise B. de la Cruz

February 12, 2021

On that terrible Saturday when Clifford Lynn Draper took ten hostages into a second-floor Salt Lake City Library room to await whatever lay before us, Dr. Bennett remained there until the death of the hostage-taker and the release of us hostages, shaken but unharmed. He and I had gone to the library for our monthly discussion of some philosophic topic—that day, I think it involved Foucault and contemporary philosophy—but Dr. Bennett had remained briefly in the first-level reference section while I had taken the escalator to the second floor. Both he and Bonnie were there to greet me after the hostages had been released and debriefed at the adjacent police station. How wonderful to be welcomed back among the living by my dear friend and long-time teacher! If ever a wannabe philosopher benefited from a session about what philosophy really is, it was I, and the profound thinker who provided that for me that day was David W. Bennett.

Denise de la Cruz

February 12, 2020

Dr. Bennett opened the world of philosophy to me, and guided me wisely and safely through that ruggedly beautiful place, past the master's examination into writing of a thesis. Later during our monthly meetings, he led me on explorations of the works of contemporary philosophers who had added their voices to those of the great thinkers of the past. It was his example that I followed as a teacher during my years in the classroom, and I am forever indebted to him for the inspiration he provided.

Thank you, dear teacher and friend, for all that you gave us. We miss you.

Will Smith

May 4, 2016

Professor Bennett was a deep influence in my academic life. I shared some of the same interests in logic and mathematics and he was always ready to talk about those things and gave kind personal advice and attention when I needed counsel in the course of my life. A great man. I admire and love him. God bless his family.

March 19, 2015

David was my professor in college. He was ever kind an helpful. When I needed help, he was always available. In many ways he was my example when I became a professor. He lives in my memory.

Gail Evans

February 25, 2014

I was incredibly blessed and lucky to have David as my cousin and friend. He was one of the wisest and most caring people I have ever known, and I will miss his wit and humor. I send much love to Bonnie and all of his family.

Jeff Cutler

February 21, 2014

My memories of David are of a man who was always quiet and thoughtful, and someone who I was always interested to speak with. We love you, Bonnie. Our deepest sympathies go to you and your entire family. -- Jeff, Chantel, Sean, and Ryan Cutler

February 21, 2014

A truly great man has now left this world--a man who for a lifetime graced the worlds of philosophy and music with his wisdom and his sensitivity. He was a man who inspired me as his student and talked to me as his friend. No one wiser or more humble has hallowed learning's halls or lifted his viola in song. Dr. Bennett, how much we shall miss you.

Duncan Fisher

February 19, 2014

I remember at East, when John, immersed in calculus, used to say, 'I had my dad look at this problem, and he said ...' And my whole family remember watching John's dad at Symphony concerts with his eyes closed, deep in concentration. My own dad said professor Bennett was the voice of humanity at the U. All of us were in awe. Our kindest thoughts to David Bennett and his family.

February 18, 2014

Oh, Bonnie....I am so sorry for you and your struggle right now. What a marvelous life David lived and how much he contributed to thought and thinking---not to say anything about the beauty he brought through his music. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Been there, done that---call me if you need to.
Karen Post

Ron and Judy Holdaway

February 18, 2014

David and Bonnie were important in our early lives when we were students at the University of Wyoming. Our love to the family. Ron and Judy Holdaway

Laurene DeLaCruz Vickers

February 17, 2014

Thank you for being such a good friend and philosophy mentor to my mom. You always made me feel so welcome when I saw you. You have been such an incredible in influence and will be greatly missed. Love and prayers to the Bennett family.

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