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Technology Stocks : THQ,Inc. (THQI) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Marc Newman who wrote (13651)	3/16/2000 4:00:00 PM
From: Joe Btfsplk	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 14266

With deep regret I am reposting this from the AOL board. Perhaps there are other friends of David Haines who haven't yet heard. Subject: David Haines was one of the good guys.. From: ednak@aol.com (EdNak) Date: 15 Mar 2000 21:27:18 EST For those of you who have only read his posts, David was one of the good guys. Ric, who was David's room mate at UCLA, sent the following message so a few of us, and I would like to share it with you. ----------------------------------- Some of you already know what this letter is about but for others this is the first time you've heard about it. On Thursday, February 24, one of my best friends, David Haines, died suddenly and most unexpectedly. I have sent this email to all the names from the AOL THQI board who I know Dave has corresponded with or met. I hope I have not included anyone in this list who would rather have not received this letter. If there are others you know would like to be informed, feel free to forward this letter. For those who have already known and have been wondering what happened, here are the only details we are likely to find out about his death. It seems that we may never know exactly what happened: He left work on his lunch hour and decided to go to his gym for a swim. He did not tell anyone he was doing this. He purchased a pair of swimming briefs on his way. After a vigorous swim (Dave was a professional triathlete off and on) he went to a detached building that housed a Jacuzzi. He was found four hours later at the bottom of the tub. He did not drown, suffer a heart attack nor an aneurysm. The toxicology report came back today and there was evidence of antihistamine in his system but not a toxic dose. In fact, there was no pill residue or evidence of needle use. His family was going through the flu at the time so this is not odd. He may have taken a liquid medication. The only theory is that the combination of the heavy workout, relaxing Jacuzzi and drowsiness from the medication caused him to fall into a deep sleep. However, this does not explain how he died before he had time to drown. But that's all the coroner said. It was ruled an accident. Dave left behind two children - Meghan is less than a year old and Christopher is 3 1/2 - and his wife Stephanie. The few people I have told before now have asked how they could help the family and I have only now been able to get information from the family. Apparently Dave's children are the beneficiaries of a family trust that will take care of their college needs under a specific provision as well as provide other benefits during their life. However, the vast amount of these provisions kick in during adulthood. Many people know Dave lost a large portion of his wealth on sour margin-related THQ transactions during a couple of the last disasters. He left no significant life insurance or other assets and had only recently gone back to work to support the family. Hence, for those who have asked how they can help, the needs they have are more for current cash support than children's college funds. Stephanie married into Dave's investor lifestyle at a young age (she is still only 27) and has to think about a career for the first time and has two children to raise. The following are details on the David Haines Memorial Fund, started by their neighbors, even though they had only moved in a few months ago. Stephanie has already had to use this fund for the children's needs. Please do not feel obligated to contribute. No one is keeping track. David Haines Memorial Fund Olympia Federal Savings 2420 Harrison N.W. Olympia, WA 98502 360-754-3430 Condolences may be sent to: Stephanie Haines 3530 33rd Way N.W. Olympia, WA 98502 I have fielded questions about specific kinds of gifts. THQ stock at first sounded like a fitting gift for the children but then the questions arise as to how long to hold it and whether it will always be a good investment and so forth...so I would discourage it but in any case leave it to each individual's discretion. I have also been asked about bonds for the children. Since, as I said, college may be taken care of (Of course, who knows how much college will cost in 20 years and Steph does not know the exact details of the Haines Trust), I would recommend something not necessarily tied to college but regular long term savings bonds would be fine. David is also survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Haines and a sister (don't know the other names). If you are a prayerful person, prayers are welcome. The family is Catholic. To not leave this on a completely dour note, let me share the following quote from Dave when we were discussing our faith a while back: "Each night I pray to God to protect my wife, my children and THQ." Best Regards, Rick