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Passing of Bill Bennett, Visalia, CA
Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2025 4:16 pm
by KimDobbins
Bill passed early this morning in Visalia, CA. I met bill years ago, we had swap spaces across from each other and the Bakersfield swap meet at Kern county fairgrounds. Bill was a very talented man always willing to lend a helping hand. He worked for Brian Blain at his car collection. Bills interests included among others, Model T Fords, antique race cars and GTO's. Bill was a driving force with others behind the Bakersfield swap meet. There will be a celebration of life, details to be announced later. Im posting this at the request of Bills wife. This is very sad news, Bill was a good friend to many.
Re: Passing of Bill Bennett, Visalia, CA
Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2025 6:36 pm
by AndyClary
I’ve met Bill a couple times. This is truly a loss for our hobby.
Andy
Re: Passing of Bill Bennett, Visalia, CA
Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2025 6:37 pm
by Henry K. Lee
I met Bill for the first time after Mark Chaffin hooked us both up...., great guy and talked about everything under the moon. He wanted me to bring some cars for the Chattanooga, TN Concourse Car Show, but declined. Just a lost to the family and friends with clubs on the side! RIP Bill!
With Deep Sympathy,
The Lee's in Tennessee
Re: Passing of Bill Bennett, Visalia, CA
Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2025 6:39 pm
by KWTownsend
Sad indeed.
My wife and I visited Bill a few years back. The goal of the visit was to study and document Phil's unrestored 1911 Model T. After that, Bill spent a couple of hours showing us the restoration shop and all the collection. He was such an gentleman.
Condolences to his wife and family. He will be missed.
: ^ (
Re: Passing of Bill Bennett, Visalia, CA
Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2025 7:08 pm
by Mark Chaffin
I'm still very saddened and unable to wrap my mind around this. Bill and I spoke just yesterday and all was well. He was his happy go lucky self. I don't think the hobby will ever really understand what a tremendous loss this is. Bill was a very selfless man who would go out of his way to help anyone in need. I will truly miss him. God speed Bill. Our condolences to his loving wife and family.
Re: Passing of Bill Bennett, Visalia, CA
Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2025 10:59 pm
by NorthSouth
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February 3, 2025
Bill and his lust for our hobby will be missed.
Those who have assisted Bill Bennett over the past 4 years in keeping the Bakersfield Brass Era/ PreWar Swap Meet going are committed to carrying on Bill’s legacy. If there is a path to a 2025 Bakersfield Swap Meet in Tulare, CA., this team will find it. Keep positive thoughts.
Announcements will follow as information becomes available.
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