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Old Mar 29th, 2007, 04:46 AM
  #41  
 
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Oh my, that makes me sad. You just knew he was a first class gentleman from his posts. He was always so kind. I will miss him.
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Old Mar 29th, 2007, 04:58 AM
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Dear Tim,

I'm so sorry to hear this news. Your uncle Ben was such a helpful person and full of excellent information and advice. I've read his posts on Fodor's for many years and will always remember him fondly.
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Old Mar 29th, 2007, 05:02 AM
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Such a sad shock - his helpfulness was an example to us all.
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Old Mar 29th, 2007, 05:03 AM
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I am so sorry.

Your uncle's notes were always kind, thoughtful, thorough...and provided a wealth of helpful information. He has left us quite a legacy!
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Old Mar 29th, 2007, 05:14 AM
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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.
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Old Mar 29th, 2007, 05:29 AM
  #46  
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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
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Old Mar 29th, 2007, 05:34 AM
  #47  
 
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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
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Old Mar 29th, 2007, 05:35 AM
  #48  
 
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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.
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Old Mar 29th, 2007, 05:48 AM
  #49  
 
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Rest in peace, Ben, and thank you for your irreplaceable good will and your immense depth of knowledge.
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Old Mar 29th, 2007, 05:57 AM
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I add my sincere condolences to everyone else's. A sad loss indeed ...

Steve
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Old Mar 29th, 2007, 06:00 AM
  #51  
 
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Ben Haines was a true gentleman in all respects. Always available to help in a kindly manner, he made many journeys more than trips. Thanks, Gentle Ben.

Cheers,

Jinx Hoover
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Old Mar 29th, 2007, 06:05 AM
  #52  
 
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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.
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Old Mar 29th, 2007, 06:08 AM
  #53  
 
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A true gentleman and always non-judgmental and so polite - just lots of helpful information and we will miss Big Ben.

Just curious - i wonder how old Ben was?
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Old Mar 29th, 2007, 06:09 AM
  #54  
 
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Rest in peace Mr. Haines, we shall miss you.
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Old Mar 29th, 2007, 06:12 AM
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Very sad news.
His knowledge was much appreciated.
He will be missed by so many.
Sincerest condolences to you and your family.
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Old Mar 29th, 2007, 06:15 AM
  #56  
 
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I'm so sorry to hear this, Tim. My condolences to your family on your loss.

Ben was such a helpful and knowledgeable contributor on this forum. He will be greatly missed.
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Old Mar 29th, 2007, 06:21 AM
  #57  
 
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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.
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Old Mar 29th, 2007, 06:25 AM
  #58  
 
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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
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Old Mar 29th, 2007, 06:32 AM
  #59  
 
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Ben will be missed and remembered.
My condolences go out to all of Ben's family.
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Old Mar 29th, 2007, 06:39 AM
  #60  
 
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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.

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