Special Edition ---
Issue No. 45–October 2006

INTRODUCTION

The Akumalian is sad to report that we have lost another historic part of the Akumal community.  On Wednesday, September 20^th, Akumal lost another friend and pioneer, William “Bill” Guynes, who finally succumbed to a long illness. 

ADIOS BILL GUYNES

This is Bill’s obituary:

 William “Bill” Guynes, age 82, was born on September 7, 1924, in Shreveport, Louisiana, and passed away on September 20, 2006.  He was a loving husband and compassionate man who valued his family and friends.

 Bill fought bravely as a U.S. Marine in World War II and the Korean War.  Upon his return from service, he went on to build a successful advertising agency.  During his years in the advertising business he enjoyed a life of entertaining and jet setting around the country.  If there was a big event, such as an Indy Race, Hotel Opening, Tennis Match, Football Game, Space Launch, you can bet that Bill Guynes was there.  He loved people and people loved him.  He was tall, very handsome, suave, compassionate, and some might say “a ladies man”.  Bill always had a tremendous passion for adventure.  It was this spirit that kept drawing him to different areas of Mexico.  From remote islands to the mountains, he loved to explore.  During one of his countless adventures he stumbled upon the Caribbean side of the Yucatan Peninsula and a little known place called “Akumal”.  Once he found Akumal, his search was over.  He had found his paradise.  He went on to be a pioneer of what is known today as the “Mayan Riviera”.  One of his other great passions was art.  Bill was an extremely talented artist and was particularly fond of painting portraits.  His love of people and his ability to capture and portray their image and spirit onto canvas goes beyond ones imagination.

 In addition to Grace his wife of over 47 years, Bill is survived by his children; Steve Guynes, Rene’ Guynes, Bart Guynes and his wife Crystal Guynes, Cindy Braden and her husband Doug Braden.  He is also survived by his loving grandchildren; Courtney Carter her husband David Carter, Kelly Guynes,  Parker Guynes,  Candace Braden, Chelsea Braden,  Jean “Bear” Mulligan, Tori McCreash and Erik McCreash.

Bart Guynes reported, “A cool front blew in for dad's services.  The Marines did a 21 gun salute, played Taps, and presented the United States Flag, all under a clear, blue, fall sky.  The church ceremony could not have been more beautiful.  Although it was a sad day, it was beautiful.  And now, we move forward.”

 Of the service, Steve Guynes said, "I thought the ceremony went extremely well.  We had about 100 people there.  The pastor was great in giving those who attended a recap of Dad's interesting life from the Marines thru Akumal.  We also put together a little handout with Dad's self portrait and some things he had written over the years.  We had a military 21 gun solute from the Marines and testimonials by a few good friends and family.  I didn't speak because I couldn't.  Kelly played Ave Maria solo, and it was so moving.  Anyway, thanks for your thoughts and prayers.  I think Dad would have been proud of the ceremony, and he would have been the life of the party at the reception afterwards, which was attended by many friends and family.  

Thanks again, Love and kisses."

WORDS FROM SOME OF BILL’S FRIENDS

Victor & Andrea Folts

We just now received the news of the passing of our dear old friend.  We loved "Mr. Bill", as I referred to him most affectionately, and although we became far apart geographically, he always remained close in our minds and in our hearts.

Bill was a man you could never forget once you knew him.  He was a "STAR".   Bill was a sensitive, graceful man, and a good friend.  He was tall and handsome, and thoughts of Bill brought to mind Gregory Peck in “Old Gringo”.   

Bill was a great artist, a great host, and a man who appreciated, and created beauty all around him. 

Although he is no longer with us, we will always be grateful for the beauty of the memories shared with a "STAR" and someone so very special to so many.

 Linda & Mike Mulgrew

We are very sorry to hear about the loss of Bill.  He left us with many great memories.   When I think of Bill, the first image is at the Akumal Beach Bar on a slow October afternoon for Happy Hour, something that happened more than once or twice.  Grace you are there too.  I remember the tall handsome man, who had that surprising talent as an artist.  He would lean forward for a kiss from all the women that arrived. 

No one could sell the joys of Akumal life like Bill.  When it came time for us to finally find a home of our own in Akumal, it was Bill who set up the deal.  He helped us connect with the owners of what is now Casa Caribe and helped make it possible for us to buy our first home.  My favorite memory will always be the time I went to the hospital in Dallas for an intestinal problem at Christmas.  Anna was two years old and I was quite sad about the whole situation.  We came back on Christmas day and Bill was the first one from Akumal to check in on us, to see how we were doing.  He brought food, and I know Grace sent it, it made me feel like: I was okay, and I was home with people who felt like family.

Mike’s favorite memory was in 2000; the road trip from Akumal to Conroe.  Bill, Mike and Gonzalo, all in Tio’s car, bringing it home for him.  The details have yet to be revealed, but I just know Mike has a smile when he thinks of that ride.

            We will miss Bill and are so glad to have known him.  Grace we send big hugs and share in some tears.  Our thoughts are with you, and we send our sincerest sympathies for the loss of Bill.    

Denny & Diane Mahan

Bill Guynes…..Mr. Blue Eyes  …the Ultimate soft spoken Southern gentleman

 Bill always lived his life to the fullest,

No regrets, no despair, just many, so many, memories to share!

He knew how to chuckle, he knew how to cry,

He knew how to live, and he knew how to die.

 He will live on forever in our homes and our hearts,

His artwork a testament to his life in the arts

 He loved Akumal, in Mexico, on the Caribbean Sea,

He enjoyed many friendships, the ocean, and to simply be.

 He lived in Casa Riviera with Grace, his beloved wife,

How did we get so lucky to be part of this life? 

 On the Caribbean ocean with margaritas in hand,

We partied and danced when Laura had a band.

 How many good times did we have with Bill?

Heaven only knows,

But afterwards there were always those,

Who could not count their toes!

 We wish we could be there to toast you my dear,

But the margaritas are flowing in your honor, with good cheer!

 Adios Amigo – Vaya con Dios.

Maudene and Michael Fruehwirth

Bill loved the gals.  He always liked to kiss the gals full on the mouth.  Never forget the day he was going to shake Michael's hand and Michael turned and kissed Bill on the lips.  He almost fell over.  So did Grace.!!

Our sympathy,  

Steve & Ingrid Clouther

Bill Guynes was a gentleman, pioneer, artist, Texan, and an original Akumalian.

Our relationship with Bill goes back many years, all of it in Akumal.  We remember Casa Riviera and the expansion that Bill implemented over the years, and it was because of Bill we came to live in South Akumal; we bought the land from Bill in 1992.

Bill will definitely be long remembered by us and others who met him over the years.  In fact a day does not go by that we are not reminded of Bill and his artistic love of life; we are fortunate to own a number of his paintings.

It was fun knowing you Bill, and we are sorry you were not able to get back to Akumal one more time.  Adios, amigo. 

Isabel Schober

BILL, my dear friend that kept us all so happy, kept the spirit of living in a tropical paradise a reality.  BILL, the ultimate host in his tower of power, a born pioneer, loving the adventure and introducing his find to all in hopes he could coax them into staying.  BILL, whose bar was always open even though we had to go through the bedroom to find it.  Grace, bless her and her gracious heart, put up with our intrusion.  She could never run around in dishabille which, of course, never bothered Bill, him being a naturalist who may have come up with the idea of nudist camps before their time.  BILL, the most avid lover of breasts I have ever known.  Had HE had them his hands would never have left his body.

BILL and the shockless blue van, spine jarring and horrible on dirt roads, but handy and ready with Mayans, to boot, for moving his friend’s STUFF to her new condo in Akumal Sur.  He thought it would be ONE load instead of FIVE loads delivered in an afternoon.  He didn't say a word - not much - I heard about it for weeks, all in good razing fun, of course!  What would I have done without his help.

I have but one of Bill's beautiful paintings and his left over art supplies.  I thought he would be here painting for as long as I was alive.  How short-sighted of me.  This painting of Amelia will never leave my casa, and looking at it will give comfort that something of him lives in my home.

I have missed both he and Grace mightily.  Akumal was at its best when, and because, he and Grace were at its helm.  Grace, a loving sidekick, smart and kind and beautiful, willing to go with the flow, and giving Bill the space to work at his dreams.

It is a choking thought to think that Bill will not show up at the beach Bar, rum and coke in hand, regaling us all with good cheer and the latest, hottest information.  Having no TV or phones, how would we know anything without him monitoring the comings and goings, etc.

That was the way it was.  I think of him often.  We all speak of him and Grace and miss their company.

Good Luck, Bill, where ever you are, they are fortunate to have you.  Love, Isabel  

Courtney Guynes

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel" ……Maya Angelou 

Gonzalo Arcila

WHAT SHALL I BE

I have again and again grown like grass;

I have experienced seven hundred and seventy moulds.

I died from minerality and became vegetable;

And from vegetativeness I died and became animal.

I died from animality and became man.

Then why fear disappearance through death?

Next time I shall die

Bringing forth wings and feathers like angels:

After that soaring higher than angels-

What you cannot imagine. I shall be that.

                                  -Jalaludin Rumi

With my deepest respect. 

Bill and Patti Rozelle

We first met Bill and Grace about 40 years ago through a mutual friend.  Shortly after we became acquainted, Bill invited us to spend a few days with him and Grace at John Mecom's private island off the coast of Tampico, Mexico.  We gladly accepted and were soon flying to Brownsville, Texas, where our plane had mechanical problems and there was going to be a delay of several hours before we could fly into Tampico.  Bill decided he didn't want to waste several hours sitting around the Brownsville airport, so he found a pilot with a private plane who finally agreed to fly us directly to the Island, which had a small landing strip. 

We arrived safely and Bill asked the pilot if he would like to stay overnight, but he said his flight was unauthorized and he needed to get back before he got in trouble.  We spent several glorious days of luxury living on the Island and then headed back in a motorboat to Tampico, where we planned to use our return tickets back to Houston.  However, when we got to the airport, the Mexican ticket agent said we had no tickets proving that we had entered Mexico legally.  He said this was a serious offense that would have to be reported to the authorities, and we would probably have to go to jail!!  Bill frantically tried to convince him that it was all a misunderstanding, and we had not intentionally broken the law.  All to no avail. 

Finally, in desperation, Bill offered him a 20 dollar bill and miraculously, the ticket agent did an about face!!  He said it must have been an innocent mistake, and he would take care of it, and he did.  Soon we were flying back to Houston very relieved not to be spending time in a Mexican jail.  Over the years we learned that traveling with Bill was always an adventure, and we came to expect the unexpected!!  

From Steve & Ingrid Clouther

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there.  I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glint on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,

I am the swift, uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there.  I do not sleep.

By Elizabeth Roberts (1991) 

From Richard & Arlene Pargot

• We remember the Halloween party at Casa Cenote when Bill walked in a cowboy shirt and boots and absolutely took everyone's breath away the way he looked.
• We also remember how he would tell stories about when he and Grace were in charge of the island owned by one of the oil men, and how this pilot came in too fast and crashed the plane on the island's runway.  As we remember, there were no serious injuries.
• Then there were the times he had his artwork to show to some Mexican gallery owners or investors and how he was continually being stood up by them.
• And his passion about the Homeowners Association and why those people who were not paying anything to the running of Akumal simply could not be "good citizens".  We don't think he ever really understood why that was not happening.
• And finally, the great nights spent up on the roof of Casa Riviera drinking and just talking about many things.

REMEMBER WHEN…….?

            There are lots of stories about Bill’s life and encounters in Akumal, but none, other than what Richard & Arlene submitted, have really surfaced during this exercise.  Therefore, we’ll go with a couple of “Remember When” scenarios, and those in the know can visualize “the rest of the story.” 

Remember when Bill and a female friend/associate went down on the road towards Boca Pailla and were stopped by banditos?  They were eventually locked in the trunk of the car – naked – and really feared for their lives.  Fortunately, they survived this ordeal, and it became a story retold at the beach bar many times over. 

Remember when there was a Texas-2-Step dance at the Akumal-Cancun Beach Resort disco, and Bill was friendly with a young German female tourist with a diamond stud in her nose?  They, at least Bill, wanted to go skinny dipping, and he solicited help/support/companions from us ‘locals’, and we agreed we’d also go skinny dipping.  Anyway, Bill and his friend did go skinny dipping, but nobody else joined them.  While Bill might have enjoyed the experience, he definitely was quite angry that we did not join him as we agreed to. 

Remember when Bill was selling property in Akumal – the original Akumal Real-Estate – and he would drive the old coconut road showing property, especially the South Akumal lots?  The very first house that Bill showed to Steve & IngridC was Casa Caribe, which Mike & Linda Mulgrew eventually purchased (see above), but they eventually went with the lot in South Akumal. 

FULL MOON – OCTOBER 6th

Full Hunter's Moon - October 6 - With the leaves falling and the deer fattened, it is time to hunt.  Since the fields have been reaped, hunters can easily see fox, deer, quadamundi, iguana and the other animals which have come out to glean.

COMINGS AND GOINGS

            Here it is, the first of October, and the traffic seems to have slowed down considerably. 

Comings:

• Jim Coke is back exploring for two months.
• Hurley Hackler is back from his trip to Madrid, Spain.
• Ron & Judy Flake were back in town for an extended stay.
• Lisa Combs was back on another site visit with her friends, Holly and Karen.
• Oveta Vardel was back with Gera, who had some of her friends with her.
• Suzy Campbell and Patsy Tyler were back at The Reef Penthouse.
• There was a reported Terry Richardson sighting around Super Chomak in late September.
• Bay & Chris Haas are back in town for a couple of weeks.

Goings:

• Lucy James has gone visiting family and friends in the Pacific Northwest.
• Mary Henderson has gone stateside for an operation on her shoulder.
• Hurley Hackler went to Philadelphia for a spell, and now he’s off to Barcelona, Spain.  Where are the pictures of this Spanish attraction??

AKUMAL'S BABY LOBSTERS

This report comes from Mexiconservacion’s Blog site at http://mexiconservacion.org/blog/

How are Akumal’s baby lobsters doing?

In September, we completed the fourth month of juvenile lobster surveys in Akumal.  On average, we found about 30 juvenile lobsters living in the collectors at each one of our sites in Akumal Bay and Akumal Sur.  June was a particularly good month when we counted 70 baby lobsters in the Akumal Bay collectors and 51 lobsters in the Akumal Sur collectors.  In July, August and September, the numbers leveled out to an average of about 20 lobsters for Akumal Bay and 30 for Akumal Sur.

How do we record information on juvenile lobsters? 

Every month, one week after new moon, Mexiconservación staff and volunteers head out to the collectors in Akumal Dive Shop's most environmentally friendly boat (flat hull and 4 stroke retractable engines!).  We hoist the collectors onto the boat and turn them upside down to let the filters open up. We collect all the lobsters in a bowl and count them.  We then reattach the collectors in their original position and place all the lobsters back on top of the collector, where they stay until they are large enough to just let themselves fall down to the sea bottom and begin their lives as adults !

What is a collector?

The collectors consist of a rectangular framework of PVC pipe, with six cross supports from which 6 sheets of "hogs-hair" air conditioner filter material hang.  The hog-hair filters successfully mimic the structure and consistency of the macro-algae Laurencia, which is the preferred natural settlement habitat.  The collectors are moored in 1-3 m of water, with the frame floating at the surface, and the hogs-hair hanging vertically down.  This design presents the maximum possible surface area to attract post-larval lobsters.