Broken Pipe...
It is truly with my deepest sorrow that I inform you of the passing of our beloved briar brother and long-time Club member, Z (Zdenek) Kriz, who passed away peacefully in his sleep, at home during the night of Sunday, Sept. 18th. Many of you know that Z was battling a serious illness for the last several years.
I received a call on Monday, Sept. 19th from our past president, Vernon Vig, informing me of this terribly sad news. Vernon told me that he was fortunate to have spent a wonderful day with Z in the week prior and delivered the card we all signed for him at our Sept. Monthly Meeting, which brought great joy to Z upon reading all the well wishes. We were all pulling for Z and Vernon also told me that, although battling the illness and the treatments, Z was able to live his final days with great quality. Over those last few days he became increasingly tired and that night he laid his head down to rest for the last time. As soon as I receive information regarding his viewing and funeral arrangements I will let you know.
Please join me in raising bowls in memory and honor of our dear friend and brother Z, if you did not have the pleasure of meeting him, I can tell you that he was one of the nicest, kindest and gentlest souls I have ever had the privilege of knowing. We will all miss him. On behalf of the entire NY Pipe Club, I extend our deepest condolences to Z's wife and family at this time of sorrow.