Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — President Barack Obama joined Utah leaders Thursday to express condolences at Sen. Bob Bennett's death.
Gov. Gary Herbert authorized lowering flags in the state to half-staff until Bennett's Utah funeral on Saturday, May 14.
"For 18 years, Bob worked tirelessly in the United States Senate for his fellow Utahns," the president said in a prepared statement. "His commitment to his constituents transcended partisanship and he often reached across the aisle to get things done. He was a dedicated public servant and his work — like efforts to save the country from economic collapse — is exemplary of what we can accomplish when we put aside our differences and focus on our common goals."
The United States' flag and the Utah flag will fly at half-staff from sunrise until sunset next Saturday, Herbert's staff said.
Two viewings will be held in Salt Lake City, according to Bennett's obituary. The first will be Friday, May 13, at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Another viewing will be held Saturday, May 14 at 9:30 a.m. at the Federal Heights Ward LDS chapel, 1300 E. Fairfax Road in Salt Lake City, with funeral services following at 11 a.m.
Interment will be held at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
Services will also be held in Virginia, with a viewing Monday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the LDS meetinghouse at 2034 Great Falls Street in Falls Church, and another viewing on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the same location, with funeral services following at 11 a.m.
"Our prayers are with the Bennett family today as we mourn the passing of (Bennett)," Herbert said in a prepared statement Thursday. "A born leader, his passion for public policy came early in life and guided his lifetime of service and civic involvement."
Utah Senate President Wayne Niederhauser also issued a statement praising Bennett's accomplishments.
"Bob Bennett was a dignified patriot," he said. "He cared deeply for his country and for years offered his heart and intellect in her service. He was a kind and effective statesman, mentor, and scholar."
Herbert said Bennett will be remembered as someone who was "always quick to take on an assignment and slow to take credit."
"Above all, he was a man of integrity who loved his family and the people he served," the governor said.
Bennett's son, Jim Bennett, said his family is grateful for the outpouring of support.
"We're very appreciative for all the well-wishing and very grateful to know so many people loved Sen. Bennett just like we did," he said. "We would love to see family and friends and anybody who loved Sen. Bennett to come to the funeral and pay their respects."
In lieu of flowers, Bennett's family asked that people donate to the Humanitarian Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
