Hi folks,  I was shocked to read about the disastrous fire at the
Bob Maes theater organ warehouse and home in yesterday's MMD posting.

I don't know how many of our MMD members have had the privilege of
dealing with Bob Maes, theater organ dealer and parts dealer extra-
ordinarie!  It seemed (to me) that anything you needed, from parts
to the largest theater organs ever made, were lovingly salvaged and
preserved for interested buyers by Bob and his staff.

Luckily, I was able to obtain "toy counters" for our organ, a theater
organ piano stop, rare "reveille bells" and other wonderful items from
his warehouse.  Our last visit included a tour of the new home he was
building in the complex.  Although the outside of the complex was
typically warehouse, the inside of the home was very plush.  Bob
was very proud of this 'business home'.

As you toured the warehouse and saw things you had never seen before,
your heart would pound with excitement and Bob would proudly say, "Look
at this  -- do you know what this is?"

And then he would say, "This fine piece is going" here and "this piece
is going" there.  You could expect Bob to receive several phone calls
while you were there, from folks all over the world needing his help.

And his pricing on everything we purchased was very fair.  For those
who are not interested in theater organs, you don't really know what
a tragic loss this is, not only to Bob and his wife, but to the entire
theater organ community around the world.  I was just preparing to send
Bob an e-mail to put in another big order for projects that are ongoing
when I read the MMD posting.  I am at a loss on where I will go now for
the items I need.

To Bob and his wife, thanks for all the help and I grieve with you over
the loss.  I can only hope that there are more theater organ goodies
around and that your business will rise from the ashes.  However, I
know personally that some items were lost that can never be replaced.

With deepest regrets for your tragic loss,

Rick and Betty Cooley