Ken Vinen and Planning

For reasons I cannot put my finger upon, there was something that
caught my fancy about Matthew Caulfield's recent lament to the late
Ken Vinen.  I didn't know Ken, but I did correspond with him when
I wanted information about Canadian made players, and I must agree
that he was a generous correspondent.

I further agree that in looking at his "postography" in MMD, it is
impressive to see the number of his contributions over twenty odd
years, across a wide range of topics.  He was obviously a man with a
passion and considerable knowledge in the mechanical music community.

In reviewing some of these many postings, however, one paragraph from
his MMD article, "The Future of Mechanical Music" [2014.08.11 MMDigest],
stood out, to me:

"I'm happy to still have a house filled with six pianos and loads of
music boxes, jukeboxes, and phonographs, which I treasure and play all
the time, and I say sorry in advance to the poor soul who will have to
clear this old house out when I am no longer here.  Until then, this
collection has great personal value to me and when it does get disposed
of, I won't be here to worry about the cash value!"

So obviously, that time is now at hand for this "poor soul".  I don't
know if the situation is unfolding exactly as Ken foresaw five years
ago, but if so: why choose to leave it this way?

I mean no disrespect in asking the question, but why leave this
formidable task to loved ones, friends or even strangers who will
already have so much on their plate when the time comes?

I simply find it curious and wonder what consideration other readers
give this matter, while admitting that it is not an easy circumstance
to resolve.

Ian Gillis