HI  KEN

This is a message for your mom from Sharon and Brian Hayes - PE  south
Africa
"  hi BETTY JEAN
I am so glad that we will be able to get this message to you. You are in our
thoughts often
I remember so many things we did together at the coa's that I attended.
I remember the photo I took of you with Nicholas in the pram at Captiva.
I remember visiting your home and seeing your amazing map of all the places
you had been
on your travels - and most of course I remember your wonderfully funny talk
on toilets in faraway places.
Bet most people will mention that one !!!!
Wow - what lovely memories - also the boat ride and watching the dolphins in
the waves on
route to that island restaurant where all the dollar bills were stuck on the
walls.
Betty Jean - you are such a specila person. I am so glad to have met you.
You have made the
world a better place by being in it.
Maybe Brian will get to see you when he goes to Philly in November - but
even if he doesn't -
 know this - you are loved by us and so many more - memories of you will
never fade
God bless and keep you, The tall one
love and kisses
Sharon and Brian Hayes and family  "
*****

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken Piech" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2003 5:46 AM
Subject: Betty Jean Piech, aka The Tall One


> During the past month or two I have received several inquiries concerning
my
> mother, Betty Jean Piech, aka The Tall One.  Some people have heard that
my
> mother had passed away.  Within the past few days Alice and I have
received
> a shell club newsletter reporting that my mother "had passed away a couple
> of months ago."  Because this inaccurate information apparently is
becoming
> more widespread, it is probably best for me to give a brief report to this
> forum.
>
> Betty Jean Piech is in declining health, but is still very much alive.
She
> is no longer on Conch-L and rarely leaves her retirement community.
> Collecting seashells and spending time with other shell collectors were
some
> of the activities that gave her the most pleasure during the past 40
years.
> She has enjoyed knowing many of you on this list and would want me to tell
> you how much you mean to her.  She would probably also have at least one
> funny story to tell about many of you.
>
> I hope that this information addresses the well intended questions about
my
> mother.  If any of you have other questions, please contact me privately.
>
> Ken Piech, proud son of The Tall One
>