A master craftsman of musical instruments and a well-known musician in flamenco and middle eastern music circles, passed away in his sleep on June 20th, 2002. Born on October 16, 1939 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Henri led a very colorful life, traveling the world and making many friends in the music industry and elsewhere. He moved with his parents and sister from Holland to Western Australia after WWII, where he helped his father build their house from the ground up. In 1959, he immigrated to the United States, settling in Southern California and quickly becoming a name in the music industry and as an expert craftsman repairing and constructing musical instruments. Henri picked up guitar at age 11 and began playing professionally in 1964. Flamenco guitar was his first love, but in the mid-1970's he became heavily involved in Middle eastern music as well, playing the Oud and dumbek. He met his wife, a middle eastern dancer, around the same time and together they performed extensively. Henri has recorded and written much middle eastern and flamenco music and has performed on several T.V. shows. In addition, he played background music for film. He was known as the best in the business of repairing and constructing musical instruments, especially for his fine craftsmanship with inlay. He had a unique ability to make a great guitar phenomenal and musicians sent their instruments to him from all over the country. Henri is survived by his wife, Starlyn Grover-Besancon, whom he loved dearly, his son, Jean Louis Besancon, of whom he was incredibly proud, his mother, Ann Besancon, to whom he was tremendously devoted, his sister, Anneke Mendiola, with whom he shared a very special bond, and his nephews and niece, Miguel Mendiola, Jean-Thierry Mendiola and Anna Mendiola, for whom he was "Unc". A memorial will be held at the Costa Mesa Country Club in Costa Mesa, California on Sunday, July 21, 2002 at 4:00 p.m. Unc, you are much loved and sorely missed. Keep on playing. Until we meet again.
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