Keeping the memory alive.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if this thread could be printed out and delivered to the funeral/memorial service.
(This may have been mentioned earlier on, as I have not read all the posts).

This is truly a "Condolence book" in every sense of the word.

Rest in Peace Ben.

Actually, Celticmoon I have thought of doing so since I will be attending the funeral services next week.

I posted a question yesterday as to whether or not anyone else here is seriously planning to attend but unfortunately only one person responded and they did so to thank me for "representing" the people here.

I was hoping someone else might actually show up and am still hopeful.

Ben Haines' love and enthusiasm for London sparked our love and enthusiasm for London. My condolences to you and your family, Tim. It sounds as though your uncle lived an extraordinary life!

Ben Haines set the gold standard for knowledge, genrosity and the uncanny ability to paint a picture in his posts. Whether it be a random post about klezmer music in a London park or a specific answer to a question, he exhibited such knowledge, humanity and joy. He will no doubt be missed by his family, and friends who knew him either personally or through forums such as this one.

Tim,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your uncle was truly an exceptional poster on this board, and I'm not surprised to read in the information you've shared that he was even more exceptional in life.

I too shall think of him on his bicycle in Paris.

For so many of us on this board, even those who never e-mailed him or met him personally, Ben Haines was the face of London.

Dear Tim,
I have just seen this post, and like others, supposed it a request for information. But then I noticed the number of replies, and my heart sank.

Your uncle gave me so much information when we were planning a week trip to London - oh so many years ago. I believe it must have been about 1997. I remember that we were wondering about the subway connections close to the Burns Hotel and other questions. He responded by writing that he had actually gone (bicycled or walked) to these locations and looked for the things I was referring to. The details and concern that he showed to travelers to his beloved London were remarkable. I couldn't believe that he would take so much time to help a stranger with their worries.

Thank you for posting this message for all the people whose lives he had touched on this board. It was exactly the sort of thing that he would have done. I'm sure he was very proud of you.

Carol

And I would like to add my sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Ben Haines.

What a truly gracious man who helped many travellers to London.

For those interested - here is Dukey's report of Ben's services held this morning. . . . . .

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34972936

I think you meant http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34983535 janis...

Oops - yes you are right. I had the right one and then clicked on Tim's just to make sure there wasn't more info on that one. Then had a senior moment and used that thread's link . . . .

Thanks for straightening it out.

Although I can't think of anything new to add to the wonderful tributes to Mr. Haines, I do want to add my condolences to his family. I am thankful for his travel advice, his generosity of spirit, and his dedication to providing absolutely accurate information.
I have many of his posts saved in my travel files.
Annette

How moving indeed the many tributes to Ben Haines on Fodors talk! So many appreciated his postings. It seems that besides condolences to nephew Tim we are doing the same to many listers as well, as if we too have lost a friend...which we have even though never having met him personally. Fact is, learning more about his interests, I do wish we known each other. Thanks from one some years older than was he for further info.

ozarksbill
in Springfield, MO

There will always be an England....but it won't be the same without Ben.

Ben helped me with research on my books, he allowed me to include his extensive Christmas music events listing on my website. Just a few examples of his generosity.

I can't recall a negative posting from him--ever. Something that all of us in the online world should try to emulate.

My condolences to you and your family. Your uncle will be missed.

I run the victorianresearch.org site, on which Ben and I published his constantly updated lectures list. His last one, which he sent to me at the end of February, is here: http://victorianresearch.org/lectures.html
He was also pleased to publish his "Week of Walks" guide at http://victorianresearch.org/haineswalks.html , as well as his notes on Labour Sites around London, at http://victorianresearch.org/laboursites.html

He took infinite trouble over these guides, and the walks, especially, are filled with the kindly wisdom that was Ben's trademark. We corresponded for several years, and I was privileged to meet him at last -- for the only time, alas -- in London four years ago. I won't soon forget our lunch, or meeting his old friends at the English School Cairo reunion, or the sight of Ben expertly threading his way through Trafalgar Square traffic on his beloved bicycle. He had since had to give up those excursions, and though he suffered greatly through operations on his feet, he bore it all with great good humor and quiet dignity, all the while continuing to work at helping visitors more fully experience the city he knew and loved so well.

I'm too shocked to say more now, as I've only tonight learned the news. He was a good man and a good friend and I will miss him so very much.

Patrick Leary
[email protected]

Patrick,

I can assure you that your thoughts and feelings about Mr. Haines were well-represented/expressed at his funeral on 17 April.

That event made it very clear that this gentleman was loved and admired by a great many people.

I am so sorry to be responding to this post so late, but I just learned of Ben's death. (I myself was hospitalized and in an intensive care unit at the time of his deasth.) Dukey, thank you so much for attending Ben's funeral.

What all of you have written about Ben is certainly true: he was kind, informative, generous with his knowledge and witty without being cruel or cutting in any way toward anyone. He was "knighted" on this board for these attributes some years ago. I used to joke with other Fodorites that one of us could probably ring Ben up at 3 am, awaken him from a sound sleep, and have him accurately answer a question about train schedules anywhere in Europe!

Ben led a wonderfully full life, and despite his health difficulties, he stayed as actively engaged in his areas of interest as possible, so often serving as a guide and mentor. How wonderful to read that he was a devoted uncle and not such a great driver!

I like to think of Ben now in heaven with Wes Fowler, Miriam Birk, Ed Gehrlein, Art Hussey and Sandy Sabo, discussing his favorite train ride, if only he could select one out of his many. May this dear, kind soul look after all who travel, and rest in peace.

BC

"I like to think of Ben now in heaven with Wes Fowler, Miriam Birk, Ed Gehrlein, Art Hussey and Sandy Sabo"

What a lovely image of a heavenly Fodorites GTG!

I also like to think that when people pass away they are able to continue to explore both this world and the next, whatever that may be. Explorers in this life and in the next also.