Faire: Bristol
Group(s): Military
Years:

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Doug Caton and Ray Benzel
Bristol 1996

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Ray at home
Winter 95 - 96

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Ray, Doug Caton and Judy Benzel
with dogs Al and Nicky
Winter 95 - 96

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Ray in armour
from the Age Of Armour
website under "Past Projects"
(Thanks to Chris Last)

Raymond Benzel
November 11, 1957 - February 25, 2002

Ray joined the Bristol Reniassance Faire in 1995 as Henry Wulffe in the then new Bristol Military Guild. Henry Wulffe was a man at arms to Philip Sidney. The next year Ray traded up to portray Sir Henry Sidney. After a few years in the Military Guild he went on to manage Bristol Security.

When Ray left Bristol he and his wife Judy moved from Kenosha to a small town outside of Wellston, Michigan.

Ray died of cancer on February 25th of 2002.

A memorial service was held at the Bristol Renaissance Faire on Sunday, June 30th at 7:30 p.m. Judy Benzel and many of Ray's friends were in attendance.

Ray will be remembered for his fierce commitment to what was right and his loyalty to his friends.

 

 

Memorial Service For Ray Benzel

Hi Everyone!

Here's information on the Memorial Service for Ray Benzel. It will take place on the Sunday of opening weekend (June 30th) at 7:30 p.m. and Judy Benzel will be in attendance. This was the best choice for the service instead of Saturday because of the time allotted. It will be held in the Military camp in New Market. There will be a part of the service where people will be able to share a remembrance of Ray. 

If there are any friends who are not in the show this year but wish to attend the service, get their name and give it to your director and they will be placed on a special gate list for that Sunday. Those people will be able to pick up a funeral pass at will-call after 5:00 pm on that Sunday but they will need to be on the gate list.

Also, there will be a memory book at Thistlecroft on Saturday, June 29th (opening day) and in the Military Camp on Sunday, June 30th. Please feel free to stop by and sign the book or write a memory of Ray. From what I understand, Judy Benzel will be spending most of the weekend at Thistlecroft.

Thanks everybody.

- Tom Charney 03-05-02