Laurence Bennett

Laurence Thomas Bennett, 91, passed away peacefully at his home in Cathedral City, CA on December 26, 2025.

Larry was born July 10, 1934, in El Centro, CA to Carl and Leona (Coulter) Bennett. He was raised in Amador County area with his younger brother, Brian Bennett. Larry joined U.S. Army when he was 20 and served for a few years before being Honorably Discharged. During his time overseas in Germany, he met Katharina Schrimpf and they had four children, Marianna, Wally, Ilka, and Kurt.

Larry spent his career as a proud CHP, California Highway Patrol Officer, from 1964 –1989. As a rookie patrol officer, he patrolled the streets of South-Central Los Angeles. In those years, he went from the start of the Watts Riots, the hippie movement and the rise of the LA gang wars before becoming a CHP Motorcycle officer. His experience in the Army and as a prison guard taught him to keep a level head, discipline, and common sense. One of the proudest moments of his career was when he had the privilege of serving as a professional consultant for both the actors and motorcycle stuntman for the TV show CHiPs.

Larry loved his job, though heavy at times, his happy-go-lucky attitude and empathy for people made him an exceptional law enforcement officer. Over the years he created many life-long relationships, one being his late wife, Maria Rosario. Larry and Maria were married for 44 years. They created a life in the Cathedral City area after he retired, and they traveled all over the world. They loved to explore new places, especially the summer months when they would spend traveling to all 50 states over the years, including Canada and Mexico. Larry developed a passion for running and cycling in his 60s and 70s, embracing an active lifestyle that brought him both joy and vitality.

Larry enjoyed watching the Cathedral City High Boys Basketball team, where he met the coach, Rob Hanmer. After Maria’s passing in 2014, Coach Rob Hanmer took Larry under his wing, made him an Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach and an all-seasons athletic volunteer at the newly opened Rancho Mirage High School. He enjoyed being around Coach Rob and the kids. He was proud of the students he coached and mentored, while attending almost every home sporting event cheering them on and keeping score. He became a surrogate Grandfather to many of them. They gave him a second wind in life. He loved working at the school and always said how special the experience was for him and how they kept him feeling young!

Larry found another reason to keep going when he met and fell in love with his wife, Sylvia Corella. To this union he inherited another wonderful family into his life. He was blessed with Sylvia as a loving companion in his life and added another sports fan to the Rancho Mirage roster. Before Larry slowed down, he was able to enjoy traveling with his new bride.

In Larry’s eyes, you were never a stranger. His ability to connect and relate to people was unfathomable. For someone who experienced a tumultuous career, you would never have known it based on his humorous, laid-back demeanor. Larry loved his family and was known to his grandchildren as “the Cool Grandpa.” His love for music was intoxicating. He had a great ear and appreciation for music with a vast knowledge of all genres. Up until his 90s, Larry was seen attending concerts around the desert area. It wasn’t uncommon for him to take videos of live music performances and message them to people in his life.

Larry’s wit and sense of humor stood the test of time and was one of his most cherished traits. His humor through storytelling brought smiles across many generations of people.

Larry is survived by his wife, Sylvia; children, Marianna Gibbens, Walter Bennett, and Kurt Bennett; stepchildren, Vivian Iniguez, Christina Green, Albert Fernandez and Tony Arellano; brother, Brian Bennett and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. In addition to family, Larry left behind many special friends and students. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Maria Bennett, daughter, Ilka McMinn, and grandchild, Jonathan Alumbaugh.

Whether you called him Dad, Opa, Officer Bennett, or Coach Larry, he will always be known as a good man, with a steady presence, an infectious laugh and a big heart. God didn’t make another quite like him. He was a bright light and will be remembered with a smile.