his wife and brother at his side. Joe (Bob as he was known by his family) was born on
June 21, 1930, to Joseph William Bennie and Daisy L. Bennie in Highway Highlands,
 Joseph Robert Bennie |
sister & 3 younger brothers. He grew up in the San Fernando Valley. He served his
country by enlisting in the Navy and serving a 4-year tour of duty in China, Japan and
Korea. Upon his return he attended Valley College in Van Nuys and graduated with an
M degree. He continued on at USC for another year.
Joe was a licensed land surveyor and worked for VoorheisTrindle in Van Nuys and
continued with them in Seattle, WA and Halt Moon Bay, California. He opened his own
survey business in Half Moon Bay in 1974 until he retired in 1999. He was active in
many community activities and served as President of the Half Moon Bay Chamber of
Commerce. He was licensed in the states of Washington, Oregon and Idaho in
addition to California. Prior to moving to Half Moon Bay, he and his wife Pat lived in
San Carlos, California for 19 years.
He and Pat owned a commercial Apple/Plum orchard in Emmett, Idaho for 18 years and
he found his true love. He did this while continuing his survey business in Halt Moon
Bay. He found the farmer in his heart and thoroughly loved working the land and
looking forward to each Spring and a new year to plant, care for, and harvest the apples
and plums.
They had no children but their love of cats kept them busy nurturing whatever stray
happened to find cat heaven in their home.
Joe was an avid fisherman and hunter. His annual Dove hunting trips with his buddies
to Arizona became a 'must do' occasion in September. He and his wife both loved
fishing and spent many hours fishing the eastern Sierra Mountains and the Klamath &
Rogue Rivers.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father; his sister Betty Jean Bischofberger,
of Grass Valley, Calif., his brother, Jack C. Bennie of Granada Hills, CA; and his brother
Richard W, Bennie of Saugus.
Joe/Bob leaves behind his loving wife of 50 years, Patricia (Pat) (Van House) Bennie of
Fallbrook, California, George Miller, a best friend of over 70 years, a brother, Roger
Bennie (Ginny) of Emmett, Idaho and many nieces & nephews, as well as grand nieces
and nephews.
He was an extra ordinary man and will be missed by all who knew him.
Family and friends are invited to gather at their home in Fallbrook on July 11, 2008 from
noon to whenever to share memories and laughter.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Pacific Legal Foundation, 3900 Lennane
Drive, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95834.
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