Enumclaw is losing a shining star in Walt Bennett.

Walt, Liz and their kids Hanna and Will are moving to Monterey, Calif., where Walt accepted the position of vice president at Capital Insurance Group. Although the Bennetts haven’t been in Enumclaw for decades or generations as many of you have, they made a dramatic impact on our town in the short time they lived here. Walt is a visionary and a true “renaissance man.” In the Navy he served as a nuclear engineer on a submarine. He was awarded a college scholarship as an oboist and remains a multifaceted musician today. He has a post-graduate degree in education and taught high school science and mathematics. At Enumclaw Insurance Group he embodied our approach of “delivering the promise” by always putting our customers first. He is a consummate professional who can be trusted to “do the right thing.”

There are few individuals who were more committed to our community. Perhaps you or members of your family were touched by his efforts through Enumclaw/Black Diamond Tutoring (www.enumclawtutors.org). Walt began EBT when he saw a need for free tutoring services to help our youth and fill a gap in our family and education systems. Or maybe you experienced the product of his efforts as the current president of the Enumclaw Rotary Club.

Serving the community and the world at large isn’t new to Walt. In the 1990s he was awarded a National Jefferson Award, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for Outstanding Public Service. Walt’s compassion and empathy for those in need is founded in a strong personal faith. He served as a leader and elder at the Calvary Presbyterian Church.

When a need arose in our community, Walt found a creative solution and worked tirelessly to make it happen.

We’ll miss his dedication, drive and sense of humor. Enumclaw is a better place because the Bennetts were here. We wish them the very best as they embark on this new chapter in their lives.

Thomas D. Underbrink

Enumclaw