Australian haiku poets will be saddened by the death of haiku poet, Peggy Willis Lyles.
Peggy's gracious, gentle responses in her role as editor for The Heron's Nest were well respected by many Australians, and she will be sorely missed.
Personally, 'To hear the rain' remains one of my favourite collections and I treasure the hand-penned note inside it, from when Peggy gifted it to me.
On behalf of The Australian Haiku Society (HaikuOz) may I offer condolences to Peggy's family, and to her haiku colleagues and friends. -- Beverley George President: The Australian Haiku Society

The announcement below is from John Stevenson: Managing Editor of The Heron's Nest

Dear Friends,

With great sadness, The Heron's Nest must advise its readers of the loss of our beloved friend Peggy Willis Lyles. Peggy passed peacefully, in the presence of her loving family, at about 6:30 in the evening on Friday, September 3.

In very many ways, Peggy was the heart of The Heron's Nest. It will be a long time before some of us are able to find the words to express our grief for this loss or our gratitude for the gift of knowing this special woman. The Lyles family and several members of the haiku community will be looking for ways to honor the poet, editor, teacher, friend, and shining example of humanity that was Peggy Willis Lyles. This will take a sustained effort over months and perhaps years. More immediately, The Heron's Nest will publish memorials in the December 2010 issue.

Please submit your memorial poems and brief tributes to Managing Editor, John Stevenson: [email protected].

Those who wish to convey their appreciation for Peggy to her family should write to:

Bill Lyles
2408 Woodcreek Court
Tucker, GA 30084

The Heron's Nest