I wonder if we could get the Fodor's editors to post an "in memory of Ben Hines who contributed so much to the other users of Fodor's" mention of Ben in the next London guidebook?

Keith

I am so sorry to learn of Ben Haines' passing. As a long time lurker, and occasional poster, I haven't been keeping up with the Europe forum in past few months and only now saw this thread.

As bookchick & Kavey describe, Mr. Haines has now joined the list of 'heavenly' Fodorites. Their contributions have been many, and will be missed. May he rest in peace.

Keith, that is a wonderful idea and a fitting tribute.

Fodor editors--how about it?

I haven't looked at Fodor's edition of London recently to see if they've already quoted Mr. Haines from one of his many posts on this forum. It certainly would be a nice tribute & acknowledgement of his extensive contribution to traveling community.

This is one of a number of times that I have wished that Fodor's had a mechanism built right into the system that permitted one to attract the attention of the Fodor's Editorial staff to a particular thread. Many other forums do: Chowhound comes to mind as an example. How about it, Fodor's?

Fodors has the mechanism that you can mail to [email protected] - - in this case. a person could choose to ask that the recipient take note of the posting on 3 July, 12:04 pm, by Keith... in particular.

I'll do that.

Thank you, Rex, for taking the intiative and I have made a note...

Tx too, Rex.

Others doing the same couldn't hurt. I wouldn't think.

I haven't posted in a long time. So sorry to read that Mr. Haines has died.

Thanks for the heads up, rex; it's a good idea.

I believe London '08 is slated to hit stores at the end of August; I'll certainly pass this on to our London editor though. Perhaps there's another alternative if that doesn't work out.

Thank you for showing your support; Ben is missed.

Ah, what sad news that I'm coming to so belatedly.

How many of us are likely to elicit such heartwarming comments and memories from so many when we pass? He touched so many lives and always with pure class.

Tim, it was brilliant of you to think to let the Fodors community know this sad news. And I can only echo what everyone else has already said about your uncle. He was most helpful to us, particularly with Dover information - and I fondly recall a brief exchange we had about "There'll be bluebirds over......" May he rest in peace.

Thank you, Katie_H!

Keith

So sorry to hear about your uncle, he seemed like such a nice man. He was one of the sources for London.

I just learned of this and am tremendously saddened. I never traveled to London without searching his postings, especially during December and the holidays. When I am next in London, I shall light a candle for him at St. Paul's and suggest we all do the same when there.

I am also deeply saddened by Ben's passing.
He helped my family with a trip to London 4 years ago. He gave us many great suggestions planned to the interests of my children.

He even emailed maps of London and helped us organize our visit.

I will always remember Ben Haines fondly. I wish I could have met him in person to thank him.

Laurie

Thank you so much for posting about your uncle. He was so helpful when I was planning my first trip to London and even emailed me invaluable information. Our trip was just fantastic. He was such a gentleman and never seemed to mind answering the most ridiculous questions and never made you feel like an idiot. The bio you posted was just wonderful.

I'm so sorry for your loss and appreciate you letting us know.

Such a loss. He'll be greatly missed.

http://www.thehill.org.uk/ben.htm

Thanks so much for posting that, bookchick.

I was just thinking about him, as I am thinking of another trip to London....

Thanks, bookchick. I especially love this line: "...a man whose generosity knew no bounds." So true for those of us who received his lavish advice.