Michigan Cichlid Association
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: GrizzlysDad on December 22, 2012, 05:56:04 PM
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Now, for a little editorial from yours truly:
I knew John Piippo for quite a few years but mostly just in passing, you know, seeing each other at auctions or fish meetings. We were never within each others "smaller circle" of friends. Then I sat and talked with him this past November at the OCA convention until the wee hours of the morning. It was then that he told me he was dying, and I was floored to say the least.
We of course talked about the fish hobby, the fun times at auctions, and his desire and passion for young people to get into the hobby. I never knew how deep his passion ran. We also talked about the veterans of the hobby sharing their knowledge with the newcomers, and that was when he paid me some very flattering compliments. After talking to him so long and getting to see what an extremely experienced hobbyist he was, it meant even more to get these compliments.
I am very glad that I knew John, but even more that I got to know him better this year, even if it was only for a short time.
I guess the moral of this story is that we should try to get to know each other better and be sure to share our experience with the younger generation.
And to the people that now have John's collection of fish and/or equipment, please take a moment every so often and remember where it came from...a very passionate and dedicated hobbyist.
Rest In Peace John.
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Nice words.
John was at the ACA this past year and we where sharing the same table during the BITCH / Babes auction. I have to say John's shock, disbelief and embarrassment at how the auctioneers and runners behaved was probably more entertaining than lap dances or tequila shots. I have a short video of it - I'll try to find it.
We also talked about the veterans of the hobby sharing their knowledge with the newcomers, and that was when he paid me some very flattering compliments. After talking to him so long and getting to see what an extremely experienced hobbyist he was, it meant even more to get these compliments.
Tony - keep in mind though that everyone in that room was severely intoxicated at the time. LOL. I'm envisioning a room full of guys slurring their words claiming they love each other.
No, I love you man. You're the greatest. What you do for the hobby is just amazing. Really. Really. Really. No stop. Stop. Serious. I love you man.
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Tony don't let what any one says ruin the memory of the conversation
Maybe it is just the people who say everyone one was trashed were the few that were
Not everyone who go to functions and speak their feelings get drunk
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Nice words.
John was at the ACA this past year and we where sharing the same table during the BITCH / Babes auction. I have to say John's shock, disbelief and embarrassment at how the auctioneers and runners behaved was probably more entertaining than lap dances or tequila shots. I have a short video of it - I'll try to find it.
We also talked about the veterans of the hobby sharing their knowledge with the newcomers, and that was when he paid me some very flattering compliments. After talking to him so long and getting to see what an extremely experienced hobbyist he was, it meant even more to get these compliments.
Tony - keep in mind though that everyone in that room was severely intoxicated at the time. LOL. I'm envisioning a room full of guys slurring their words claiming they love each other.
No, I love you man. You're the greatest. What you do for the hobby is just amazing. Really. Really. Really. No stop. Stop. Serious. I love you man.
Jeff, it was Tony, John& I. We were out in the lobby sitting on the couches & it was Saturday night/morning. So it wasn't like We were all trashed, especially since John didn't drink. Sorry to ruin your imaginary drunken man love fest. :P
As far as the ACA BITCHES auction.... Yeah John was telling Tony& I all about it, lol.
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Jeff, it was Tony, John& I. We were out in the lobby sitting on the couches & it was Saturday night/morning. So it wasn't like We were all trashed, especially since John didn't drink. Sorry to ruin your imaginary drunken man love fest. :P
Awww. Buzz kill.
I really need to find a copy of that video from ACA BITCH auction.
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Tony well said :'(
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Tony
Words well written my friend. Like I said to you earlier at Johns apt, its people like you that make this world a better place, You are a true friend to the people in this hobby and to anyone that crosses your path
Rich
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Here is a video from the BITCH auction. John is obviously in the foreground. I was drinking so video has a lot to be desired.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tHEhMYMnls
Also here are some pictures with John from that same auction.
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Jeez he looks MUCH younger than I would have expected, how old was he? what did is pass away from if I may ask, because he looks around the same age as me (early 40's) and not at all what I would have thought age wise :(
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I guess he was 60. But I too thought he was much younger.
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Jeez he looks MUCH younger than I would have expected, how old was he? what did is pass away from if I may ask, because he looks around the same age as me (early 40's) and not at all what I would have thought age wise :(
John was only 58 and I believe it was congestive heart failure.
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He looked younger than that, but still even 58 is way to young to leave this world :-[