Dede Schuringa

Matthew J. Bennett

Melissa Bennett

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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Matthew J. Bennett

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