It is with heavy hearts that we tell you my beloved father Robert “Bob” Bennett, age 81, passed peacefully at his home at Atria Assisted Living in Newport Beach on Sunday, June 16, 2024, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. In Heaven, he joins his wife of 58.5 years, JoAnn (2022), his son, David (1991), his parents Verdell (2006) and Ernst (1945), and fraternal twin brother, Ron (2021). He is survived by his son, Jay, and his daughter-in-law, Laurie.
Bob was born four minutes ahead of Ron, on January 16, 1943 in Minneapolis, MN. Their family was the epitome of a loving, devoted, Christ-centered unit. Unfortunately, tragedy would come early in his life. At the age of two years old, Ernst passed in a car accident while the new family of four was on their way to visit family. From then on, their mother’s incredible strength, determination, fortitude and love for her twin boys would be highly influential on both of them. Life as a family of three was tough. But the twins had a happy childhood. The brothers remained inseparable and devoted to their mother throughout their entire lives.
Bob first met JoAnn at church when they were 12 years old. In their junior year in high school, they started dating; they married in July 1963 while he was attending the University of Minnesota. In college, he joined the Air Force ROTC, quickly showing his excellent leadership abilities at an early age. In 1965, Bob graduated with a business degree and began his 6-year career in the United States Air Force. His first assignment was at Warner Robbins AFB in Georgia. In 1966, Bob and JoAnn would have their first child, Jay. In 1968, now a Captain, he was transferred to Panama and the following year, they welcomed their second son, David. Bob would finish his career with the US Air Force in 1970. Afterwards, the family moved to southern California where his mother and brother had moved a few years earlier.
In 1972, Bob would earn his MBA, with honors, at the University of Southern California and begin his illustrious 29-year career at Toyota’s US Headquarters in Torrance, CA. He held many positions, of increasing responsibility, in many different divisions across the organization. Culminating in 2000, where Bob retired from Toyota as Group Vice President and Officer of the $3-billion North American Parts Logistics Division responsible for all service parts logistics and warehousing for all of North America. But Bob could not stay retired for long. His desire to continue improving people’s work lives and his passion for Toyota’s culture and philosophies drove him to start his own consulting business, Lean Consulting Associates (LCA). Over the next 20 years, LCA served many large global and Fortune 500 companies, as well as small family or veteran owned businesses.
Outside of work, Bob enjoyed an active social life with his family and many friends. His favorite activities were snow skiing and golf. A man of great hospitality, Bob and JoAnn loved hosting people in their home on the hill, and for many years held an annual July 4th fireworks watch party. He was a member of Rolling Hills Country Club for over 30 years and had many happy memories golfing with his brother and son, Jay. In 2023, Bob and family celebrated their 50th year attending USC football games.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, July, 13 at 11:30am at Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes. There will be a time of fellowship to follow.