Jack Clifford Bennett

Jack Clifford Bennett, died Sunday, doing what he loved best. While outdoors in Montana, rafting down the Stillwater River, he drowned while trying to help others stranded in another boating accident. His selfless giving, even at risk to himself, reflected his pure thoughts, goals and soul.

He had worked for years as a wildland firefighter, and was starting his training as an EMT. He had worked for years with his dad in forensic medicine. Jack came back to Montana to pursue his career goals of continuing into medicine.

Following his heart, he married his college sweetheart, Aya Kadono, less than a month prior to his death. He is survived by Aya, his brothers Mark, Scott and Nick Bennett, and their wives, Trish, Alicia and Johanne, plus his niece, Piper, and his parents, Terri and Mike Ferrell, Tom Bennett and Jill Sebring, and his grandmother, Barbara Foster Miller. Jack's life was devoted to making others' lives better and happy.

Following his lifelong pursuit of higher education, his family is asking that any gifts be given in his name to the Montana Coroner's Association, to a scholarship fund dedicated to medical education. Please contact Terry Bullis, Executive Secretary of the Montana Coroner's Association, PO Box 318, Hardin, MT 59034, if you would like to add to this ongoing gift. And, if you are ever in a National Park, think of Jack, and make a donation to maintain the beautiful world he loved.

Visitation will be at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Avenue, Billings on Thursday evening, 6-28-12, from 5 to 9 pm. Our memorial service for Jack will be at his home in Billings, 4549 Palisades Park Drive, starting at 10 am on Friday.