Richard BennettJuly 4, 1944January 29, 2017Richard George Bennett passed away on January 29, 2017 in San Francisco after a long battle with a chronic illness. Rich was born on July 4, 1944 at Elko General Hospital where his mother, Alta, worked as a registered nurse. He lived in Elko, NV until 1957 when his family moved to Reno.After graduating from Reno High School, he attended the University of Nevada. While at UNR, he had many great times with his friends as a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and met his future wife, Roberta (Bobbi) Watne. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1966. Rich went on to the University of San Francisco School of Law and graduated in 1969.Rich married Bobbi in 1968 in Reno. After entering the United States Army in 1969, he became a Captain and served a one-year tour of duty in Vietnam. He returned to Reno after his military service and began his law practice. Recognition by his peers for professional excellence in corporate law with a Martindale-Hubbell AV rating was a source of pride. In 2012, Rich retired from Holland & Hart law firm after a successful career.Rich's greatest joy in life was his family. He was dedicated to his wife of 49 years, Bobbi, and his sons, Gary (Christy), and Jeff (Rhonda). To his granddaughters, Elise and Brooke, he was known as "silly Papa" because of his fun-loving and sometimes mischievous nature. He shared a special relationship with his in-laws, Len and Billie Watne, who considered him their son.Everyone who encountered Rich was endeared to his warmth and sense of humor. He was kind and generous to everyone. Known for his love of life and big smile, he enjoyed golfing with his friends at Hidden Valley Country Club. He also loved fly-fishing in rivers all over the West with his friends and his sons. He was known to spend many weekends casting flies at Five Dot Reservoir just outside of Susanville and got through the cold winter months tying the flies that he would use the following spring and summer. In August of 2016, he was able to take a memorable fishing trip with his sons and friends to the North Platte River in Wyoming. Rich and Bobbi also loved to travel the world and spent many weeks enjoying great food, drinks and laughs with close friends at some of their favorite spots in Europe. The Bennett family would like to thank the many medical professionals who provided compassionate care during a difficult and lengthy illness.A celebration of life will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 17, 2017 at Hidden Valley Country Club, 3575 E. Hidden Valley Drive, Reno, NV 89502. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the UNR Foundation, 1664 N. Virginia Street, MS 162, Reno, NV 89557, or to the Nevada Humane Society, 2825 Longley Lane, Suite B, Reno, NV 89502-5942.