Harvey Bennett

Harvey Bennett, 81, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025. Born on October 5, 1943, Harvey was the eldest of seven siblings.

A proud military man, Harvey served in the US Marine Corps in his youth and later dedicated years of volunteer work with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. His love for the sea and all things nautical was a defining aspect of his life. One of his most cherished memories was traveling as a crew member on a replica clipper ship from San Diego to Dana Point - truly a trip of a lifetime.

Harvey was a man of many talents: a skilled carpenter, tile setter, and business entrepreneur. He operated a western gift shop every day in the last several years of his life, which provided him an outlet for his passion for shopping, selling, and most importantly, interacting with people. Blessed with the gift of gab, he thrived on human connection and conversation.

Throughout his life, Harvey was known as a kind man always willing to lend a helping hand to people in need. Hard working and creative, he could even pick out tunes on the piano by ear. When his children were young, he enjoyed playing guitar and singing for them. He was a tinkerer, schemer, planner, and dreamer, always working toward the next adventure.

Despite his declining health over the past year, Harvey embraced life fully and concealed how much he was ailing for as long as he could. When family finally stepped in about six months ago, he resisted in spirit but was relieved to have help and care. Though none could have predicted how quickly his illness would progress, least of all Harvey himself, he received wonderful care at Avamere at Oak Park and VA Medical Center-Roseburg.

Harvey is survived by his children Goldie Mandella, Dustin Bennett, Jacob Bennett, Nickolas Bennett, and two step-sons from a previous marriage, Matt Pensyl and Jeremy Pensyl. He is also survived by his siblings Georgia Wall, Holly Nogales, Theresa Wise, Robert Bennett, and Anna Christine Harnan. He was preceded in death by his brother Tom Bennett.

Harvey will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit lives on through the many lives he touched with his kindness, creativity, and zest for life.