Former Utility Trailer president, director Walter Bennett dies

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Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co. on Tuesday, Sept. 27, announced that former president and director Walter Bennett passed away Sept. 11 in his Los Angeles home; he was 93. Bennett was born in Los Angeles in 1918 to Ella and H.C. Bennett and was the younger brother of Frank and John. Walter married Betty Jean Montgomery in 1941 and had three children: Hal, Craig and Laurie. Hal is now president of Utility, and Craig is senior vice president of sales and marketing.

After graduating from Stanford University with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, Walter began his career with Utility in 1940, joining his father and his uncle, E.W. Bennett, who founded the family-owned company in 1914. Walter and his brother, John, successfully ran the company during the post-World War II years. Their leadership and commitment to excellence enabled Utility to develop many patentable innovations and laid the foundation for the third generation of Bennett family leadership. Walter and John passed the reigns in 1982 to Paul, Hal and Craig Bennett, who have led Utility since.

“As we mourn the loss of our father, we remember a great man who modeled for us integrity in every aspect of his life,” Hal Bennett says. “His vision was pivotal in the success of our company, but more importantly his life will have an impact on our family for generations to come. With fond memories, my father will be greatly missed by all.”