Donald Kirk Bennett

Donald Kirk Bennett, age 87, died in his sleep on December 30, 2023.

Born August 25, 1936, in Hopkins, MO, Don was the second and youngest child of Gordon and Margaret (Kirk) Bennett. He was born at home and delivered by his maternal grandfather, Dr. C. W. Kirk, who was the town’s physician. The family later moved to Maryville, MO, where Don graduated from Maryville High School and Northwest Missouri State.

After graduation, Don moved to Santa Barbara, where, just after his 22nd birthday, he began a 38-year career with the Santa Barbara School District. He taught math at Santa Barbara Junior High School, La Colina Junior High School, and San Marcos High School, where Geometry was his favorite subject to teach. In 1973, he transitioned to administration, serving as Dean of Instruction at San Marcos High School and Assistant Principal at Santa Barbara Junior High School. For the last 11 years of his career, he held various Director roles for the school district. When he retired on his 60th birthday, he was the longest serving employee in the district.

In 1964 Don fell in love with and married Esther Brinks, who was his next-door neighbor and also a teacher. Together they raised two sons, Jim and Brad. Don and Esther were married for 56 years and enjoyed family camping trips throughout the Western United States and then traveling internationally as empty nesters. Over the last decade, Don cared for Esther at home as she developed Alzheimer’s, until her death in 2021.

Don was an active and faithful member of First Presbyterian Church for 60 years, where he served in a variety of leadership positions, ranging from clerk of session to driving the church van that brought seniors to the church. Don became a passenger on the church van following his move to Vista del Monte in 2022.

Don also volunteered with numerous community organizations, ranging from serving as a Boy Scouts Cubmaster to a board member at Reading for the Blind. He especially enjoyed being a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club, where he served a term as president. In retirement, Don enjoyed playing trumpet in the Primetime Band and was a regular at the MacKenzie Park Lawn Bowls Club.

To all who knew him, Don was a gentle spirit and a man of integrity, committed to doing what was right. He loved his family. For all his activities, he was happiest hosting meals with Esther on the patio of their home for family and for friends–especially when he was grilling tri-tip with a glass of wine in his hand.

Don is survived by sons Jim (wife Amy) of San Jose and Brad (wife Lynee) of Santa Barbara, and three grandchildren (Megan, Nicholas, and Matthew).

There will be a Memorial Service on February 17 at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Santa Barbara with a reception immediately following. The service will also include remembrances of Esther since the pandemic prevented a public service at the time of her death.