November 10, 2006
Story by Chris Rhoads (dustrho)
 
INTRODUCTION
Collecting Star Wars toys and other collectible items seems to be a journey that will continue until the day we die. I've been collecting for more than seven years and I don't have any plans on stopping any time soon, but that stop immediately once I take my last breath. I haven't given it much thought yet, but I should probably start thinking as to what will happen with my collection after I die. I know it's a morbid thought but it's something that shouldn't be taken lightly. Hopefully this article will encourage you to start thinking about what you want done with your collection after you die.

INHERITING SOMEONE'S COLLECTION
One of my friends from the Midwest Garrison, Jim Tampa, sadly lost one of his close friends (Dave) due to an unfortunate accident. His friend was a Star Wars collector, and his friend's collection was willed to Jim. I have met up with Jim to share his experience about inheriting someone's collection.


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How did you react when you learned that you were going to be inheriting your friend's Star Wars collection?

Extremely grateful. When I asked Dave's parents if I could have his old collection, I gave many reasons as to why I was asking to have it. One of them being our trip together down to Celebration 3 from the Chicagoland area. On our way down, Dave and I talked about all things Star Wars under the twin Tatooine suns, including our old Star Wars toys and how much we loved to play with them. That whole weekend revolved around Star Wars, after all. We really bonded as friends that weekend.

Are you happy to have been chosen as the one to inherit his collection? Why or why not?

I know this will come as a surprise to everyone, but, yes . . . I am very happy to have inherited his collection. You find out a lot about yourself during the process, and what they and it (the collection) really mean to you and how you'll remember them best.

What was the one item that touched you the most and why?

Out of the collection, I would have to say the Millennium Falcon. I knew from our talks at C3 that this was one of his favorites to play with as a kid, and so it reminds me very much of Dave.

What item reminds you the most about your friend who previously owned this collection?

Got ahead of myself; see the above answer.

Did you keep most of the items you inherited? For the items you've kept how do you display them?

I've kept all of the old toys. They're all nicely displayed in my home office on nice shelves and a display cabinet from IKEA, and I do look at them on a daily basis. His new collection I've promised to a friend of Dave's. Those toys will go to his children.

What advice (if any) do you have for someone regarding inheriting someone's collection or willing it off to someone?

The best piece of advice that I could give someone regarding inheriting a collection, whether it's Star Wars or otherwise is to ask yourself why you'd want it. Spend a lot of time on that question and look deep in your heart. Would that person want you to have it, or would it be better off with someone else? You need to look deep into your heart, and although extremely difficult to do, you'll have an answer that will put your mind and your heart at peace. As for willing your collection to someone when you pass away, you'd probably have to do something very similar. Then make arrangements with a lawyer to help draw up or revise your will.

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IN SUMMARY
Inheriting someone's collection would be an incredible honor, but how would you react if someone were to give you their Star Wars collection after they die? What do you plan on doing with your collection when you die? These are questions that we all should be thinking about. I know I would be really upset if I knew that my collection was going to be sold in a garage sale or on eBay, instead of willing it to someone who would sincerely appreciate having it added to their collection.

THANKS
Jim, I just wanted to quickly thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this interview with me. I'm glad to have you here at Sandtroopers.com not only as a member but also as a friend. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us.