Joseph W. Bennett

passed away on Friday, September 17, 2010 at Island Health and Rehabilitation on Bainbridge Island,Washington. He was born in Juneau, Alaska on November 26, 1938 and was 71 years of age.He worked as a commercial fisherman in a family business from 12 years of age to 1975. He also worked as a postal worker, with the railroad, construction and managing a timber lodge. Joseph was a Vietnam Veteran. He had a small cameo appearance in the movie "In Harms Way", an old Navy movie starring Kirk Douglas and John Wayne.Joseph worked as a delegate for the Tlingit & Haida of Seattle, Indian Health Board Member, advocate for native veterans, member of the American Legion on Bainbridge Island and a member of the Alaska Native group. He also performed with the Kuteeah Dance Group. Joe was a member of the Was'hineidi Clan from Kake, Alaska.He is survived by his wife Arlene V. Bennett of Bainbridge Island, children; Jolene Baisden (John) of Deming, WA, Jolie Wyatt (Marvin), of Sherwood, OR, Jana Beck, mother Alice John of Juneau, AK, and siblings; Jerry Bennett (Arlene) of Juneau, Arlene Adams (Walt) of Douglas, AK, Bobby Bennett (Wilma) of Juneau, Bert Bennett of Juneau, Walter Bennett of Juneau and Josie Rhyner also of Juneau. There are four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Joseph Charles Bennett.Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Memorial Service on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 1:00 pm at The Suquamish Community House in Suquamish, WA. Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home.