Collin Leon Bennett, age 90, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died of cancer on September 30, 2024 at Ball Hospice House.
Leon was born in Paducah, KY to Collin and Mary (Case) Bennett on Oct. 28, 1933. He graduated from Tilghman High School in Paducah; received a B.A. in English from Murray State College, and an M.A. in English from Southern Illinois University. He continued his education, working toward a PhD, at New York University and at University of Wisconsin/Madison, where he held a graduate student teaching position while he studied.
He married Gwilla Davis in 1954 and they had three children, James, Diana, and Evelyn. In 1974, they moved to Sault Ste. Marie, where he managed A.E. Mackie and Son Jewelers for his brother-in-law Ray Mackie. After Ray died, Leon purchased the store in 1986. He retired and closed the store in 2002.
Leon played double bass for the Sault Symphony for over 25 years and also for Marquette Symphony, for nearly all of the operas and musicals at the Soo Theatre, and for many musicals in Sault, Ontario. There is a painting of him by local artist Tom Marshall, hanging at the theatre in Leon’s honor.
He had a lifelong love and appreciation for fine literature and music. He was also an avid bicyclist; once he biked all the way from the Sault to Madison, WI. Other long biking adventures took him to Duluth, MN and around the Keewenaw Peninsula.
Leon is survived by his son, James (Deb) of Friendship, WI; daughter, Diana of Fitchburg, WI; grandchildren, Michelle Sauro, Kelley Atkinson, Lore Bennett, and Jerome Henry; and great-granddaughter, Alex Steffes.
Preceding Leon in death were his parents; sister, Dorothy Mackie; wife of 69 years, Gwilla; and daughter, Evelyn Henry.
At Leon’s request, there will be no service.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Soo Theatre or to Ball Hospice House.
Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
