Obituary of Benedict J. M. Linssen

Peacefully at University Hospital on November 18, 2024 in the company of his close friends. Benedict was born at Swalmen, the Netherlands on May 6, 1936, the youngest of six children born to Gerald Linssen and Maria Linssen-Schulpen.

Before he came to Canada in 1972, Benedict taught art at the Jen van Eijk Academy at Maastricht, the Netherlands. After arriving in Canada Benedict took up a position as a teacher in the Fine Art program at Fanshawe College of Applied Art and Technology at London where he taught for more than three decades.

Benedict was an influential teacher and a respected artist who earned an international reputation for his work. Professor Linssen was a very private, independent and particular man, great company and fun to be around, and a loyal friend who remained close with many of his students and colleagues. Benedict was a talented and cultured individual, well read, and a lover of film and jazz. He had an extensive collection of recordings ranging from early jazz to today's contemporary music. His much loved baby grand piano which he played nightly held a place of special importance in his home. Benedict devoted the balance of his abundant creative energies to the production of his considered and very original paintings and prints.

He was a confirmed bachelor and the consummate, learned gentleman. Benedict had a full and meaningful life lived on his own terms. He was well loved and respected and will be greatly missed.

Benedict was predeceased by his parents and his four brothers and one sister. He is survived by a number of nephews and nieces as well as cousins, all in the Netherlands.

Arrangements entrusted to Evans Funeral Home, 648 Hamilton Road, London, Ontario (519-451-9350).

Online condolences can be expressed at www.evansfh.ca

A tree will be planted, by the Evans Funeral Home, as a living memorial to Benedict Johan Marie Linssen.