Johnnie Odell Bennett

Johnnie Odell Bennett Jr. June 27, 1960 - May 23, 2017 Johnnie “John” Odell Bennett Jr., 56 of Oregon City died May 23, 2017 in a traffic accident on Hwy 99 in Oregon City. John was born in Oregon City on June 27, 1960. He graduated from Molalla Union High School in 1978, studied art at East Tennessee State University and received a Professional Photography certification from New York Institute of Photography in 1984. He was a successful commercial photographer with his own studio, he worked with Disney Studios and most recently Iridio Photography in Oak Grove. He was also a Professor of Photography at George Fox University since 2003. John had a zest for life, a great sense of humor and a positive outlook that uplifted family, friends, co-workers and anyone he met. He was a believer who strived to live more like Jesus Christ each day, and he lived his faith with a very real and attractive quality. John was a devoted husband and father often quick to share the latest accomplishments of his children or enjoyable times they’ve spent. John and his wife Nancy supported The Canby Center, a community based outreach. They’ve also opened their home for church small group meetings, foreign exchange students and in recent years adopted their two youngest daughters. Beyond his love of photography John’s hobbies included tennis, hacky sack, racket ball, remote glider planes, playing golf, making home brew beer, riding motorcycles, raising chickens, sheep, a lama and blowing up gophers. John was preceded in death by his mother Darlene (Brown) Bennett. He is survived by his wife Nancy Bennett, daughters Shelby, Macaela, Destiny, Jasmine, father John Bennett (Sr.), Sister Mona Oviatt, brother Scott Bennett, 13 aunts and uncles and many nieces’, nephews and cousins. A memorial gathering for John will take place Sunday, May 28, at 2 p.m. at Canby Bethany Church, 450 S. Ivy Street. There will be a reception with light refreshments following service. In lieu of flowers donations can sent to either The Canby Center, http://thecanbycenter.org/ or YouCaring for John’s Family https://www.youcaring.com/bennettfamily-831033?fb_action_ids=878448371244&fb_action_types=youcaringcom%3Adonate