Pipe Smoking Tobacco

On Wednesday evening, 27 February, My Friend, Bjarne Nielsen, died of a heart attack. I last enjoyed a visit from him on November 2, 2007 at my nephew's tobacco shop, in Santa Maria, California. I remember he was always energetic, very kind and intelligent--and I always learned things from just talking with him. Everytime he visited us out here--it was just like Christmas morning when you get to open presents with the whole family! There was always a little twinkle and laughter in his eye, when he smiled at you! I bought a few pipes from him--for my nephew's store, I always insist on the selection of freehand pipes personally, and Bjarne's pipes always met my criteria and standards of quality and creativity and price. Bjarne was always very patient and polite during all business transactions. He trusted people with their word and a handshake. He was a tobacconist and pipemaker from "Old World School" of tobacconists, as I am myself. Bjarne will always be remembered as an Ambassador To The Entire World of Pipesmokers. I am happy to have called him my friend--and I'm happy to have given him my first freehand pipe I carved myself--when I placed it in his hands and told him that it was his--you should of seen him smile! After all--he told me in so many words--"Any pipe he makes--the reason is to make somebody happy". I think that is why we were blessed with Bjarne Nielsen. I will always remember him and all his kind deeds. We will never forget Bjarne!
--Eric Whitaker

Celebrate smoking your pipe with fellow pipesmokers around the world, on February 20th, designated INTERNATIONAL PIPE SMOKING DAY. I firmly believe that if we all smoked our pipes more regularly--the World we live in would be a much better place for everybody--because there would be a lot more happiness and contentment!
It doesn't matter what pipe you smoke, but I'm sure each pipe smoker has a favorite! The same goes for tobaccos--although I have more than one favorite, several serve my pleasure well.
Best Wishes, Eric