Physical Address
357 Agency Rd,
Lapwai, ID 83540
Gordon M. “Flash” Bennett Sr., of Lapwai, passed away Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, at the age of 68. He was born Oct. 30, 1955, to Raymond Bennett Sr. and Catherine Patricia Higheagle in LaPush, Wash.
Raised in Port Angeles and Lapwai, Gordon graduated with the Class of 1975 from Lapwai High School. He later attended Lewis-Clark State College.
He retired with the Nez Perce Tribe Forestry and Fire Management Division. He also worked at the Nez Perce Tribe Print and Publications office. He was involved with coaching for many years including baseball, basketball and the Baby Wildcats. He loved helping kids develop their athletic skills.
Gordon was a talented artist working for the U.S. Forest Service in the Olympic National Park, carving canoes and totem poles that are on display in the Olympic National Park. He also created logos for the Lower Elwha Tribal Housing Department, Nez Perce Tribe, Department of Fisheries and designed the Nez Perce Tribe flag.
Gordon never let the effects from suffering with childhood polio slow him down, and enjoyed a full and active life. He rode the entire Chief Joseph Trail on horseback. He was a self-taught military historian and an inexhaustible resource for his family and friends.
Gordon is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Gordon (Rosaline “Rosie”) Bennett Jr., of Lapwai; granddaughters Ayanna Oatman, Lapwai, and Tatyanna Bennett, Lapwai; grandson Gordon Bennett III, Lapwai; sister Cheryl Eneas, Lapwai; brothers Randy Bennett, Port Angeles, Wash., and Raymond Bennett Jr., Port Angeles; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends who love him.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother Raymond Bennett Sr. and Catherine Patricia Higheagle; sisters Patricia Bennett and Charlene Bennett; and brother Archie Wapsheli Jr.
A dressing and viewing was held on Thursday, Nov. 30, at Malcom’s Brower-Wann Funeral Home in Lewiston. A non-denominational service for Gordon will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at the Pi-Nee-Waus Community Center, 504 Main St. S., Lapwai, with Pastor Stan Marble of the Lapwai Assembly of God Church officiating.
Donations in Gordon’s memory can be made to the Nez Perce Tribe Children’s Home, PO Box 365, Lapwai Idaho, 83540
