Willi Benz has left us

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