CARIBOU – Philip Roy Bennett Jr., 67, former state representative, and well known Caribou educator and public servant, died Sept. 18, 2011, in Bangor, after a brief illness. He was born Sept. 11, 1944, in Caribou, the son of Philip and Helen (Bell) Bennett Sr.
He was a 1962 graduate of Caribou High School and then received his Bachelor of Science degree in education from Fort Kent State Teachers College. Mr. Bennett taught school with the Caribou School system for a number of years and was also a freelance court reporter, owning and operating Bennett Legal Transcript Services. He began a long distinguished career in public service when he was elected to the Maine State Legislature, serving three terms in 1975-1978 and 2003-2004 representing Caribou. Mr. Bennett was proud of his service to Caribou, where he served on the Caribou City Council for 25 years, serving as mayor for six terms. During his tenure with city government, Phil played an integral part in the creation of Caribou Ambulance Service, which quickly grew and became recognized as one of the state’s finest ambulance services. Other accomplishments included the creation of the new municipal public works buildings, the expansion of the municipal airport and the new hangar, the creation of the Caribou Light Industrial Park and the retention and expansion of the National Weather Service Station. He served as a reserve police officer with Caribou Police Department, as well as a deputy sheriff with the Aroostook County Sheriff’s office.
Surviving in addition to his father, Philip Sr. of Caribou, are his former wife and lifelong friend, Elizabeth Lebel Bennett of Caribou; their children, Patrick Bennett and his wife, Jennifer, of Caribou, Christopher and his wife, Lise, of Buffalo, N.Y., and Lori Bennett of Caribou; two brothers, Richard Bennett of New Sweden and Reginald Bennett of Wells; and five grandchildren, Kailee, James, Ella, Jacob and Audrey. Mr. Bennett is also survived by a daughter, Lesa Bennett and her three children, Stephanie, Lindsay and Katie; several nieces and nephews. Mr. Bennett was predeceased by his mother.
Friends may visit with the family at 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, from the chapel of the funeral home with the Rev. Dr. Thomas Bentum officiating.
www.mocklerfuneralhome.com