Mazatlan’s Gain—Ajijic’s Loss

     Ajijic lost two of its most popular and truly altruistic residents this month when, due to health reasons, Vierl and Zoe Bunnell left to take up residence in Mazatlan. Vierl was a past-president of the Lake Chapala Society, the president of the most successful Chili Cookoffs’ that were ever put on by Ajijic, a past-treasurer of the Casa Ancianos, and served as president or head of committee on more communal help-groups than we have the space to list. It was understood that with Vierl, one also got Zoe, and together they were perhaps the most efficient organizers seen in these parts. Their generosity in giving their time and experience, along with donations from their own pockets to not only organizations, but also to individuals in their time of need was widely known. Vierl knew where and who to talk to in order to secure city services that could normally take weeks to get, and he was always willing to jump in and help. Once I was told it would take four to six weeks to have my new telephone installed. I didn’t want to wait that long and I asked for Vierl’s help. The telephone was installed two days later. Their help to individuals in running down and securing necessary paperwork to obtain Mexican documentation was legendary. Both were tenacious and tireless when they took on a project. We will miss them as friends and the Mexican community will miss their unstintingly help to others less fortunate. We wish them the best in their new digs, and send special wishes to Zoe in regaining her health.