Marlene

I think you are right. I get too riled up! He is so creative with the names he puts on things. I haven't been collecting that long and I struggle and struggle to try and figure out what it is! I usually end up thinking Vacor or something like that. But to just make up names... Yes, there are others doing it, too, that's for sure. If and when I start selling I'm am always always always going to say if I'm not sure what kind it is. OK, I'm calming down. I will talk to him and suggest that he might like to join the board and post pictures. That's a better thing to do. Thank you! I really mean it, Thank you Al Oregon! Marlene

His name is appropriate (play4funman), except that he's having all the fun...ripping people off. It's as if he's just making things up as he goes along. I'm looking at Item # 160922409236 described as a five color handmade. Don't quite see that! I wrote to him about it. I'm going to start reporting him I think. Anybody else?

Adorable! Both of you!

Wow, I think I'm going to stop buying marbles and start buying barns!!!

Well, I went to the Celebration of Life today. I'm not too good at those, but it was very nice. And a lot of people were there. A lot. They had a slide show that was wonderful. And too sad. Yes, I am sure going to miss him, too. He lived just a few miles from us, so I've been over there many, many times. He even came over to our place a couple times and looked at some of my marbles. Mostly he would say "not that old" because he liked the really old lutz and others. But once in a while, we would come across some in my hoard, I mean collection , that he would judge to be old. Once in a while. Really going to miss him. And I feel so bad for his wife and kids that I can't even express it here.

Beautiful Bob! Just beautiful. AND priceless. Marlene

Mike was a member of the now defunct Midwest Marble Club (Minneapolis, MN) and also traveled to Amana, Iowa for the shows there. He was a dear friend and my marble mentor. Michael Keith VanKempen Sign Guest Book Michael VanKempen 11/28/1953-10/23/12 With sadness we announce the passing or our husband, father, son, brother and friend, Mike VanKempen. Mike was a valiant fighter for almost 3 years in his battle against pancreatic cancer. Though his body lost the battle, his spirit won. Mike was born November 28, 1953 in Minneapolis where he grew up, went to school, and worked. He was employed by the the City of MPLS for 31 years until his retirement. He is survived by many loving family members and friends; wife Connie; children Andy, Laura and Olivia; parents Ruby and Ervin; brothers Ron(Joyce), Jim(Mary), and Gary(Beth), plus many other cousins, aunts, nephews, and nieces. He was preceded in death, by his brother Steve. Mike loved fishing, so it was appropriate that he left us on a perfect fishing day; overcast, a slight breeze and with colors of fall bright against the grey sky. This was the first in 40 years that his absence was felt from the annual Northsider’s Muskie Tourney, where he fished Lake of the Woods with his childhood friends from the North side. He was an avid collector of antique marbles and was very happy to share his interest with anyone who wanted to learn or just look. He was also a skilled and meticulous carpenter and woodworker who helped many friends and relatives with projects over the years. Mostly he was a loving and dedicated husband and father. He was present at all school events and his kid’s activities, and consistently reinforced the importance of education. He coached many sports over the years and was able to see his children graduate from college and begin their careers. He was a very strong, funny and honest man who always made his family feel safe and loved. He will be deeply missed. Celebration of life at 11 AM on Thursday, November 1st at Shepherd of the Valley Church in Apple Valley. Gathering of family and friends one hour prior. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers. The family would like to thank the Fairview Hospice team, the SOTV pastoral staff, Aunt Joyce and all the friends, neighbors and relatives who blessed us, helped us, and encouraged us during Mike’s illness. The light of God shines through all of you. The actual link is below: http://www.whitefune...930&fh_id=11395

BigJohn, Just take care of yourself! That will be thanks enough. AND give us an update whenever you can even if it's just that you are maintaining for now. AND drink lots of water, I think! Your friend, Marlene

Big John posted a reply under the new forum I obnoxiously made called About Big John. I'll try to copy it and post it beneath this note. from Marlene (John's new "big sister") P.S. I don't think it's going to let me copy his post. Please go to the new "About Big John" for an update from the man himself.

Steph, it's the least I can do! He just seems like such a nice person. He helped his daughter and her husband-to-be so much that I think he ended up with not too much left for himself! Thank YOU, Marlene

Hi, I am trying to get the word out that Big John is having some serious health problems. If you would care to read more, please go to O/t- Need Thoughts And Prayers Please. I don't mean to misuse this board, but I want to let anyone and everyone know who might want to hear about it. Thanks, Marlene

Hi EVERYBODY, I asked Big John for his street address and I will let you know as soon as I get it. He is so thankful for any help, but embarrassed to need it. Well, we all need a little help sometimes so... Between the pain and infection, I think he just wants me to try and keep updating everyone until he feels better and more clear-headed. He's been to the doctor twice and has some meds to pay for also. And he will be applying for some health care now. His daughter is coming to stay with him soon. He would like all of YOUR ADDRESSES so he can send a little care package at some point in the future. Probably p.m. would be best for that. If anyone has any suggestions, corrections, whatever, I'd appreciate any ideas. I'm kind of muddling along here! Marlene

Wow, I am almost speechless. Unbelievable marbles! Wish I would have got into this "hobby" sooner and could stay in it longer! Just beautiful marbles!

Hi again EVERYBODY, Before I forget I want to put an email address out here and then I'll put out some more information. The email address is: [email protected] That's Big John's email address. He needs surgery and also needs one of his daughters to stay with him afterwards. He doesn't have enough money for either one. (She would need help with transportation costs to get to him). The doctor wanted him to go straight to the hospital but he felt that he had to go home. No money for hospital, surgery, home care afterwards, etc. He has a herniated intestine that will soon be strangled off and will cause him further illness and will lead to his death. He is in the process of applying for various assisted health care but that always involves waiting and waiting... If anyone has any suggestions other than what I am about to suggest, please feel free to write to him or to me or to the open board here. I am going to be sending him some money at his email address. He has always been a kind person and friendly to me. I do not know him personally except for on this board. I am in Minnesota and have been living with my man for over 15 years. So it isn't a romantic thing or anything like that. I just want to help him now before it is too late. So I'm going to cut back on my marble buying and other little extras to help a marble buddy Big John. If any of the rest of you would want to do the same, I am sure you will hear from him about how much it is appreciated. If we can even get a few hundred dollars to him, I know it would make a world of difference. He could get his daughter to his side and have some money for a few expenses like FOOD etc. He could at least start with the process of keeping himself ALIVE. I'm not good at asking people to do things for some pie-in-the-sky reason, but this is our friend, our MarbleConnection friend, Big John. That's all I got. I'm sending him some cash and I hope anyone else who cares about him will, too.

Hi EVERYBODY, Big John asked me to give all of you an update. He is frustrated! And still sick. They have him on a new antibiotic and hopefully that will be at least a temporary fix. He is also working on trying to get some health coverage going so that more tests can be done and more treatment. He would greatly appreciate continued support in your thoughts and prayers. Greatly appreciated! Marlene

Thanks for further info. It really is something else, isn't it!

Beautiful in the pictures! Thanks for the link. I tried to find it earlier but couldn't. Now to watch for the price. Do they ever say where the marbles came from? Like from an estate or whatever? Killermarbles, sorry you didn't get it but you have to draw the line somewhere I think.

Wow, is the most I can say without "cursing" on Sunday!! Holy ----, is what I'd really like to say! Any pictures?

Big John, Give us an update with any info when you can. Worried about you big guy! Marlene

Saw that on and others on your Facebook page! Spectacular eye candy!!!

QUICK!!! More paper bow_ls!

Too funny!

Yes, same from Minnesota. Hope you get relief soon. (BIG HUG)

I second that VTAndrea!

John, Very glad to hear it! Marlene