We lost one of the old school guys
 

The Kayak Fishing community, the teaching community, the music community and well the world community lost one of the best yesterday to a terrible accident. I personally lost a good friend with whom I spent many hours on the water.
Rod Bennett was truly one of the best in every way and I will miss him every day I am on the water. I can't imagine what Valerie is going through but my thoughts are with her.
Rod and Val could often be seen cruising their Scupper Pros out in La Jolla and on the forums were simply known as RodandVal.
A no big deal day for Rod pictured below with his kayak fishing record 53 pound yellowtail and a little by-catch.
If anyone is from the area and can help find out who did this please read the article and contact authorities.
http://scvnews.com/2016/05/25/fatal-...a-canyon-road/

https://scontent.fsan1-1.fna.fbcdn.n...0a&oe=57DFF536

Santa Clarita? Thats my neck of the woods. I'll see if I can find anything out on the incident.

Sorry for your loss Jim. I didn't know him, however I wish I did...my condolences to Val and the rest of his family.

Geno

Absolutely horrible what happened.

The link didn't work - maybe this will - http://scvnews.com/2016/05/25/fatal-...a-canyon-road/

So sad to hear...Rod and Val were both great, happy people.

My thoughts and Prayers are with you Val, I am so sorry for your loss.

I hope they catch this person and soon.

So sad to hear about this fellow cyclist and fisher. Enjoy each day and please share the road.

Rod was a great guy. I always enjoyed running into him on the water. My condolences to Val and their family. He'll be missed. RIP.

Ride & Fish in Peace Rod.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Val & the Bennett Family.

What a horrible loss... they need to get this scum off the streets.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Very sorry for your loss, I drive by that area near the 14 fwy on my commute to work every day. May Rod rest in peace and my prayers will be with his family and friends.

That's sad to hear...hope they catch that scumbag! RIP.

just so sad, truly genuinely nice guy taken too soon.

That's horrible. Condolences to all who's cared about him. I used to be an avid road cyclist but quit after it got too dangerous with the advent of cellphones. Mountain biking is much safer these days. Very sad.

How tragic, RIP, deepest sympathies to Val, and family...

My fishing pals and I, who have been referred to as “Old Salts”, have known Rod and Val for nearly 15 years. In all those years we’ve never known a nicer person, on and off the water, his passing is a huge loss.
Our deepest sympathies to Val and Rod’s family and friends.
Ed<O:p

Rod was the first kayaker I met on the water many moons ago. Such a genuine guy. We shared many stories of cycling, teaching and fishing. RIP

OMG, I fish with him all the time, Rod was a super cool and knowledgeable dude.

I am in shock.

What a horrible accident.

My condolences to his wife.

May he rest in light as the expression in Turkish would say.

Sorry to hear about the loss.

Sad loss of a classy and cool dude.

My condolences to Val and his family.

sorry to hear this. Met him a few times on the water, and beach. we definitely lost a good one, my condolences to his family.

Well said Ed, I am one of the "Old Salts" you speak of. You first introduced me to Rod and Val at the launch years ago and we had many conversations with them through the years. So very saddened by this. My heart and my deepest condolences go out to you Val.

That is really sad. :(
Condolences to Val and family

Sorry to hear...

Just heard the driver turned himself in today..

For those interested, there will be services up in Santa Clarita on the 9th. We will also be doing a paddle out to spread his ashes down in La Jolla at a date to be determined. I will follow up with details as I get them.

I had not heard that, thanks for sharing.

Here is the info on the guy they arrested. http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/lo...381121651.html

My prayers go out.

Thank GOD they caught this guy! :luxhello: Good work San Diego Police! Now throw the book at HIM! :mad:

SDPD had nothing to do with this, this happened up in Santa Clarita.

Oooooh I thought it was down in SD...no matter good work to all law enforcement for getting this guy!

Deep sadness
 

One didn't need to be part of the "old guard" to know Rod, although many of us have had the true pleasure for years (15 in my case). I won't run through the history or tell tales of great times and shared interests (which are many). What I'm hoping is that we, as a kayak fishing community can find a way to provide some small degree of solace to Val - Rod's wife and true life partner.

Val, if by chance you read this, there are so many that share your loss. If desired, know that there's a flotilla of fellow kayak fishermen that are at your beck and call. Just say the word (PM).

Deep sympathy for Val, Rod's family and all of his students who, like us all, are in total shock.

Avery

Count me in
 

Jim,

Please let me know via PM or email the date/time of the paddle out and the spreading of his ashes at LJ. Deeply saddened by this loss and appreciate opportunity to join you and others in a fitting farewell.

Avery

I taught at the same school with Rod for several years. It is he who got me interested and started in kayak fishing. He was as nice and kind and generous a person as one would ever hope to meet. My wife (who also taught with Rod for several years) are deeply saddened by this tragedy.

One of the nicest guys you'll ever meet on the water!!!

What a shock! Our hearts go out to Rod and Val's family.

I should have something for you tomorrow.