Paul V. Bennett

1942 - 2024

Paul V. Bennett, 81, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2024, in Olympia, WA. He was born on November 13, 1942, in Olympia, Washington.

Paul attended St. Martin's College earning a bachelor's degree in civil engineering in 1966. After graduation, Paul went to work as an engineer for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). He worked for WSDOT until his retirement in April 1997.

Following his retirement from WSDOT, Paul worked as a Disaster Reservist for the Washington State Emergency Management Department (EMD). He enjoyed his time with EMD and continued working there until finally retiring in February 2020.

In 1989, Paul married Gloria Canfield in Olympia, Washington. In 1995, they moved to their longtime home in the south Delphi area. Here they worked together to improve the house and property, raise vegetable gardens, and preserve their garden yield.

Paul's grumpy disposition was well known to family, friends, and co-workers. However, he was affectionately known as Grandpa Grinch by his grandchildren. At many Christmas celebrations, Paul donned his Grinch attire to pass gifts out to the grandkids.

Paul battled health issues over the last fifteen years. The fight started with cancer that nearly took his life in 2009. Despite the health issues, Paul liked to use his tractor to work around the property, cook and enjoy food and wine, and hang out with his cronies at the local watering hole.

Paul leaves behind his wife, Gloria Bennett, Olympia, Washington; daughters Julie (Steve) Dover, Rochester, Washington, and Karen (Tony) Leingang, Olympia, Washington, eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

If desired, a donation can be made in Paul's memory to the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington at fredhutch.org.

No services are planned.