William "Bill" Bennett, RIP

William "Bill" Bennett Longtime San Rafael, CA resident, William "Bill" Bennett, died peacefully in his sleep on July 14, 2012. He was a 85 years young father and grandfather. Born in Brooklyn, New York, his family moved to Sacramento, CA in 1936. At sixteen, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy only to be found out to be underage and sent home. Still determined to serve his country, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army upon graduation from high school. He served in combat with the 32nd Infantry Division in the Pacific Theatre. He was the recipient of several military decorations including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. His military assignments varied from Military Police executive protection to General George C. Marshall while serving in China to his deep involvement in the Berlin Airlift operations of which he was extremely proud. After attending Criminal Investigation Division (CID) school, he was assigned as a CID agent in Europe, Asia and Africa. After his return to California in 1952, Bill earned a B.A. degree from Sacramento State. He worked as a police officer with Roseville Police Department and as a Deputy Sheriff in El Dorado County. In 1955, he was appointed Special Agent, California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General. In 1972, Bill was assigned as a Special Agent Supervisor in the Division of Law Enforcement. He worked within the DOJ system until he retired in 1985. In 1985, Bill reorganized and incorporated Walsingham Associate, a Technical Surveillance Countermeasures firm, into a successful counter-industrial espionage business covering the greater Bay Area and Western States. He continued doing what he loved until the day he left us. Bill's impeccable work ethic earned him the respect of all who sought his professional assistance. He responded personally to all requests and gave his full attention and energy no matter the size of the job nor the social status of his client. He was actively involved in numerous security/investigative organizations including the Association of Former Intelligence Officers, the High Technology Crime Investigation Association and the American Society for Industrial Security. Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 34 happy years, Patricia Bennett, by his son Patrick Bennett and by his daughter Pamela Forbes. He is survived by his daughter, Kathi Ellick, son-in-law Craig, his grandchildren Alexander, Troy and Pamela all of Cornwall, NY and by his daughter-in-law Mary Bennett of San Jose, CA. Bill was a loyal Friend and a supportive mentor whose philosophy was -"Make haste slowly". So Bill, we all love and miss you for our lives have been made better for having known you.


Bill was a founding member of The Espionage Research Institute (ERI), and a good friend of Glenn Whidden, ERI's President, inspiration and founder. Bill was a loyal friend, mentor and colleague.
He will be sadly missed by all that knew him. God Speed Bill. Rest in Peace.


View the Obituary here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/marinij/obituary.aspx?n=william-bennett-bill&pid=158738949#fbLoggedOut