By Katie Strachan
The Oshawa Express

Under the warm sunshine, Sean Bensley and his younger brother Aaron clad in matching
red chucks sit watching as musician after musician take to the stage at Memorial Park for one purpose - to celebrate the life of their late father. Glen Bensley, a musical icon in Oshawa, passed away unexpectedly Sept. 19, 2008 of a brain aneurysm leaving behind a legacy that would live on through many of Oshawa’s musically inclined.“I think he had such a significant effect on the musical community because, not only was he accepted by all musicians who came out to play at his open stages, but no matter what talent level they were at he always encouraged them to keep practicing,” says his son Sean.

“He always gave them advice on how they could improve their guitar playing.” While he touched the lives of so many musicians who were strangers to him, more importantly
he left the gift of music with his youngest son, Aaron. Aaron is as passionate about the guitar and music as his father was.“Aaron following in my dad’s footsteps is one of the most meaningful things in my life. He has so much dedication in practicing guitar and to this day my mouth still drops when I hear him play just for the fact that he's 12-years-old..

I'm so proud of him,” says Aaron’s biggest fan, his big brother. The memorial for Glen Bensley was held over the weekend. Dozens of musicians took to the stage to celebrate his life and
the wonderful music he played. His artwork was displayed for all to admire and CDs were for sale so that the tune of Bensley can carry on.“He hosted many open stages around local bars. He also played shows at different Oshawa bars as well,” recalls Sean. Bensley’s latest band was called “The Hokum Runners” with Heather Luckhart singing vocals, he says.“Seeing all those people at Memorial Park meant so much to me. It showed how much my dad is loved and missed by so many people. He definitely touched a lot of the community and other great
musicians.” Red chuck shoes seemed to be the theme at the event; many members of the audience and performers were wearing them including his sons.

“The red chucks have somewhat become a symbol of remembrance for my dad. Every time he played a show those were the shoes he wore on stage. It was almost as if they were his signature shoe, as long as they were red,” says Sean. The memorial was also about celebrating the recent news the family received. A friend of Glen put forward his name for nomination to Oshawa’s Walk of Fame, it was confirmed two weeks ago that the late musician would be inducted in early Spring 2010.“It is awesome, even though he's gone I'm still extremely proud of him and what he accomplished.” says Sean of his father.