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Matthew J. Bennett
August 23rd, 1960 - October 23rd, 2019
August 23rd, 1960 - October 23rd, 2019
Forever in our hearts, may Matthew's memory be a blessing.
On Wednesday, October 23, 2019, Matthew J. Bennett, loving husband and father of three, passed away (unexpectedly) at the age of 59 in South Korea. He was an international Chef Professor at a global culinary university.
Matthew was born in Boise, Idaho, and grew up in Hayward, California, in the Oakland/San Francisco area. Working as a chef, instructor, and director throughout the USA for over 35 years, he received his Master's degree from Colorado State University, where he also was completing his PhD.
Matthew was married from 1980 to 2012 to Karen Emmer and they raised one son, Robert, and two daughters, Melissa and Candice. He had three grandchildren. He married Dede Schuringa in Denver in 2015.
Matthew had a passion for teaching, cooking, and classic rock. He taught himself how to play the banjo, and was an avid reader - especially enjoying Shakespeare, John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemmingway, and Lee Child novels.
He was known for his vast knowledge, great conversation, witty humor, generosity, and genuine smile. He was preceded in death by his father, Larry, his sister, Julie, and his mother, Margaret.
Matthew is survived by his wife, Dede, his sister, Andrea, his three children, Robert, Melissa, and Candice, his three grandchildren, Lula, Taren and Arius, and his niece, Anna Kate.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at The Exchange of The Rockies at 18300 E. 154th Place, Brighton, Colorado 80601 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.
Flowers may be delivered on the same date and at the location from 12:00 noon until 4:00pm only. May the memory of Matthew be a blessing to all who knew him.
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Tributes
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Jordan Broderick
I have been wondering about Bennett for a few years now, as hew was usually quick to email back and stay in touch. I am in shock to find this page, I had no idea. He was an incredible human with a kind heart. I admired his casual teaching and love of food. I still think of him when I make a new pizza recipe or develop new bread formulas.
Amanda Davis
I am still in shock and utter disbelief by the passing of Matthew. I spent a lot of my time together with Matthew, Dede, and Fox. We both moved to Korea within a week of one another, and leaned on each other as friends. It was easy to gravitate towards him due to his charismatic smile, warmth, and generosity. He always cared for others by welcoming newbies to Gugus, and helping others get settled in Korea. Some of my best memories in Korea, were with Matthew. He generously organized a potluck and cooked for everyone in our apartment complex on the 4th of July, as well as he opened up his home on Thanksgiving. When you were around Matthew, he made you feel like you were part of his family. My heart is so saddened by his passing. I will never forget his kindness and warm smile. He was very devoted to his lovely wife Dede, as well as his passion for teaching. I will always cherish his generosity and will miss him dearly!
Hye Young
I always felt Matthew and his wife like family.I realized something. Thank you so much for letting me know that such kind and wonderful people exist in me, and that my life has not always failed. They raised my low self-esteem and changed my values positively. I've always been grateful, and I won't be too sad because parting isn't forever. I wish you good health in heaven and eternal happiness.
Amanda Davis
Great memories exploring Korea!
Jina Lee
Chef. Matthew was the chef who was my first professor when I was a freshman, he taught me a lot of things and gave me a lot of advice when I have some problems. He always says hello to me and gave me a big smile. He was one of the chefs that made me comfortable in school and give me confidence in my work. Thank you, chef, for everything. I will not forget the time we spent.
Melissa Flynn
Chef Bennet was my favorite teacher and mentor. We shared a love of classic rock and the Marx brothers. He always called me honeybee, and said I was his second favorite Melissa. My heart goes out to his loved ones. He helped inspire so many with his love of food, and never was at a loss for words. He was a brilliant man, and he will be greatly missed.
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