Ronald Roy Bensz was one of the most recognized dealers during his many years of dedicated service to the industry and his community. Someone I called a true mentor, Ron passed away earlier this month in Michigan City, Indiana. He was 95.

My first encounter with Ron was in 1978, when he and another local dealer, Mike Stewart of South Lake Marine, approached me to look at Michigan City as a site for a new in-water boat show on Lake Michigan. I was already producing an in-water show on Lake Erie at Cedar Point. The rest is history.

I initiated the Michigan City In-Water Boat Show in 1980 and headed it for 28 years. Throughout all those years, guess who was the first exhibitor to sign on. Ron was also the show’s greatest cheerleader.

Never one to say no, Ron was tapped to serve in so many capacities in the industry and his community. He founded B&E Marine on the shores of Lake Michigan in 1953. He served on numerous boards, including the Mercury Marine Congress, Michigan City Chamber Board, Dunes National Park Board, the Michigan City Port Authority Board and the Michigan City Historical Review Board.

His awards were many, including the MC Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow, the Paul J. Alinsky Achievement Award and the MC Exchange Club’s Golden Deeds Award. He was a longtime member of the Michigan City Rotary Club.

Ron sold B&E to his sons, Barry and Rod, in 1987, but nothing could slow him down. Along with his wife, Jean, they opened the popular Antique Market in Michigan City in 1990. He served as co-chairman of the Washington Park Observation Tower restoration project. He established the Preservationists of Michigan City. He also had the vision to create “Pioneerland” at the La Porte County Fair in 1993.

Ron was chairman of the development committee for the Restoration of the MC International Friendship Gardens and served as a board member for the development of the Rumley-Allis Chalmers Heritage Museum in La Porte. He was also a member of the Historical Steam Show of La Porte County.

Ron’s enthusiasm for the marine industry — and life — had an immeasurable influence on me.