Richard Liaunet Bennitt

Richard Liaunet Bennitt, age 87, passed away peacefully on February 27 with his beloved wife Sheila by his side. He was born on March 17, 1936, in El Centro, California to George and Cora Belle Bennitt and was the youngest of three boys.
Richard grew up in Huntington Pacific Palisades and Santa Barbara, California. After high school he attended Stanford University and graduated with a BA degree in Economics.
Richard was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He served in the Air Force and was stationed for four years in London, England. He received an Honorable Discharge with the rank of Captain on March 25, 1966.
In 1979, Richard met the love of his life, Sheila Hand. Fate brought them together on a real estate development project in San Diego and the rest is history! The pair remained working together professionally as real estate brokers for more than twenty-five years, specializing in the sales and marketing of large developments in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Austin, Texas and Asheville, North Carolina.
Richard and Sheila enjoyed forty-four beautiful years together and gratefully were able to celebrate their fortieth wedding anniversary just this past Valentine's Day. When asked about why she loved him, Sheila replied "Richard fascinated me from the first moment I met him. I loved his beautiful mind and he made me laugh every day and he always made me happy. He was the greatest gift of my life!"
Richard is survived by his wife, Sheila Bennitt, stepdaughter Deirdre McLoive, stepson William Hand, and his most beloved Papillion Pup Willow Rose. He was predeceased by his parents George and Cora Belle Bennitt and his two older brothers Carl and James Bennitt.
Richard, a very spiritual man, was a kind and gentle soul who touched the lives of all he met. Richard was passionate about reading and gardening and he loved music. There will not be a service and in lieu of flowers, he respectfully requested a donation be made to Covenant House, helping youths in crisis.