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He lost his fight against illness on 10th December. Willi Benz will be sadly missed by all who knew him. His knowledge of Bonsai and Suiseki was legendary. We offer our sincere condolences to Gudrun Benz and his family.
'The name of Willi Benz is inextricably linked to the development of Bonsai and Suiseki in Europe. From 1960 he was engaged intensively with Asian art and had come into contact with bonsai. Willi studied with great Japanese bonsai masters and gained a deep insight into the traditional Chinese art forms.
In 1978 Wili was co-founder of the 'Bonsai Club Deutschland' (BCD) and driving force in the founding of the 'German Suiseki Society'. He served as President of the 'European Suiseki Association,' as Vice President of 'International Stone Appreciation Museum' in China, 'International Stone Collection Association', the 'Bonsai Clubs International' (BCI) and an honorary member of other national and international associations Willi - always supported by his wife Gudrun. As long as his health allowed he worked untiringly for the spread of the art of Bonsai and Suiseki.
His commitment received proper recognition. Japan awarded him the 'Order of the Rising Sun' (Kyokujitsushō). This is the highest Japanese order, which can be awarded to foreigners.'
It is with deep regret we have to announce the passing of Willi Benz.