Samantha820643
aka Lady Lock
If you've ever played in a VNEA, APA, ACS or many other bar box tournaments in Canada or the USA, you've probably met Gary Benson. He has been a tournament director and table supplier for tournaments for over 30 years.
Today he passed away.
I've had the pleasure of knowing him since I played in my first tournament when I was 15 in Greeley Colorado. I got to take care of his house when they'd be in Vegas for their long tournament stretches, you'd see him at all local league functions and tournaments, hanging out at Bugsys's in Vegas and he was also my boss at High Country Billiards and BMW Billiards for many years. I have so many great memories and I'm sure many of you do as well.
This is from his son, Shannon, on Facebook:
A little about dad:
Dad served proudly in the United States Marine Corp. He was a Vietnam Veteran and loved the service he did for his Country . He used to talk a bit about some of the stories from his tour there . He used to have some really great old 8mm film of his time in Vietnam. We will be having a full military burial to honor him and his service in the Marine Corp at Logan National Cemetery in Denver CO . We felt that would be a great way to honor his service and his life .
He was an icon and true champion in the growth of amateur pool in the billiard world . Helping build the foundations of many Leagues and Major tournaments around the US and Canada. He was one of the first league coordinators for D&R Star in Rochester MN . There for the creation of the VNEA Pool leagues with Dick Hawkins. That led to our own amusement route in Colorado , called High Country Games and Music. That really increased the size of pool and dart leagues in Northern Colorado for many years . He started High Country Promotions with Jim Mason back in 1988 , with 40 pool tables and a couple goose neck trailers . I am proud to say we have grown that to 9 semis with 360 pool tables setting tournaments year round all over US and Canada. I am truly lucky to have learned from the best in the business on how to run a pool tournament and really learn this industry from the ground up .
The foundations he has laid will continue to survive in the billiard world for a long long time.
He has also been in the bar business for a long time off and on. From Gary and Jo's Place in Pine Island MN , Match Ups Pool Hall in Fort Collins CO to Bugsy's in Las Vegas NV.
It really has been a great outpouring of love and memories that you all have shared. It really shows how many thousands of people he's interacted with and touched over the years . Lots and lots of stories over the years lol .
We will be having a celebration of life for dad at Match Ups Pool Hall in Fort Collins CO. Since we owned that for many years, I thought it would be a great place for everyone to have some drinks , food and tell some great stories . Not a big fan of funeral homes so I figured let's party it up , tip a few back for dad and celebrate his life.
We will put out information for services as soon as we have them scheduled . It will be about a week or so for us to get arrangements set . I have a hunch there's going to be a few people wanting to attend and that will give you some time to plan your travel arrangements.
Thank you again to everyone for the really amazing support and the outpouring of love thru this difficult time.
Peace and Love
Shannon and Corey
Today he passed away.
I've had the pleasure of knowing him since I played in my first tournament when I was 15 in Greeley Colorado. I got to take care of his house when they'd be in Vegas for their long tournament stretches, you'd see him at all local league functions and tournaments, hanging out at Bugsys's in Vegas and he was also my boss at High Country Billiards and BMW Billiards for many years. I have so many great memories and I'm sure many of you do as well.
This is from his son, Shannon, on Facebook:
A little about dad:
Dad served proudly in the United States Marine Corp. He was a Vietnam Veteran and loved the service he did for his Country . He used to talk a bit about some of the stories from his tour there . He used to have some really great old 8mm film of his time in Vietnam. We will be having a full military burial to honor him and his service in the Marine Corp at Logan National Cemetery in Denver CO . We felt that would be a great way to honor his service and his life .
He was an icon and true champion in the growth of amateur pool in the billiard world . Helping build the foundations of many Leagues and Major tournaments around the US and Canada. He was one of the first league coordinators for D&R Star in Rochester MN . There for the creation of the VNEA Pool leagues with Dick Hawkins. That led to our own amusement route in Colorado , called High Country Games and Music. That really increased the size of pool and dart leagues in Northern Colorado for many years . He started High Country Promotions with Jim Mason back in 1988 , with 40 pool tables and a couple goose neck trailers . I am proud to say we have grown that to 9 semis with 360 pool tables setting tournaments year round all over US and Canada. I am truly lucky to have learned from the best in the business on how to run a pool tournament and really learn this industry from the ground up .
The foundations he has laid will continue to survive in the billiard world for a long long time.
He has also been in the bar business for a long time off and on. From Gary and Jo's Place in Pine Island MN , Match Ups Pool Hall in Fort Collins CO to Bugsy's in Las Vegas NV.
It really has been a great outpouring of love and memories that you all have shared. It really shows how many thousands of people he's interacted with and touched over the years . Lots and lots of stories over the years lol .
We will be having a celebration of life for dad at Match Ups Pool Hall in Fort Collins CO. Since we owned that for many years, I thought it would be a great place for everyone to have some drinks , food and tell some great stories . Not a big fan of funeral homes so I figured let's party it up , tip a few back for dad and celebrate his life.
We will put out information for services as soon as we have them scheduled . It will be about a week or so for us to get arrangements set . I have a hunch there's going to be a few people wanting to attend and that will give you some time to plan your travel arrangements.
Thank you again to everyone for the really amazing support and the outpouring of love thru this difficult time.
Peace and Love
Shannon and Corey
!!!!
