When you reach 95, your birthday celebration may extend beyond just one day. It becomes a season! And so it was for a Clark Lake icon. Jack Bentley turned 95 on Wednesday, April 19th. There was a dinner gathering on Friday for him at the Pointe. Then on Saturday, all four daughters arranged for another dinner at the Pointe. Performer Benny Poole, who was also celebrating a birthday, took the occasion to sing Happy Birthday to Dr. Jack.
Later, daughters (starting with the eldest) Lynne, Gail, Jill and Elise along with other family and friends surrounded Jack as he ceremoniously blew out the candles on a very rich, chocolate cake.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/MR8YCdYsciI[/youtube]
To be totally fair to Jack, the iPhone’s weren’t running the first time he blew out the candles–every one of them on the first try. Being a good sport, he played the scene again for the cameras.
It’s amazing to ponder all that has happened since Dr. Bentley’s birth. In 1922, radio was a new invention with two rival stations claiming to be first–WWJ, Detroit, and KDKA, Pittsburgh. The war to end all wars was over, and the country was well on its way to an economic boom only to collapse into a depression at the decade’s end.
When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Jack Bentley was among the many who dropped everything and volunteered with hardly a second thought. Cpt. Bentley became a pilot and flew combat missions over Europe. One fateful day his war career ended in disaster. To read the amazing account of his wartime service, please click here. You’ll also learn how this became the catalyst which led him to a life of service through medicine. He and his wife Mary Nichols Bentley, who passed away last summer, became physicians of the highest order and practiced in Jackson many years.
Happy Birthday, Dr. Jack!
Congratulations on your 95th birthday, Dr. Jack! I started going to you when I was 16 & when you retired (which devastated me!) I began doctoring with Dr. Mary. Since then, I have had other General practitioners, but they all pale in comparison to you! I’ve learned how fortunate I was to have such a caring doctor during my younger years, who delivered my babies, as well as provided the utmost medical care for me and my family. When I married, you met my future husband, and gave your fatherly approval of whom I had fallen in love with!?
I am 74 now, retired and moved to Punta Gorda, Florida, but twice a year I come to Jackson for a visit. Both my husband & I would love to see you on our next visit and perhaps you’d be up to joining us for lunch; our treat, of course!
I’m sorry this is quite lengthy, there are so many sweet stories I could share of your doctoring my family, but time and space permit neither. Just know that I’ve never forgotten & always appreciated your kindness.
God Bless,
Patti Higgins
Patti I’d love to have you stop in and see dad! Please give me a bit of notice if/when you’re coming to Jackson.
Thank you Patty!! I know my dad would love to see you! And he loves to hear old stories makes him very happy!
Perfect skier. Dr. Jack inspired us all.
Thank you Patty!! I know my dad would love to see you! And he loves to hear old stories makes him very happy!