Golden Ferren Bennett

Jan 24, 1945 — Aug 10, 2026

Tipping His Hat to a Life Well-Lived: Golden Ferren Bennett

January 24, 1945 – August 10, 2026, On August 10, 2026, Golden Ferren Bennett (Butch) tipped his hat one last time and rode peacefully into the sunset.

"Some cowboys are defined by their boots, but he was defined by his heart—a true horseman, a master craftsman, and the keystone of his family."

Born on January 24, 1945, in Ogden, Utah, Golden grew up running wild and free in Kaysville before graduating from Davis High School. Early in his journey, he answered the call to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force Reserves as a firefighter, starting a lifetime habit of running toward hard work with courage and a steady hand.

On June 17, 1966, he married his sweetheart, Barbara Bates, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they built a beautiful life and home in Layton, Utah where they raised their four children. They just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

He brought his sharp mind and work ethic to Hill Air Force Base as a machinist. Step by step, he climbed all the way to Chief of Operations, helping set up and retool bases both nationally and internationally.

After retiring from Hill Air Force Base he continued his example of hard work throughout his life by building homes side-by-side with his son Justin or covered in grease and dust under the hood of an antique car, restoring classic beauty back to life piece by piece. He was currently restoring a 1940 Ford F100 pickup truck.

There wasn't much Golden couldn't build or repair. He was a jack of all trades, master of many. Growing up we didn’t realize you could hire a repairman. We had our own. You could always find him working in his shop. Many friends and family members have been recipients of his handiwork. Dad had always been willing to help, answer questions, and give guidance on our own projects.

While he was brilliant with machinery and construction, his true soul belonged to the great outdoors. Golden was a genuine cowboy through and through—not for show, but in the way he lived. A true horseman, folks used to say he was a real-life horse whisperer with a rare, quiet patience that earned the trust of any horse and the love and respect of everyone he met.

He was never happier than when surrounded by nature, breathing in the mountain air, and spending time at the family cabin in the Uinta Mountains. Countless cherished memories were made in those hills telling stories around the campfire, hunting, fishing, and riding horses side-by-side with the family and friends he loved so deeply.

To know him was to love him. He had a quick smile, a great sense of humor and a story for everything. He had many close friends. As long as any of us can remember, a part of his day was spent at the local coffee shop where he met with a group of buddies to visit and reminisce. This time and these relationships were very important to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Golden and Leora Bennett, and by his beloved sister, Linda Black.

He is survived by his loving, devoted wife and lifelong partner, Barbara Bates Bennett, his children: Brett (Laurie), Amy (Quinn Moyes), Justin (Sandy), and Ryan (Krystle), and the joy of his life, his 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, all raised on his stories, wisdom, and example of hard work and dedication to family.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Rd. Layton, Utah. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Golden Bennett, who truly lived in the saddle, Monday August 17, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary. Interment directly following the funeral services at Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton.