Rod was born to Rodney Bennett Sr. and Inez Wood Bennett on September 19, 1929 in Big Piney at the home of Doc Looney. He joined his sister, Mardell Bennett Fear who was 10 years at the time of his birth, and 10 years later the family would welcome another baby girl, Jackie Bennett Manning. A sister, Dorothy Mae, died in infancy before Rod was born.

From an early age Rod loved being outside with his Dad, learning how to work, learning how to hunt and fish, and learning how to survive and thrive in the mountains. As a boy Rod was involved in Cub Scouts and formed some lifelong friendships with fellow Cubs, Bill Budd and Bobby Looney. He was 10 years old when he began spending weekends and summers with his sister Mardell, and his brother-in-law Buss Fear, on the South Piney Ranch. Rod loved spending time with his brother-in-law. In many ways Buss was his mentor- teaching him about horses, cattle, ranching and the value of hard work. Rod and Buss formed a special bond that would continue throughout their lives.

Rod graduated from Big Piney High School in 1947 as President of a class of eight and Captain of the Basketball team. He also played four years of Football. By the time Rod graduated high school, for whatever reason, he had acquired the nick- name 'Bruiser'. It was also during his high school years that he began to develop a love of flying and he actually received his pilots' license prior to graduation. After high school, he attended Utah State University for several semesters.

In 1950, at the time of the Korean Conflict, Rod enlisted in the United States Air Force. He received an Honorable Discharge in July of 1954. Rod's love and passion for planes and flying that had started in high school, was rekindled. While in the Air Force Rod was trained to be a tail- gunner in a B-29. As a result of this training, the B-29 would become one of his favorite airplanes.

After being released from four years of service in the Air Force, Rod hitch-hiked from San Diego back to Big Piney and began working for the Forest Service for the next two years. It was at this point in time that Rod decided he wanted to be his own boss. Consequently, for the rest of his life he would always run his own businesses—in his own unique way. Rod loved and welcomed a challenge and even though there were certain pressures and difficulties associated with owning and managing a business, the freedom and independence invigorated him.
In 1954 Rod had an idea to start a fencing business with two of his good friends-Norman Moffat and Dick Holgate. The first substantial job they completed was a buck and pole fence through a portion of Grand Teton National Park. The crew camped in the Park all summer and Rod's dad-Grandpa Bennett- served as the camp cook.

In the fall of 1955 Rod met his first wife, LaRue Campbell. LaRue had recently graduated from the University of Wyoming and had accepted a teaching position in Big Piney. They were married August 19, 1956 and over the next 15 years they had seven children- Mark Rodney, Elyse, Jan, Grant Rulon, Eric Campbell, Amber and Corey David.

It was also during these years that Rod worked with his dad to build a summer home on Middle Piney. Rod took the family to the cabin every summer and as frequently as weather would permit during the rest of the year. From the time they were small, Rod's children gained a love and enthusiasm for the mountains and the great outdoors from their dad. They loved being with him because it was always an adventure! It was throughout these formative years that they watched their Dad's dedication and hard work come to fruition as Skyline Construction Company was born.

Rod was always fascinated with Caterpillar Machinery. In his early 20's he had seen a Caterpillar dozer working on a job in Snake River Canyon and from that point on he knew he would have equipment of his own. Yellow became his favorite color. He often said that building a good looking highway and going to an equipment auction were two of his favorite things. Over the next 70 years he was involved with all types of Highway Construction and Civil Engineering projects throughout the Western United States- including jobs in Montana, Colorado, Arizona, California, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, North Dakota and of course, Wyoming.

He was a Visionary and an Empire Builder! He was instrumental in organizing numerous businesses in Sublette County which included highway construction, sand and gravel, concrete, roustabout, fencing, a tire shop, and the first and only authorized Ski-Doo dealership.

Rod was a great American and a true Patriot; he loved this country, especially the Rocky Mountains. He was prominently involved in various civic and community organizations and activities. He served sixteen years on the Big Piney School Board, and served on the State Bank of Big Piney Board through its' many name changes. He was presently serving on the Marbleton-Big Piney Airport Board at the time of his death. He actively supported the local school and 4-H groups and looked forward to purchasing at least one steer and one pig every year. Kickin' Cancer and Green River Valley Museum were local non-profits that he supported. Rod also funded thousands of dollars worth of scholarships for Big Piney High School graduates throughout the years. His efforts to support and be a part of the Annual 4th of July Barbeque will long be remembered.

Rod had a tremendous zest for life! He was blessed with unusual physical strength and stamina, and a seemingly limitless supply of energy. Until the very end of his life, he hardly ever experienced a sick day. He couldn't wait to get out of bed every morning and go to work, or go fishing, or hunting, or to go on some other form of adventure. He had the good fortune of being able to visit many far-off destinations with family and friends, including China, Tibet, Greece, Canada, Costa Rica, Chile, Mongolia, Russia, Turkey, Africa, Spain, Italy and New Zealand.

Rod's fascination with airplanes remained with him throughout his life. Over the years he bought and sold over 20 airplanes. He loved the freedom and convenience of being able to jump in his plane to go fishing, fly over a job, help transport Big Horn Sheep, or take his family skiing in Lake Tahoe, or shopping in Salt Lake City.

In 1998 Rod married Betty Fear and they have been together for 21 years. They have enjoyed traveling and celebrating life with family and friends. For many years they have been actively involved with their adopted home -- Puerto Vallarta.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Rodney Sr. and Inez and by his sisters Dorothy, Jackie and Mardell.
Rod is survived by his wife, Betty; his children from his previous marriage; Daughters Elyse (Jeff) Bartschi, Jan (R L) Bell, and Amber (Michael) McCullough; Sons Mark Bennett, Grant (Rosi) Bennett, Eric (Diane) Bennett, Corey (Melanie) Bennett; 17 Grandchildren; 3 Great-grandchildren; and Betty's children Mark Fear (Mary), Susan Nessan (Doug) and John Fear (Jody).

The Bennett and Fear families would like to recognize and express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dr David Burnett who was not only Rod's personal physician, but he was also his dear friend and fishing companion. We would also like to thank the entire staff at the Sublette County Care Center for their professionalism and loving care during Rod's short time there.
In lieu of flowers, the families are inviting individuals to make a donation to any of the following organizations:

Rod Bennett Memorial Scholarship Fund
Bank of The West
P O Box 428
Big Piney, WY 83113
(Or R S Bennett Construction)

Sublette County Retirement Center
P O Box 788
Pinedale, WY 82941

Big Piney/Marbleton Senior Citizens Center
P O Box 33
Big Piney, WY 83113