Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
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.
Our caring professionals are here to assist you and your family during this difficult time. We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week to assist in immediate arrangements or pre-arrangements.
Gary Burfoot
March 2, 2024, 2:49 pm
I first met Richard nearly 40 years ago and saw him off and on over the years. He was unfailingly warm and gracious and always made me feel that he was happy to see me and interested in what I was doing. He was a true gentleman and will be much missed.
Rose Beyer
March 2, 2024, 4:21 pm
He was a very gentle man, may he rest in peace
Mario & June Laudano
March 2, 2024, 6:21 pm
What a beautiful story of a wonderful couple and neighbor. He will be missed walking his little dog with a smile and a pleasant greeting. Rest in peace, my friend.
jennie
March 2, 2024, 8:47 pm
my deepest sympathy to Sheila and family. i dearly cherish the time i was able to spend with Sheila and Richard as well as Sheila’s daughter , Deirdre. beautiful people inside and out. May God give you the peace and strength to get through this difficult time. luv to all!
Deirdre McLoive
March 2, 2024, 8:52 pm
Dear Richard I am happy that your body is finally at peace and that you have gone to your final resting place in heaven. I can’t tell you how much I appreciated how good and kind and loving you were to my mother. No one could asked for better than you. Thank you also for the love you showered on tiny little Willow Rose. You were a wonderful “daddy” to her. You have left behind a very sad wife, but I know the amount of her grief is a direct result of the depth of the love you two shared.
Melinda Berg
March 2, 2024, 9:05 pm
Richard lived a wonderful life legacy! I was blessed to know him for a very short time… he is a joy. Keeping his family and friends in my prayers for peace and comfort.
Bobbi
March 2, 2024, 9:36 pm
I had the privilege of meeting Richard after moving near he and Sheila a year ago. He was the kindest, dearest most attentive and loving husband to Sheila I have ever met. They had the kind of marriage that we all dreamed of and unfortunately very few of us ever had! Richard referred to their condo as “Their little love nest”!!!
He had a way of making everyone feel like they mattered and paid attention to what you were saying.
When I heard that he had passed I knew that the Angels had come and escorted him with no stops in between to the Face of God where he resides now Until We Meet Again ❤️
Chris Thomas
March 4, 2024, 1:56 pm
Richard was a true companion and dear friend to our family. He is certainly on to bold new adventures. And love goes with him.
Trish Naudon-Thomas
March 5, 2024, 6:04 pm
When I first met Richard & Sheila I immediately recieved warm hugs! He was a truly special human. Blessings to your new transitions Richard. Love.