Advice Needed (member of our local community died - widow overwhelmed)

#1
My good friend and fellow reefer Ike Icenhour (yes real name) recently passed away(stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosed 7 months ago). He was a local State Farm agent with an office in Aurora (south of Mississippi and Chambers), and had his main tank (and nice old acrylic 150 gallon reef ready) in said office. His widow is contacting me in a panic as State farm has demanded removal of said tank (Fully stocked with nice coral and fish last time I saw it) by this Friday. She was made to understand she had 'till the end of July. I told her I'd reach out out to this community for ideas or assistance. It would be great if someone was interested in just coming for the entire thing in the next few days. When I thought she had more time, I recommend she hold a fire sale on the weekend and clear it out, but it appears even a tighter deadline. I imagine there is some value in the livestock still, assuming its been maintained in his absence. The tank itself isn't junk (he wanted to upgrade to glass), has a custom hood and stand with magnetic panels etc., I built him a custom acrylic refugium a few years back for it. It would be a great way for someone willing to put some hard work moving it to get a great deal, just to help out the Widow.

Any thoughts or input are appreciated. I know some of you knew or met Ike over the last 20 years and a few guys on this site where still helping with his tank up to his passing a few weeks ago, he was a great and funny man, and I hope we can ease at least this part of his Wife's turmoil.

Chris
 

Haddonisreef

Orca
M.A.S.C Club Member
#2
So sorry to hear!! Not sure where I can help but when a plan is made for tear down let us know and some folks might be able to help.
 

MuralReef

Administrator
Staff member
M.A.S.C Club Member
M.A.S.C. B.O.D.
MASC Vice-President
#4
This is close to me too. Let me know if there is anyway I can help.
 
#6
Wow guys, thanks for the responses and PMs already. I'm going to reach out to Barb (his widow) and clarify access and such. I know she mentioned a fire sale on the livestock at least, so It would be nice to get creative (I might get some of it in my tank so I can resell). Would be nice if she could get some small part of what the equipment is worth too, but the whole situation means she may be out of options. He probably put 5k in the tank originally and certainly updated the components over the years. I know up 'till his diagnosis, he was still buying livestock here and there, and good higher end stuff last time I was at the office (over a year ago). I will try to get access or more information shortly.
 

Mermaid Gardens

Anthias
M.A.S.C Club Member
#7
We are close and would probably be able to help as well.

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#8
All. I love this hobby and even more so this local community. Barb just informed me that one of her neighbors has offered to take the tank and her family has helped her coordinate the logistics and deal. A huge burden off her back. Thanks so much for reaching out to offer help. You all rock.
 
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