Van55

[Ginseng]

Such sad news. I am sorry to hear of his passing and sorrier still we never had a chance to meet and smoke together. RIP, Van.

Wilkey

[CigarmanTim]

RIP

[Yoruba Hacker]

Had the honor and priveledge of sharing his company and fine cigars here in Boston not long ago. I'd "known" him for several years and we spoke on the phone frequently while working through a joint project, but that was our first face to face. Really glad I had that chance.

Great guy. Funny and genuine. Top shelf gentleman. Really gonna miss him. Really sad.

[thechenman]

RIP Van. Truly sad news...

[Michel1968]

Terrible... RIP Van

[sharks]

RIP Van, Condolences to family and friends

[Ryan]

That really is sad news. I just saw it on another forum. I had thought he was doing better. RIP.

[Ken Gargett]

just awful news. very very sad. RIP.

[Smallclub]

Very sad news indeed. Van was a true gentleman. RIP.

[Guest rob]

This news really sucks.

Van was such an argumentative stubborn prick - and I loved that about him!! He was also passionate, loyal and a true BOTL.

Rest in peace, Amigo. Even though we never met, we spoke a few times.... and I'll miss you.

[greenpimp]

My condolences. Very sad news.

[brutusthebuckeye]

RIP Van....

[FrankBlack87]

very sad news. my thoughts go out to his family. RIP Van......

[mazolaman]

Rest in peace.

[El Presidente]

What an immense shock to log in now and find this out.

Van sent me a PM only the day before yesterday asking about this and that. I replied and did wonder why there was no response yesterday. Now I know. I amsure Van didn't see it coming from his correspondence.

I have had the pleasure to know Van. We have supped together,had cigars and drinks together. We have corresponded and spoken on the phone over many years covering many issues. Van always liked to cover the big issues !LOL!.

He was a straightshooter. I always knew where he stood on any issue and he knew mine. He may not have agreed with mine but he always listened to the rationale and respected the opinion. It is too rare a quality.

Van had a real love for cigars and the people who enjoyed them. He was instrumental in builidng a great cigar community and went out of his way to get away from behind the computer screen and catch up with people and share a chat and a laugh.

I was hoping to have caught up with him at Skinfest last September before the trip was shelved due to Lisa's pregnancy worries. No problem I thought, I can catch up with him next year. He was well on top of his cancer battle and looking forward to the future. How I regret now I didn't make it. What a lesson.

Rest in Peace Van and condolences to your family and many friends. You can now catch up with Chuck/Tampa and share a laugh and a cigar. I will see you both soon enough.

[ksblazer]

He was one of the guys that I looked up too, when I first got started.

He was very active in the cigar forums and will be missed.

RIP

[Wil]

Very sad news. Rest in peace.

[Figaro]

I remember his name here and on another forum. May he Rest in Peace.

[bostnbill]

Van will be truly missed by all in the cigar community and his brothers over at HCF. I know the hurt runs deep. Like Yoruba Hacker, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Van up in Boston, a few months back. Van was a true gentleman to all in our community.

Rest in Peace, Van. One of a kind.

[sepp]

A great loss indeed! RIP Brother.

[TWalker]

My deepest condolences to van's friends and family.

Sad news indeed.

RIP, van55.

[kcheek]

Rest in Peace Van. Didn't get a chance to meet you, but I can tell you were loved by many. Condolences to the family.

[SethG]

Wow, very sad. I'll miss his commentary for sure.

[KarlJ]

Rest in peace brother

[Manny Sotelo]

RIP Van55, I had the pleasure of interacting with him over at the CA forums many years ago when I began this hobby.....

Manny Fresh...