There are a lot of characters here in Chiang Mai, many of which you will remember long after you come to an event with us. one of those guys stands out more so than others though and that guy was the person we know as "Tip Toe."
Tip Toe was special because he had been a part of the Hash in many parts of the world and it was a really important part of his life. He was also special because English wasn't his first language and often he would be content to just sit in the background because he didn't feel like translating that day.
I think the most special thing about Tip Toe was that he always finished the trail. He had horrible leg problems and walked with a cane. He NEVER complained about the trails being too hilly or too long and he was very often the person who came back to the circle (where we end our runs) dead last. We liked having him there because he was very familiar with the local terrain and any newcomers needn't worry about getting left behind. He was never assigned that job, but he decided to be the "caboose" that would help out anyone who didn't know what to do next. We never had anyone get left out there under Tip Toe's watch.
Tip Toe was no young'in though, he was pretty up there in years and his health problems were right in line with what you would expect someone round 80 would be.
He volunteered to be the "beer monster" which is just someone that transports the beer to and from the events, which is a pretty special and good Samaritan job because by being the beer monster, you are not allowed to drink. We will not have the Hash House Harriers gathering a reputation of drink driving.
Tip Toe was on his way to join us for a Hash event when somehow he lost control of his bike and crashed into some other vehicles on the side of the road. We do not know what caused this. He has been driving bikes in Asia for decades so it doesn't make any sense. He also doesn't drink drive or at least never has during Hash events.
He just lost control of his bike and we carried on with the Hash event like we always do. We got a message about his passing while the circle was taking place. We had a full minute of silence and then closed the circle immediately. This is a huge blow to our organization because he was such a great guy and a testament to how great the Hash can be if you get the right people involved.
We are holding a tribute Hash for Tip Toe this Saturday and we ask everyone to bring a single flower, which will be distributed along the trail and one of the Tip Toe's favorite hiking sites in Chiang Mai.
RIP Tip Toe
Time for you to "On Up"
You will be dearly missed
