[Jeff Renner]

Brewers

I have been touched by the outpouring of sympathy and grief from brewers literally around the world, on this forum, HBD, BJCP and private email.  He was well loved.

I have been asked for ideas on how to memorialize Ant.  Here is an email from his wife, Leonora, with what I think is a wonderful idea:

"It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that I have to do this.  As much as Nicola, Daniel and I have lost you have as well.  Ant touched everyone that he met and made us all feel special.  We will be holding a funeral service for him on Thursday, 12 May at 3 pm. The service will be held at St. John's Church, Foxbush, Hildenborough, TN11 9HT. Tea will follow in the hall.

Thanks for all you messages, condolences and love.  I would appreciate it if you would not send flowers but rather donate to "Holding On, Letting Go".   
http://www.justgiving.com/Leonora-Hayes 
This is a charity that specialises in supporting grieving children of Nicola and Daniel's age. Please don't feel obligated to do donate. Your love and support is enough for us. "

I know from my own mother's experience how a parent's suicide can have lasting mental health harm if unaddressed, and I am so glad that this organization is available for Ant's children.

I encourage you to contribute if you knew Ant, and perhaps your local homebrew club can do so as well.  AABG is.

[seanza]

Hi Jeff,

Yes... It wasn't exactly good news... Specially in the wake of yet another massive contribution by bringing the BJCP to the UK.

In response to your question. I have managed to get hold of the guys in Australia and New Zealand to reussrect the 'Tri-Nations' of beer. A beery version of the Rugby event held between the three countries every year.

I know Ant was instrumental in the creation of this competition. I feel resurrecting it would be the minimum I could do to honor his memory.

Sean
(One of that first group to pass the BJCP exam outside of Continental N. America.)

[Jeff Renner]

Thanks, Sean.  This is indeed a fitting tribute.  As chance would have it, I am at this very moment wearing my 2003 Tri-Nations tee-shirt that you guys gave me on my trip.