Willi Benz has left us

Willi left us yesterday after many months of struggle. We lost a great one.
Willi, we will not forget you.

That is sad news. He will surely be missed by many.

- Morten

It is with tears in my eyes, I read this message.
Willi and Gudrun both became very good friends of mine, in the last few years, and I will miss him.

My thoughts now go to Gudrun, hes vife and best friend through a long life.

Kind regards Yvonne

VERY sad news.

R.I.P Willi,you will be sorely missed by all who had the privilige of knowing you.

Very sad news indeed. Condolences to his family. Thanks for letting us know, Walter.

Very sad news indeed ..a great loss. RIP Willi.

Mark & Ritta

He (and his work) will be remembered for a very long time. May he rest in peace...

Condolences to his family and friends.

So sorry Walter,

My sincere condolences to Willi's family. He was wonderful for the art of bonsai, and one of the nicest persons I have ever met. Always a smile !! He will be missed.

Ed

Willi's influence will long be felt. Can anyone share where to post/'snail mail' condolences to Gudrun?

Sad news, Willi was a great supporter of bonsai and stone appreciation and an active member of the BCI Executive Board and director. He will be sorely missed.

If anyone wants to send snail mail condolences send me a PM and I will forward his address.

Very very sad news indeed.

RIP Willi and condolences to his family that he leaves behind

Regards

Andy

Sad news, condolences to the entire Benz family.

Peter

I'm so sorry to hear this.
He was such a nice and friendly man.

Dale

Very sad news indeed. Sincere condolences to his family. Thanks for letting us know, Walter.
He and Gudrun had been good friends for long time...

Rest in peace, my friend....

More info here:

http://www.ebabonsai.com/

During my twenty years in bonsai I traveled all across Europe to visit bonsai exhibitions and I could always count on seeing Willi Benz there, eather alone or with his charming wife Gudrun. Some times we spook about the bonsai or suiseki on display, other times we just shook hands and greeted each other. But always there was that friendly open smile of that perfect gentleman that Willi was! And no matter how many times you would bump in to him during that same show, that friendly smile was always there. Because of Willi's enthusiastic way of telling about his great love for suiseki, I started to collect books about suiseki to understand better why so many people are so addicted to collecting these treasures. Willi was all over the world a true ambassador for Suiseki and Bonsai and he will be greatly missed. My condolences go out to Gudrun and Willi's family and many friends. I will miss bumping in to him and see that friendly smile.
RIP Willi.
Hans van Meer.

Funeral: Church: Friedhof in 68775 Ketsch, Germany - Trauerhalle Friday, 16th December 2011 - 12 am
In the small City of Ketsch you need only "Friedhof" and "Trauerhalle" in "68775 Ketsch" every flower shop in Ketsch know this.

Gudrun asks to not send flowers but to donate to "Willi Benz - Deutsche Krebshilfe"

IBAN DE85 660 908 001 001 865 536
BIC GENODE61BBB

Hans van Meer. wrote:During my twenty years in bonsai I traveled all across Europe to visit bonsai exhibitions and I could always count on seeing Willi Benz there, eather alone or with his charming wife Gudrun. Some times we spook about the bonsai or suiseki on display, other times we just shook hands and greeted each other. But always there was that friendly open smile of that perfect gentleman that Willi was! And no matter how many times you would bump in to him during that same show, that friendly smile was always there. Because of Willi's enthusiastic way of telling about his great love for suiseki, I started to collect books about suiseki to understand better why so many people are so addicted to collecting these treasures. Willi was all over the world a true ambassador for Suiseki and Bonsai and he will be greatly missed. My condolences go out to Gudrun and Willi's family and many friends. I will miss bumping in to him and see that friendly smile.
RIP Willi.
Hans van Meer.

I have tried to find words but Hans has said exactly my feeling too... Willi's spoke little English and my German is rudimentary at best but thanks to Gudrun, her enthusiasm and patience in translating we 'chatted' as best we could... Willi's passing has left a a big hole in the world of Suiseki. he will be sadly missed.

RIP Willi

Late tonight is it 2 years ago, since Willi left us...I still miss him.

Kind regards Yvonne