Ben Haines
Mar 29th, 2007 | 05:14 AM
#45
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 75,008
Likes: 50
When I saw the title my heart just sank. So very sorry to hear this sad news. Thank you Tim, for letting us know.
Once long ago your Uncle posted about having pedaled to a police station across town from where he lived to check on some detail for a poster who was concerned about the location of a B&B. Maybe not a big deal in the scheme of things - but an example of the enormous help he gave one and all.
Ben and I exchanged e-mails ocassionally over the years and I will miss him.
Once long ago your Uncle posted about having pedaled to a police station across town from where he lived to check on some detail for a poster who was concerned about the location of a B&B. Maybe not a big deal in the scheme of things - but an example of the enormous help he gave one and all.
Ben and I exchanged e-mails ocassionally over the years and I will miss him.
Mar 29th, 2007 | 05:29 AM
#46
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,194
Likes: 0
I have always known that I could never "pay back" all that I owed to Ben, for the inspiration, kindness and so much more... that he provided here.
Now, more than ever, I have a lot of "paying forward" to do.
Best wishes,
Rex
Now, more than ever, I have a lot of "paying forward" to do.
Best wishes,
Rex
Mar 29th, 2007 | 05:34 AM
#47
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,637
Likes: 0
Dear Tim Haines,
I've just been alerted to this thread, and felt I had to return to Fodors after a long while to post my condolences.
Oh, my, this news makes me sad. I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr Haines, but we'd corresponded offline a few times years ago when I needed some information, and he was consistently helpful, and a gentleman. I had read he'd been having health problems during recent years. I know he liked to bicycle and he knew seemingly everything there was to know about Eastern Europe and his own London. The travel-loving community has lost a great resource, and friend.Sincere sympathies to you and your family.
Elaine L
New York City
I've just been alerted to this thread, and felt I had to return to Fodors after a long while to post my condolences.
Oh, my, this news makes me sad. I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr Haines, but we'd corresponded offline a few times years ago when I needed some information, and he was consistently helpful, and a gentleman. I had read he'd been having health problems during recent years. I know he liked to bicycle and he knew seemingly everything there was to know about Eastern Europe and his own London. The travel-loving community has lost a great resource, and friend.Sincere sympathies to you and your family.
Elaine L
New York City
Mar 29th, 2007 | 05:35 AM
#48
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,549
Likes: 0
I too will miss the help provided by Ben. What a wonderful man to help complete strangers.
Does anyone know more about Ben? I'd be interested in hearing more about his background. All I know is that he was a Londoner who enjoyed train travel, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe.
It is a loss.
Does anyone know more about Ben? I'd be interested in hearing more about his background. All I know is that he was a Londoner who enjoyed train travel, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe.
It is a loss.
Mar 29th, 2007 | 06:05 AM
#52
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 36,842
Likes: 0
Ben Haines was such an eternal fountain of knowledge. I always tried figuring out whether he had a giant timetable of all trains next to him, or if he really just contained that information himself. And his disc on pubs is a real gem.
Ben, we will miss you. Wherever you're headed, I know you're traveling FIRST CLASS.
Ben, we will miss you. Wherever you're headed, I know you're traveling FIRST CLASS.
Mar 29th, 2007 | 06:21 AM
#57
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 556
Likes: 0
I'm so very sorry for your loss.
I am another longtime Fodor's member who rarely posts in recent times but I certainly know your uncle through his posts. He was obviously was very well regarded here and I thank you for taking time to let us know about his passing.
Our thoughts are with you and your family.
I am another longtime Fodor's member who rarely posts in recent times but I certainly know your uncle through his posts. He was obviously was very well regarded here and I thank you for taking time to let us know about his passing.
Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Mar 29th, 2007 | 06:25 AM
#58
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 963
Likes: 0
Dear Tim,
You and your family have my sincere condolences. I think the other posters before me have said it all. Your uncle was a true asset to this board; always helpful, patient, and never judgemental. I always loved reading his posts. They were so detailed and informative. It was clear how much he loved his city of London.
I'm sure he was a lovely man. He will be missed.
Johanna
You and your family have my sincere condolences. I think the other posters before me have said it all. Your uncle was a true asset to this board; always helpful, patient, and never judgemental. I always loved reading his posts. They were so detailed and informative. It was clear how much he loved his city of London.
I'm sure he was a lovely man. He will be missed.
Johanna
Mar 29th, 2007 | 06:39 AM
#60
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,322
Likes: 0
Rest in peace, Ben.
Once, in my early days on Fodors, I asked a question that was worded poorly and received a wonderful humbling tongue-in-cheek reply from Ben. I wish I's had a chance to meet him in person. His knowledge of London is legendary on this board, and I will miss him.
Once, in my early days on Fodors, I asked a question that was worded poorly and received a wonderful humbling tongue-in-cheek reply from Ben. I wish I's had a chance to meet him in person. His knowledge of London is legendary on this board, and I will miss him.
