Grahame Bennett

Grahame Bennett passed away peacefully on December 16, 2016 at the age of 71.

Grahame was born on 1/23/45 in Gateshead, England, an auspicious start for a future mathematician. He was the son of Andrew and Elizabeth Bennett and had a happy, if sometimes mischievous, childhood. Grahame received his B.S. from the University of Newcastle in 1966 and then went on to receive his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge in 1970.

Grahame had fond memories of immigrating to the United States in 1968 and spoke of the emotion of first seeing the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge from the deck of the boat. His career in mathematics took him first to Lehigh University and then to Indiana University, where he spent more than 30 years as a successful teacher and researcher. Over the course of his career, he was a recipient of the prestigious Sloan Fellowship and was awarded several National Science Foundation grants. Grahame became a die-hard fan of the Hoosiers soccer team during his time at I.U., perhaps as a substitute for the Toon Army.

Grahame is survived by his brother and best friend, Colin, and Colin's wife Margaret, who was like a sister to him; by his beloved cousin Maureen (Dave); by his nieces and nephew, and by his three children, Julie (Chuck) Parsons, Gordie (Duygu) Bennett and Tracie (Ben) Hunter. He spent many hours over the years timing his kids at swim meets and coaching on the soccer field. He also took great pleasure in torturing them with advanced math problems, which served them well in college and beyond.

Grahame was the beloved grandpa to five girls who all take after him with their love of math and science: Megan, Devin, Defne, Kira and Haley. He delighted in being silly with them, and all kids, once showing up to a Pirates and Princesses birthday party in a Long John Silver's hat.

Grahame traveled extensively over the course of his life and made friends around the world. His kind heart, intelligence and quick wit will be missed by many.

A private memorial will be held with family.

In memory of Grahame, please consider volunteering with or donating to a youth sports organization like the Boys Club. And raise a glass of Scotch to a life well lived.