One of the sad responsibilities of anyone involved in providing information in any area is occasionally having to report the death of one of the influential members. Thus, it is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of one of the most important members of the pipe tobacco word: Craig Tarler of Cornell & Diehl. Mr. Tarler left us late last night, September 4th, after a long medical struggle.

Earlier today, Cornell & Diehl released the following:

“For the past twenty three years Craig and his partner and love of his life Patty devoted themselves to their family and his great passion, pipe tobacco and pipe smokers. Craig found pipe smokers to be among the most interesting of the people he met during his rich and full life and years of traveling the world. His genuine love of people and friendly, outgoing and larger than life personality was evident to all who came in contact with him, whether by phone or in person. On many occasions visitors would come by to visit at Cornell & Diehl and all had the same reaction, that they felt they already knew Craig and Patty from getting to know them on the phone and felt they were visiting with an old friend on their first face to face meeting.

While Craig will certainly be missed by all whose lives he touched he wouldn’t want us to be saddened by his leaving. He viewed life as a wonderful adventure, meant to be savored and experienced to the fullest and shared with others. Selfishness was a foreign concept to Craig; he gave fully and freely of himself to all he came in contact with and would wish to be remembered with a smile and a heart full of good will for others. Though our world here on earth is a bit darker, we should all be heartened by the knowledge Heaven is a bit brighter, lit by Craig’s rogueish, joyful smile and his booming voice announcing his arrival with the words, “Oh, what fun!” ”

I wish I could say that I had gotten the chance to meet Mr. Tarler, but, alas, I was not so honored. However, like many of you, I have been influenced and touched by his dedication to our hobby and his relentless pursuit of perfection.

My best wishes go out to the family that Craig leaves behind, including his wife and children. I know that his extended family (all of us) will remember him and continue to honor his memory.