Balin with TehanuWith sadness TheOneRing.net announces today the passing of staff member, friend and Tolkien fan ‘Balin’. He was a fixture on the TORn chat room (Barliman’s) where he made many virtual friends that became close personal friends from around the globe.
Balin moderated Barliman’s with wit and humor and his good nature and knowledge on a wide range of topics that will be missed. He also was instrumental for TORn in establishing the scholarly track at the ORC and ELF events and helped to bridge the gap between scholars and Lord of the Ring movie fans.
Most of all Balin will be missed by friends and family for the wise, humourous and thoughtful person that he was. Private services will be held for his family.
Balin’s family had this to say to his closest friends and TORn staff: “We want to thank everyone for all the kind words and support you have given us. Balin thrived on the camaraderie and friendship he found in all of you, and we thank you for all the care, love, and friendship you have given him and us.”
The death followed a long illness in which Balin stayed active and enjoyed his family and friends with vigor and joy. He was a TORn regular at conventions and gatherings, making many friends and closing many bars.
TheOneRing.net extends its deepest sympathies to Balin’s family, now also friends of the Tolkien community. We loved your father and husband and will cherish our memories of him.
Add your comments to the condolences thread on TheOneRing.net message board here. Friends of Balin’s are gathering in the site’s chat room to share their memories.
Do you have a photograph with Balin? We are collecting images to post into a special scrapbook gallery devoted to his memory. Please email them to spymaster@theonering.net.
In lieu of flowers, Balin’s family are suggesting donations in his memory to the Joliet Area Community Hospice or the Colon Cancer Alliance. If you should choose to donate, please indicate the donation in memory of Gregory Grieman.
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From Yahoo!: Actress Liv Tyler poses for photographers during arrivals at the premiere of the film Lonesome Jim, in New York, Tuesday, March 21, 2006. Lonesome Jim is the latest directorial effort by actor and director Steve Buscemi. [More]
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Dominic Monaghan’s Golden Globe winning show ‘Lost’ is on tonight at 9PM EST on ABC. TORN’s chatroom now has a special ‘Lost’ screening room, login to #lost at 9PM and watch with fans from around the country! [ABC.com] [TORN Chat]
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TORONTO — Move over, The Lion King. Another epic adaptation is nipping at your heels — one even longer and more commercially extravagant. The Oscar-winning Lord of the Rings franchise is now moving to the stage. It opens Thursday in Toronto. In fact, when the new stage version of The Lord of the Rings opens Thursday at the Princess of Wales Theatre, it will become the most expensive theater project on record, having cost $23.2 million. But veteran producer Kevin Wallace would rather you not focus on the price tag. “I’m skeptical of people being impressed by the money,” Wallace says. “It is The Lord of the Rings, which meant that there would have to be a great deal of research and development before we even went into a rehearsal room.” [More]
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Bruce Hopkins writes: I am just wanting to let you know that on my web site there is now a link to a photo gallery of absolutely stunning shots from the theatre show I was in at the recent Wellington International Arts Festival The Holy Sinner. The Holy Sinner had Cliff Curtis (Bringing Out The Dead, Three Kings, Runaway Jury, Blow) in the lead role. Also in the show were Cameron Rhodes (Farmer Maggot), and Ian Hughes who was a featured Gondorian in ROTK. LOTR’s Grant Major was the designer of the show. Cheers, and all the best for whatever is going on in your life.
By the way while in Wellington I called in for 5 minutes, as that was all the time I had before having to be at a show, to say hi to Tehanu, Vic James, Suzie Knight and a Red Carpet Tour group, who were having dinner at a nice restaurant up from the Embassy Theatre. It was wonderful to meet another group of LOTR enthusiasts. [More]
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