We Lost A Dear Friend

[Steve Simmons]

Gents, it is with the deepest sadness that I report the passing of our own Mark Benson. Mark was a regular at our events in his beautiful MGA Works Twin Cam. I'm sure many of you met and admired him as I did. This is quite a blow to the community. I don't have any further details at this point but will post if I learn more.

[tannyo]

Has there already been a funeral? I'd like to attend if I could.

https://www.youcaring.com/jil-edwards-benson-502728

You may have heard the sad news, Mark Benson, son, brother, father, friend, and devoted husband to Jil Edwards Benson, suddenly passed away this week. In response to the outpouring of love and support, and in an effort to help alleviate some of the expenses during this very difficult time, we have set up this fund as a way to honor Mark’s own giving nature. We truly appreciate your friendship, support, and generosity.

Mark Benson, 48, of Topanga, California died January 10th. Loving husband of Jil. Wonderful father of Luke and Skye. Dear son of Erik and Pam. Brother of Jane, brother-in-law to Gary. Uncle to Daisy. Nephew and cousin to many. Loyal friend to more than we can count, including his beloved dog, Aldo. He was born in Haddington, Scotland, then moved to England. He loved rugby and played in high school. Mark was a talented, well respected production designer, an artist, a gardener, an exceptional cook, a soccer coach, and an all around spectacular man. He brought real joy to the lives of all who were fortunate enough to meet him. He helped make this world a happier place and we are forever grateful. We lost a wonderful man much too soon.

[Martin Keller]

I did not know Mark very well but he always was very friendly when I would cross paths with him at the different runs and events that I have attended and always had time to talk about the cars that we all like and care for, he will be missed by all that knew him.

[whitebuffalo]

Wow, what a loss not only to his family, but also to our little motoring community.

[daysineuropa]

Rest in peace Mark.

I am absolutely shocked at his passing at such a young age.

Please pass funeral details if family allows.

[tannyo]

How many would want to attend?

Hello Tanny,

We are getting the details sorted out. Mark's parents arrived two days ago. A venue has been selected for the memorial service, however it has a small capacity. I'm hoping to persuade the family to move to a different venue. How many people from your community would like to attend? For now, the service is scheduled on Sunday, January 24th from 3pm-8pm. I'll keep you posted as I learn more.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Gee

[daysineuropa]

Count me in Tanny.

[HealeyBN7]

Mark's passing is shocking. We spent the evening watching some old videos of Mark zooming through the canyons. He will be greatly missed.

If you are like me and met Mark through VM, I would encourage visiting the donation link where you can find some wonder photos of his family.

Dean

[Larry Kluss]

I'm in shock. This is very sad news indeed. Mark was always very friendly from the moment I met him and every time I saw him. I remember when a small group of us toured to Buttonwillow, probably 5-6 years ago. Mark with a big smile on his face driving his great MGA hard up Hwy 33. I will miss him.

[Steve Simmons]

I remember, that was a great day. His wife Jill took this photo with Mark leading the caravan through the hills.

I do plan to attend the service if the family decides to invite guests.

[malcolmr18zoy]

If guests are invited, I would definitely like to attend.
Malcolm

[malcolmr18zoy]

If guests are invited, I would definitely like to attend.
Malcolm

[Jimmy]

I will miss the phone calls and his laughter, that's for sure.
Now I will really cherish the parts I bought from Mark.

[Austin_Caccavo]

Here's some screen captures from a video me and Mark were working on back in 2013. One of the nicest and most spirited person I've met. He will be missed.

[VWNate1]

Oh damn .

Indeed he was a very nice man and will be greatly missed , he was far too young to have left us .

What happened ? .

[tannyo]

Jennifer responded.

Hello everyone,

Attached is the information for Mark’s service. The venue has limited capacity. So we ask that if you’re going to bring anyone, please limit it to one person. Thank you for understanding. Also, there's a slight chance the venue will change. If so, I'll notify you immediately. Please RSVP to Megan ASAP. Thanks.

All the best,

Jennifer Gee Jelloe

Send your RSVP to megan.wms.lee@gmail.com

They ask that you bring a fine bottle of wine and stories to share.

[daysineuropa]

What a beautiful celebration for a lovely man. The songs and poems by his children and friends were very touching.

The car stories Mark's dad told could have kept us there all night.

We will blast through the canyons to honor Team Rosbif. Life is too short indeed.

Good turnout by Vintage Motoring brigade.

[Steve Simmons]

If only we could all have such a perfect service. Looking forward to the memorial run. I see a few possibilities...

1. I seem to recall Mark's favorite VM run was the Old Country Tour in April. We could do it now instead.
2. A run through Mark's neighborhood of Topanga, back over old Topanga, up to Saddle Peak via whatever route, and down through Fernwood to the town of Topanga, then stop for lunch at Topanga Table.
3. Tour the length of the Santa Monica Mountains where Mark spent so much time driving.
4. It was Marc C's idea, so we could tour over the hills to Fillmore for lunch and back.

I'm kind of voting for #2, short and sweet at probably 30-40 miles and the sound of British iron thundering through his home town roads would be fitting.

[daysineuropa]

Route #2 gets my vote. Let's see how many MGs we can get to join.

[VWNate1]

Sounds good to me .

When ? .

[Steve Simmons]

May I propose Sunday, February 7? That's two weekends from now, the morning of Superbowl Sunday when the roads should be less crowded.

My thoughts on a route including some of Mark's favorite places:

Meet at Supercar Sunday in Woodland Hills
South on Topanga Canyon
Right on Old Topanga Canyon
Left on Mulholland Highway
Left on Cold Creek
Left on Piuma Road
Left on Schueren Road
Continue down Saddle Peak
Left on Fernwood Pacific
Left on Topanga Canyon
End for lunch at Topanga Table for small group, or perhaps Rib Ranch for large group.

Total mileage from start to Rib Ranch is 42 miles. Thinking about it, maybe even run this in reverse to avoid the left turn at Fernwood and Topanga.

The overlook at Saddle Peak has been ruined. There are only 3 parking spots now, used to be able to put 12+ cars there. the other side of the street is still open, albeit a pain to park on. If the group isn't too large, we could stop there for a break. Non-stop this run should only take an hour. Another thought would be to plan a stop in the town of Topanga for any family and friends who want to come see the parade of cars. There's a parking lot there that would work for a decent size group.

And finally, the name... The Mark Benson Memorial Rosbif Run.

[VWNate1]

Sounds good to me ! .

I'll ask my Brother to join us .

[Austin_Caccavo]

For those of you who didn't know, me and Mark were working on short video of his car for his own records. Unfortunately we never got to finish it, but I managed to make something that seems fairly complete. It was premiered at the funeral service and definitely brought tears, even my own. It's better with the sound up



http://youtu.be/ymnYK1f2jck

[Martin Keller]

For those of you who didn't know, me and Mark were working on short video of his car for his own records. Unfortunately we never got to finish it, but I managed to make something that seems fairly complete. It was premiered at the funeral service and definitely brought tears, even my own. It's better with the sound up

http://youtu.be/ymnYK1f2jck

Austin that is a very nice tribute to Mark and his MGA. Well done.

[Steve Simmons]

I watched it again after the service. Gets better every time. Well done, lad.