BROKEN PIPE

It is with deep sadness that we mark the passing of our friend and brother of the briar, Michael “Doc” Garr, who passed peacefully on March 10th.

Doc lived a life rich in academia and adventure, embracing every moment with curiosity, generosity, and a wonderful sense of humor. He had a rare gift for making others feel welcome—whether sharing knowledge, telling a story, or simply enjoying a quiet smoke among friends.

Within the pipe community, Doc was more than a member—he was a builder. As one of the founders and signatories of the United Pipe Clubs of America, he helped lay the very foundation upon which so many friendships, traditions, and gatherings now stand. Over the years, he served faithfully on the Board in numerous roles, offering guidance, wisdom, and steady leadership whenever it was needed. His contributions helped shape the UPCA into the organization we know today. Doc was also an avid slow smoker, a friendly competitor, and—above all—a loyal companion at the table and in the lounge. He understood that pipe smoking was never just about the pipe; it was about fellowship, conversation, and shared moments. He gave those gifts freely to all who knew him. And though his chair may now sit empty, his presence remains in every gathering of friends, every shared bowl, and every quiet moment of reflection. Doc was a good friend, a devoted member of our community, and a man who made the world warmer simply by being in it. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Rest well, Doc.

2025 CPCC SHOW RECAP

The Vernon Vig National Pipe Smoking Contest on Saturday featured 28 participants. It was exciting to see the final two participants, Eric “Toby” Cabrera from the Long Island Pipe Club and Barry Tannenbaum of the Great Northern Pipe Club, sitting at the same table, going for 20 minutes longer than the third place contestant, before Barry finally went out. Congratulations to Eric “Toby” Cabrera for winning this year’s contest with a time of 1 hour, 2 minutes, and 39 seconds! Furthermore, Toby has already agreed to represent the UPCA in the World Championship of Pipe Smoking later this year in The Netherlands. More on that in the next few months! We would also like to congratulate the winner in the International Division, Guoqing Zhang, with a time of 34 minutes, 20 seconds. And Jules Ewart was this year’s winner in the Woman’s Division at 27 minutes, 05 seconds. Congratulations, Jules! The Merchant Service contest pipes were well-received. We thank them for their high quality work. The UPCA will be selling all remaining contest pipes. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if interested. We would also like to thank Iwan Ries for donating the Spilman Mixture. And a huge thank you to everyone who donated to the prize table. Once again, we were able to ensure that every contestant went home with a prize. The generosity of the community amazes us every year.

On Sunday The Karloski National Fast Smoke Contest was a direct competition between new UPCA Secretary Michael Bergstrom of the Seattle Pipe Club and Greg Polla of Merchant Service and the Hudson Valley Pipe Club. It was also a direct competition between corn cob and briar, as Mike used the contest pipe provided courtesy of our always generous sponsors at Missouri Meerschaum and Greg brought his own table pipe. The tobacco was Frostika 1800. In the end, the mighty cob was victorious, with Mike finishing in 7 minutes, 14 seconds.

Full list of finishers and times can be found in the documents page. www.unitedpipeclubs.org/content.aspx?page_id=86&club_id=90797

BROKEN PIPE

Vernon Vig, prominent and internationally renowned pipe collector, founder and first President of UPCA, and former President of the New York Pipe Club, passed away Thursday the 13th of February 2025. Vernon was inducted into the Confrerie des Maitres-Pipers de Saint-Claude (Brotherhood of Master Pipe Makers), the pipe version of the Hall of Fame, in 2012. He received The Doctor of Pipes at the Chicago Pipe Show in 2017. His influence on our community was deep and his knowledge was beneficial to any fellow pipe smoker lucky enough to spend time with him. With International Pipe Smoking Day coming up this week we invite you to pause a moment and reflect on Vernon, a man deeply committed to our shared hobby.

BROKEN PIPE

It is a heavy heart that I have to announce a broken pipe for the passing of Eric Karloski. He passed January 11th at 3:30 pm. He died peacefully with his Mom and Wife by his side in his home. Please take a moment to remember a fallen friend, and enjoy a bowl of your favorite tobacco in his honor. 


(Photo Courtesy of Kayla Himmelman)

NEW CLUBS

The UPCA welcomes our newest members.