Peter B. Bensinger

I had the honor of working with Peter Bensinger in his campaign for Sheriff in 1974. I met some dynamic people during this time and visited his home many times. He will be missed. My name is Genoa Giles.

Saddened by the passing of my great friend
Thoughts and prayers to all the Bensinger Family

Thank you Peter for all you did to make this world a better place. I will remember you for all your kindness and compassion. You are not only a great man you are a good man. May your soul and spirit live on .

I had the great pleasure to know Peter and work with him for a brief period when he served as Director of the Illinois Dept. of Corrections. He was a fine gentleman with a strong sense of public service. My condolences to his family.

Peter, thank you for everything. You lived a life of kindness and grace. Our blessings to you and your family. David Sandahl

In its simplest terms, Peter was one of the most extraordinary persons i have ever met. I was lucky to know him through his great friend David Decker. One of my great memories is running into him at the airport on our way to game 7 of the Cubs World Series Game in Cleveland. His beautiful blue eye beamed at me and he said " Finally, THIS is the one"

When I was a college student in the mid-1980s I read a booked titled "Stateville: Penitentiary in Mass Society" where it discussed the director of the Illinois Department of Corrections (Peter Bensinger) and the innovative approaches he implemented. Five years later I would have the privilege to work with him in his role as the Chair of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority where I worked after I graduated. Oftentimes people appointed as chair of state boards show up to a meeting once a quarter and that it is. Peter was a different Chair. Peter was committed to the success of the agency, and while he brought with him a wealth of experience, he always sought to become more educated on the topics at hand. He lead the board through complex and substantive policy deliberations, asking challenging research questions, and ensuring that all members of the board were given opportunities to contribute. Me and my colleagues would frequently meet with Peter to discuss the answers we generated in response to his research questions, and he would take the time to understand how the answers were determined and provide perspective from his professional experiences. I was recently appointed Chair of that same agency and approach the role with the same commitment that Peter modeled and instilled in me more than 30 years ago. In that small way, Peter's legacy continues.

I had the honor of working on your campaign for Sheriff including having my young daughter and friend in the parade. In all these years, I´ve always remembered you and your wife for your kindness and generosity.

Kathleen Peet Mallow

Honored to have sat in his seats at the Cubs game.

I had the honor of meeting Peter through his daughter and my dear friend, Brette. While he is most well-known for his incredible contributions to society and truly making this world a better place, what I remember most about Peter is the twinkle in his eye when Brette walked into a room, or when he spoke of her. Soulmates exist in many forms and there is no doubt that this father/daughter duo is one such form.

I was honored to work with Peter on many occasions on substance abuse policy, the Drug Free Workplace when it was initiated and other topics. He was so smart, funny and most of all kind to bring a young state employee into the fold and teach such valuable lessons.

In addition to all of Peter Bensinger's accomplishments, he reached out to parents and kids, to protect them from drugs. He and his wife, Judy, touched so many individuals, giving them information and hope. They worked through volunteer groups: Educating Voices, Pray for the Children, Drug Watch International and Illinois Drug Education Alliance ((IDEA). So many people, particularly young people, have been blessed by Peter. Judy and Jim Kreamer

Peter truly embraced the commitment to giving back. Eleven years ago, he introduced me and my wife to Jamaica, a country for which he had great love and passion. Peter sponsored a golf event annually for the Illinois PGA Foundation in Jamaica which gives a major part of the proceeds to the people of Jamaica every year. "Welcome Home" is the phrase you hear in Jamaica upon your return to the Island, a phrase that I'm sure, you my friend will hear many times over as you embark on this new Journey. God Speed.

Peter´s contributions and accomplishments to our communities is truly breathtaking. I was privileged to get to know him a bit and to have his support as a leader of CHANGE Illinois! May his memory continue to inspire us all to serve and help each other.