Buddy Bennett, 73, of McKinleyville, passed away on September 29 from cancer.

Buddy was born on June 22, 1950, in Longview, Washington. He graduated from McKinleyville High School in 1969 and joined the U.S. Army. He served in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam. He was wounded in action and was honorably discharged at the rank of corporal in 1971.

After coming home from the war he worked for a time at LP Lumber Mill, eventually getting a job at Simpson Timber Mill in Korbel, where he worked as a forklift driver for about 34 years.

Buddy loved sunshine and the outdoors — especially fishing, swimming, riding his Harley and spending time with his daughter.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Winifred Bennett, and his brothers Gordon and David Bennett. He was survived by his daughter Adrienne Livingston and son-in-law John Livingston Jr of Loleta; his sister Lola Bennett; his sisters-in-law Anita Bennett and Beverly Bennett; and numerous nieces and nephews all who are from Washington. Also survived his best friends Vern and Linda Broyles and their children, of Rio Dell; Loretto Gandolfo of McKinlyville; along with many others.

He will be greatly missed.

There will be a celebration of life at a later date.

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