William Clinton (Clint) Stennett, 54, passed away peacefully on Oct. 14, 2010, at home in Ketchum, Idaho, with his wife, Michelle, and his dog, Custer, by his side. He was an inspiration and mentor throughout his life, including his final journey through brain cancer. To the end he dispensed blessings, good humor and that amazing smile to everyone around him.
Clint was born on Oct. 1, 1956, in Winona, Minn., to Bill and Carole (Halsey) Stennett. He grew up in southern Idaho, graduated from Valley High School, attended College of Southern Idaho for a year and a half, and graduated with honors with a journalism/advertising degree from Idaho State University.
He moved to the Wood River Valley and over the years owned and operated a newspaper and radio and television stations. Clint served in the Idaho House of Representatives from 1990-1994 and in the Idaho Senate from 1995-2010. He was minority caucus leader in the Senate from 1997-1999 and Senate minority leader from 1999-2009.
Clint is survived by his wife of 14 years, Michelle; mother, Carole; sisters Jennifer (Dennis) Riddle and Kim (Chet) Brackett; brother Andrew (Sharon) Stennett; seven nephews and two nieces. Preceding him in death were his grandparents, Denny and Clella Stennett, and Maude Halsey; father, William Jesse Stennett; brother Dennis Clayton Stennett, sister Molly Ann Stennett; and nephew Drew Oakman.
His family is having services at the Hollister LDS Ward on Oct. 30 at 2 p.m. with dinner at the Brackett home afterward. A celebration of Clint's life will be held in the middle of November in Ketchum. Details will be printed at a later date. All will be welcome.
The family respectfully suggests that donations in Clint's memory may be sent to the Stennett Scholarship Fund at the College of Southern Idaho Foundation, Box 1238, Twin Falls, ID 83301. We are also grateful to Hospice & Palliative Care of the Wood River Valley. Donations to them can be sent to Box 4320, Ketchum, ID 83340.
