ANNOUNCEMENT: MR CAN'S RETIREMENT
The past 10 years I have used the Labor Day Holiday to pay tribute to American Pipe Makers who have labored to produce many of the pipes pursued by collectors. This year is different.
Two weeks ago, I was rushed to the hospital for a perforation of my stomach. My children were summoned and told that I would not survive; 3 emergency surgeries were performed (7, 5 and 2 hours) over four days; and only after 2 weeks of intensive care and hospitalization does it appear that I will survive a while longer (without any prediction of an early demise).
However, the hospital bed was a powerful place for reflection. Mike Reschke encountered health problems after the Chicago Show in May. Yet in his last e-mail to me on May 29, he told me he was getting back on eBay because "I need to be productive to some extent or the lack thereof will be my downfall." Two weeks later he was dead. I plan to go a different direction.
I have enjoyed smoking pipes and tobaccos for over 50 years. Collecting pipes was an all-consuming hobby. And, I was blessed to assemble one of the best collections of this generation. But now, I realize my time and energy was largely misplaced.
Effective immediately I am permanently retired.
Many of you are familiar with my pipes. There are many pictures online. ALL of my pipes are for sale for the same price I paid. I have records for every pipe. However, I do not have time to make lists, take pictures, or type descriptions. You must write me if you want any pipe or group of pipes. I will respond as I am able. However, so all are aware, following my death arrangements have been made to place my collection in an archive to be opened in 100 years for the benefit of some future generation.
Farewell and Happy Pipe Smoking to all my friends on eBay!
