William H. Bennett
Born: 5 November 1910
Called as Assistant to the Twelve: 6 April 1970
Called to First Quorum of the Seventy: 1 October 1976
Became Emeritus General Authority: 31 December 1978
Died: 23 July 1980
Called as Assistant to the Twelve: 6 April 1970
Called to First Quorum of the Seventy: 1 October 1976
Became Emeritus General Authority: 31 December 1978
Died: 23 July 1980
Talks on Church Website |
Image source: Improvement Era, May 1970
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Biographical Articles
Improvement Era, May 1970, Elder William H. Bennett Assistant to the Council of the Twelve
Relief Society Magazine, June 1970, Elder William H. Bennett Called to Be Assistant to the Council of the Twelve
Ensign, September 1980, Elder William H. Bennett Dies
Relief Society Magazine, June 1970, Elder William H. Bennett Called to Be Assistant to the Council of the Twelve
Ensign, September 1980, Elder William H. Bennett Dies
Sykes, William T. "Elder William H. Bennett Assistant to the Council of the Twelve." Improvement Era. May 1970. pg. 12-13.
William H. Bennett Assistant to the Council of the Twelve
By William T. Sykes Editorial Associate
The sentence, "I have learned that sometimes you learn life's lessons more effectively in defeat than in victory," has deep meaning for William Hunter Bennett, whose string of victories stretches far along the path he has traveled. The word defeat seems strangely out of place in company with this six-foot-one man, whose determination to seek learning in the field of higher education carried him from a farm in Alberta, Canada, to a place of honor among the scholars of America. His appointment as director of Extension Services at Utah State University in July 1962 climaxed a series of responsible positions held during long years of service in the fields of agriculture and extension education. And when, in December 1969, he received the Honorary Award Certificate of the National Register of Prominent Americans and was listed in the 1970 Register, the recognition came to one who had proved by his works that while life's lessons may be more effectively learned in defeat than in victory, yet victory is achieved by strength of will and hard work.
One of the hard lessons learned in defeat came when, at the age of 15, he dropped out of school. A series of dry years and poor crops, and consequent economic pressures, made it necessary to miss a great deal of school, and because he was behind, he became discouraged and quit. Two years later he was motivated to action by some inspirational statements by Hugh B. Brown, then president of the Lethbridge Stake, and by his uncle, Archibald F. Bennett, who later became secretary of the Genealogical Society. He recalls, "I headed out for the sugar beet field at the end of a hoe handle, and took a look at my future. I made up my mind that I was going to go back to school and was going to demonstrate—to myself, first of all, and then to my parents and brothers and sisters and friends—that I could succeed."
"Up to that time geography had been my favorite subject, followed by history. But after I applied myself in all seriousness, I found that with a more positive attitude I could master the tough problems as well as the easy ones. I developed a great love for every branch of learning and could see value and real purpose in all subjects."
William H. Bennett was born at Taber, Alberta, Canada, on November 5, 1910, a son of William and Mary Walker Bennett. He claims an Indian background. The records show that he is "11 generations removed from Pocahontas. She was my ninth great-grandmother. My connection is through her and John Rolfe."
Elder Bennett joined the USU faculty in 1937 as an extension field agent. In World War II he served as an enlisted man for six months, then attended the Infantry School at Ft. Benning, Georgia, where he received a commission as a second lieutenant. Twenty-seven months service in the Pacific theatre followed. He was discharged as a captain in 1946. He then returned to USU and served as extension agronomy specialist for one year, after which he did teaching and research in the Agronomy Department for nine years. He became assistant director of Extension Services, 1956-58; acting dean of the School of Agriculture, 1958-60; dean of agriculture, 1960-62; then director of Extension Services. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from USU and the Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin.
Despite the pressures of his academic pursuits, Elder Bennett has always found time to serve in the Church. He has been active in MIA, Sunday School, and priesthood functions, and was for many years a member of the East Cache Stake presidency. He also served on the Church's Priesthood Missionary and Welfare committees. At the time of his call to be an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve, he was a Regional Representative, supervising the Logan and Cache regions.
Elder Bennett married Patricia June Christensen April 12, 1950, in the Logan Temple. They have six children: Camille Kay, 17; William Bradford, 16; Mary Ann, 14; Julee, 11; Deborah, 9; and Jacqueline, 6. So deep has been Elder Bennett's love for Canada that Sister Bennett says, "Our children are convinced there are only two places in the world- Logan and Canada."
Elder Bennett has a sincere concern for the problems of all persons, young or old.
As an educator and religious leader, he has taken time to listen to youth and to help them with their academic and personal problems. He constantly reminds his children of the value of having high standards. Of the young people of today, he says: "Although many of them seem somewhat confused, and they have more difficult and complex situations to cope with than did the youth of yesterday, I think it's the finest generation we have ever had."
Of those who are older, he observes: "Most of us, as we journey through life, sample just a little of what life has to offer. Our approaches and points of interest should change with the advance of years, for as a person grows older his experience base broadens and becomes more inclusive. So I think one of the things that can be very satisfying to older people is meditation.
"I believe that older people should write their life histories. Many faith-promoting experiences can be recorded, and things can be said that would be helpful to younger people. We've done some work in our extension services in the area of gerontology—the study of the aging process and conditions. I firmly believe that older people must have activities, the opportunity to feel that they are doing useful things. They need to be busy and active. They won't be happy unless they are."
Elder Bennett impresses his associates with his integrity and strength in maintaining gospel ideals. An associate has said: "William Bennett is solidly converted to the Church—he doesn't represent something he isn't. In all areas of his life, he is never afraid to stand up for his beliefs, even against great opposition."
Elder Bennett's voice takes on a tone of humility and deep sincerity when he speaks of his new calling and new association with the members of the Council of the Twelve. "I have tremendous respect, love, and admiration for the brethren. It's a real joy and privilege to be associated with them in this work—a very humbling experience to be called to this position."
In William H. Bennett are centered humility that has come through defeat and personal sacrifice and strength gained from determination and hard work to achieve the goals he set for himself in his youth.
William H. Bennett Assistant to the Council of the Twelve
By William T. Sykes Editorial Associate
The sentence, "I have learned that sometimes you learn life's lessons more effectively in defeat than in victory," has deep meaning for William Hunter Bennett, whose string of victories stretches far along the path he has traveled. The word defeat seems strangely out of place in company with this six-foot-one man, whose determination to seek learning in the field of higher education carried him from a farm in Alberta, Canada, to a place of honor among the scholars of America. His appointment as director of Extension Services at Utah State University in July 1962 climaxed a series of responsible positions held during long years of service in the fields of agriculture and extension education. And when, in December 1969, he received the Honorary Award Certificate of the National Register of Prominent Americans and was listed in the 1970 Register, the recognition came to one who had proved by his works that while life's lessons may be more effectively learned in defeat than in victory, yet victory is achieved by strength of will and hard work.
One of the hard lessons learned in defeat came when, at the age of 15, he dropped out of school. A series of dry years and poor crops, and consequent economic pressures, made it necessary to miss a great deal of school, and because he was behind, he became discouraged and quit. Two years later he was motivated to action by some inspirational statements by Hugh B. Brown, then president of the Lethbridge Stake, and by his uncle, Archibald F. Bennett, who later became secretary of the Genealogical Society. He recalls, "I headed out for the sugar beet field at the end of a hoe handle, and took a look at my future. I made up my mind that I was going to go back to school and was going to demonstrate—to myself, first of all, and then to my parents and brothers and sisters and friends—that I could succeed."
"Up to that time geography had been my favorite subject, followed by history. But after I applied myself in all seriousness, I found that with a more positive attitude I could master the tough problems as well as the easy ones. I developed a great love for every branch of learning and could see value and real purpose in all subjects."
William H. Bennett was born at Taber, Alberta, Canada, on November 5, 1910, a son of William and Mary Walker Bennett. He claims an Indian background. The records show that he is "11 generations removed from Pocahontas. She was my ninth great-grandmother. My connection is through her and John Rolfe."
Elder Bennett joined the USU faculty in 1937 as an extension field agent. In World War II he served as an enlisted man for six months, then attended the Infantry School at Ft. Benning, Georgia, where he received a commission as a second lieutenant. Twenty-seven months service in the Pacific theatre followed. He was discharged as a captain in 1946. He then returned to USU and served as extension agronomy specialist for one year, after which he did teaching and research in the Agronomy Department for nine years. He became assistant director of Extension Services, 1956-58; acting dean of the School of Agriculture, 1958-60; dean of agriculture, 1960-62; then director of Extension Services. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from USU and the Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin.
Despite the pressures of his academic pursuits, Elder Bennett has always found time to serve in the Church. He has been active in MIA, Sunday School, and priesthood functions, and was for many years a member of the East Cache Stake presidency. He also served on the Church's Priesthood Missionary and Welfare committees. At the time of his call to be an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve, he was a Regional Representative, supervising the Logan and Cache regions.
Elder Bennett married Patricia June Christensen April 12, 1950, in the Logan Temple. They have six children: Camille Kay, 17; William Bradford, 16; Mary Ann, 14; Julee, 11; Deborah, 9; and Jacqueline, 6. So deep has been Elder Bennett's love for Canada that Sister Bennett says, "Our children are convinced there are only two places in the world- Logan and Canada."
Elder Bennett has a sincere concern for the problems of all persons, young or old.
As an educator and religious leader, he has taken time to listen to youth and to help them with their academic and personal problems. He constantly reminds his children of the value of having high standards. Of the young people of today, he says: "Although many of them seem somewhat confused, and they have more difficult and complex situations to cope with than did the youth of yesterday, I think it's the finest generation we have ever had."
Of those who are older, he observes: "Most of us, as we journey through life, sample just a little of what life has to offer. Our approaches and points of interest should change with the advance of years, for as a person grows older his experience base broadens and becomes more inclusive. So I think one of the things that can be very satisfying to older people is meditation.
"I believe that older people should write their life histories. Many faith-promoting experiences can be recorded, and things can be said that would be helpful to younger people. We've done some work in our extension services in the area of gerontology—the study of the aging process and conditions. I firmly believe that older people must have activities, the opportunity to feel that they are doing useful things. They need to be busy and active. They won't be happy unless they are."
Elder Bennett impresses his associates with his integrity and strength in maintaining gospel ideals. An associate has said: "William Bennett is solidly converted to the Church—he doesn't represent something he isn't. In all areas of his life, he is never afraid to stand up for his beliefs, even against great opposition."
Elder Bennett's voice takes on a tone of humility and deep sincerity when he speaks of his new calling and new association with the members of the Council of the Twelve. "I have tremendous respect, love, and admiration for the brethren. It's a real joy and privilege to be associated with them in this work—a very humbling experience to be called to this position."
In William H. Bennett are centered humility that has come through defeat and personal sacrifice and strength gained from determination and hard work to achieve the goals he set for himself in his youth.
"Elder William H. Bennett Called to Be Assistant to the Council of the Twelve." Relief Society Magazine. June 1970. pg. 408.
Elder William H. Bennett Called to Be an Assistant to the Council of The Twelve
On April 6, 1970 at the Solemn Assembly of the Annual General Conference of the Church, Elder William H. Bennett was sustained as an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve.
At the time of his call, Elder Bennett was serving as Director of Extension Services at Utah State University, a position he has held since 1962.
He was serving in the Church as a Regional Representative of the Twelve. He has been a member of the Priesthood Missionary Committee, the Priesthood Welfare Committee, a counselor in the East Cache Stake Presidency, and counselor in the Madison Branch Sunday School.
Elder Bennett holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from Utah State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin. He has served at Utah State University as Dean of the College of Agriculture, assistant director of cooperative extension, and as associate professor of agronomy. He was president of the Utah State Ag club and won the President's Citation from the Soil Conservation Society of America, along with several other awards and citations.
Elder Bennett is a native of Taber, Alberta, Canada. He was born November 5, 1910, a son of William Alvin and Mary Walker Bennett. He is married to Patricia June Christensen, and they have one son and five daughters: Camille Kay, William Bradford, Mary Ann, Julee Hazel, Deborah Pat, and Jacqueline Bennett.
Elder William H. Bennett Called to Be an Assistant to the Council of The Twelve
On April 6, 1970 at the Solemn Assembly of the Annual General Conference of the Church, Elder William H. Bennett was sustained as an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve.
At the time of his call, Elder Bennett was serving as Director of Extension Services at Utah State University, a position he has held since 1962.
He was serving in the Church as a Regional Representative of the Twelve. He has been a member of the Priesthood Missionary Committee, the Priesthood Welfare Committee, a counselor in the East Cache Stake Presidency, and counselor in the Madison Branch Sunday School.
Elder Bennett holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from Utah State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin. He has served at Utah State University as Dean of the College of Agriculture, assistant director of cooperative extension, and as associate professor of agronomy. He was president of the Utah State Ag club and won the President's Citation from the Soil Conservation Society of America, along with several other awards and citations.
Elder Bennett is a native of Taber, Alberta, Canada. He was born November 5, 1910, a son of William Alvin and Mary Walker Bennett. He is married to Patricia June Christensen, and they have one son and five daughters: Camille Kay, William Bradford, Mary Ann, Julee Hazel, Deborah Pat, and Jacqueline Bennett.