Partly Cloudy, 35° F
(Jan. 31, 1972 - March 29, 2014)
Shawn Jay Bennet died at his home in Powell on March 29, 2014. He was 42.
Shawn was born Jan. 31, 1972, in Minnesota. His parents are Sally and Owen Bennet.
He served for eight years in the Navy and was a plank holder on the USS John C. Stennis. Shawn was an aviation boson’s mate and lead petty officer on the flight deck. Shawn traveled around the world with the Navy.
He worked as a derrick hand and was going to be a driller when he went back to work.
Shawn enjoyed snowboarding, motorcycles, camping, hiking, biking, long-boarding, MMA and all sports — anything active and outdoors.
Shawn was one of those kind of people who never met a stranger and had a personality that just drew people to him and instantly made them want to know him. He definitely was not perfect — although pretty close — but you could never stay mad at him. He had a constant open, honest grin that lit up his face and automatically made others grin also.
Shawn had a calm, cool, laid-back attitude and loved and cared for everyone who crossed his path. He had a most accepting and unbiased attitude toward life and all people. He also said what he meant and meant what he said.
Shawn didn’t know the words can’t or quit, and gave 110 percent, whether small or big, to everything he did. Whatever Shawn decided to do, he just did it and did it well.
He had a big heart and was so giving, was mentally and physically strong and believed in living life to the fullest.
Shawn was diagnosed with T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and he courageously fought long and hard and gave it his all. If anyone could defy the odds, it was Shawn, but not this time.
His family appreciates all the love, strength and support they’ve received from the Powell community.
He will be missed by many and long remembered for who he was. His motto was live well, love much and laugh often.
Shawn is survived by his parents Owen and Sally Bennet; children Calvin and Grace; brother Aaron; sister Bessie (Scott) Holdsworth and their children Breanna, Mykah and Cameren; his paternal grandmother Thelma Bennet; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather and maternal grandmother.
A celebration of life and potluck will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, April 4, at the American Legion in Powell.
Thompson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.thompsonfuneral.net or to P.O. Box 807 Powell, WY, 82435.
