2012 has been a sad year.
"Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone.
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum,
Bring out the coffin...let the mourners come.
Let aeroplanes circle, moaning overhead,
Scribbling on the sky the message: He is Dead.
Put crepe bows 'round the necks of public doves,
Let traffic policemen wear black, cotton gloves.
He was my North, my South, my East, my West.
My working week and my Sunday rest.
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song,
I thought love would last forever: I was wrong.
The stars are not wanted now, put out every one.
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun.
Pour out the ocean and sweep up the wood,
For nothing now can ever come to any good."
W.H. Auden
Our previous Chicago Board moderator FunTIMes, who some of you may have known personally and others from interactions from this board, has lost his battle to cancer. Just like his own life, his death came to him on his own terms as he decided to quit treatment and enter hospice. He was a remarkable man, kind and considerate and above all, honest. He passed away on the 4th of July, surrounded by his family who kept a 24 hour vigil for several days. He gave Independence Day new meaning. For him, it was independence from the pain and suffering. For that I am happy.
I was proud to know him and call him my friend. For those who knew him, please don't grieve for him. He is at peace. In his last few days we spoke often of his desire to move on and leave the suffering behind. Via Con Dios dear friend.
.
What can I say…twice in the last five years I have said goodbye to a close friend, in and out of the hobby, due to cancer. Those who knew Funtimes well were very fortunate, and luckily I was one of those people. He taught me a lot about people and how you should treat them, and what you can expect from them. In other words he made life easier on me, and other people as well. I’ll miss him a lot. He was a great guy.
Rest in peace bud, I’ll see you again down the road a bit.
Hi Sinthia,
Being A Cubbie fan I hope when he gets to Heaven He can ask God to help our beloved team!! RIP, FT!!
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone.
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum,
Bring out the coffin...let the mourners come.
Let aeroplanes circle, moaning overhead,
Scribbling on the sky the message: He is Dead.
Put crepe bows 'round the necks of public doves,
Let traffic policemen wear black, cotton gloves.
He was my North, my South, my East, my West.
My working week and my Sunday rest.
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song,
I thought love would last forever: I was wrong.
The stars are not wanted now, put out every one.
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun.
Pour out the ocean and sweep up the wood,
For nothing now can ever come to any good."
W.H. Auden
Our previous Chicago Board moderator FunTIMes, who some of you may have known personally and others from interactions from this board, has lost his battle to cancer. Just like his own life, his death came to him on his own terms as he decided to quit treatment and enter hospice. He was a remarkable man, kind and considerate and above all, honest. He passed away on the 4th of July, surrounded by his family who kept a 24 hour vigil for several days. He gave Independence Day new meaning. For him, it was independence from the pain and suffering. For that I am happy.
I was proud to know him and call him my friend. For those who knew him, please don't grieve for him. He is at peace. In his last few days we spoke often of his desire to move on and leave the suffering behind. Via Con Dios dear friend.
.
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone.
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum,
Bring out the coffin...let the mourners come.
Let aeroplanes circle, moaning overhead,
Scribbling on the sky the message: He is Dead.
Put crepe bows 'round the necks of public doves,
Let traffic policemen wear black, cotton gloves.
He was my North, my South, my East, my West.
My working week and my Sunday rest.
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song,
I thought love would last forever: I was wrong.
The stars are not wanted now, put out every one.
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun.
Pour out the ocean and sweep up the wood,
For nothing now can ever come to any good."
W.H. Auden
Our previous Chicago Board moderator FunTIMes, who some of you may have known personally and others from interactions from this board, has lost his battle to cancer. Just like his own life, his death came to him on his own terms as he decided to quit treatment and enter hospice. He was a remarkable man, kind and considerate and above all, honest. He passed away on the 4th of July, surrounded by his family who kept a 24 hour vigil for several days. He gave Independence Day new meaning. For him, it was independence from the pain and suffering. For that I am happy.
I was proud to know him and call him my friend. For those who knew him, please don't grieve for him. He is at peace. In his last few days we spoke often of his desire to move on and leave the suffering behind. Via Con Dios dear friend.
.
He was genuinely a nice guy and a good friend. He will be missed.
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone.
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum,
Bring out the coffin...let the mourners come.
Let aeroplanes circle, moaning overhead,
Scribbling on the sky the message: He is Dead.
Put crepe bows 'round the necks of public doves,
Let traffic policemen wear black, cotton gloves.
He was my North, my South, my East, my West.
My working week and my Sunday rest.
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song,
I thought love would last forever: I was wrong.
The stars are not wanted now, put out every one.
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun.
Pour out the ocean and sweep up the wood,
For nothing now can ever come to any good."
W.H. Auden
Our previous Chicago Board moderator FunTIMes, who some of you may have known personally and others from interactions from this board, has lost his battle to cancer. Just like his own life, his death came to him on his own terms as he decided to quit treatment and enter hospice. He was a remarkable man, kind and considerate and above all, honest. He passed away on the 4th of July, surrounded by his family who kept a 24 hour vigil for several days. He gave Independence Day new meaning. For him, it was independence from the pain and suffering. For that I am happy.
I was proud to know him and call him my friend. For those who knew him, please don't grieve for him. He is at peace. In his last few days we spoke often of his desire to move on and leave the suffering behind. Via Con Dios dear friend.
.
He was a very nice man.
I knew him as an outstanding moderator of the Chicago Board. We corresponded by PM and "one of these days" were to have lunch with a mutual friend. Unfortunately, it never came to pass.
I am happy that FunTIMes' passing was, as Sinful reports, on his terms and with his family was with him. My condolences to Sinful and to all who shared that special relationship that transcended the hobby.
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone.
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum,
Bring out the coffin...let the mourners come.
Let aeroplanes circle, moaning overhead,
Scribbling on the sky the message: He is Dead.
Put crepe bows 'round the necks of public doves,
Let traffic policemen wear black, cotton gloves.
He was my North, my South, my East, my West.
My working week and my Sunday rest.
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song,
I thought love would last forever: I was wrong.
The stars are not wanted now, put out every one.
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun.
Pour out the ocean and sweep up the wood,
For nothing now can ever come to any good."
W.H. Auden
Our previous Chicago Board moderator FunTIMes, who some of you may have known personally and others from interactions from this board, has lost his battle to cancer. Just like his own life, his death came to him on his own terms as he decided to quit treatment and enter hospice. He was a remarkable man, kind and considerate and above all, honest. He passed away on the 4th of July, surrounded by his family who kept a 24 hour vigil for several days. He gave Independence Day new meaning. For him, it was independence from the pain and suffering. For that I am happy.
I was proud to know him and call him my friend. For those who knew him, please don't grieve for him. He is at peace. In his last few days we spoke often of his desire to move on and leave the suffering behind. Via Con Dios dear friend.
.
...and thank you Sinthia for letting us know about Funtimes. I only knew him as a mod on the board, but he seemed like a very cool guy. My sincere condolences to all of his friends and loved ones.
I was the newbie moderator and he took me under his wing. I learned to respect him not only as the best moderator ter had but as a true gentleman and close friend. The friendship grew over the last couple years. We talked regularly about the hobby, business and life in general. We traded messages late Monday and again on Tuesday afternoon. Even then he had an incredible sense of humor. We joked and teased each other but we both knew it was the end as he wanted it and as he orchestrated it. I told him I hoped I could have his courage and strength.
Rest in peace my friend.
I didn't know Funtimes personally but I knew him from the board and through mutual friends. He fought long and hard battling cancer yet he maintained his sense of humor in spite of the pain and misery the disease brought.
I regret that I never had a chance to meet the man behind the moderator. My condolences to those of you who cared deeply for Funtimes.
PP
One never knows the right thing to say in times like these. I wish him and his family an eternity of peace and happiness. He was a wonderful man whose banter always made me laugh. RIP dear friend!
Gravely,
Veronica Sweets
We spoke several times after his leaving the board. It has been a few months, however I remember his biggest complaint was still getting a decent provider to come way out by him 
he was a wealth of experience and knowledge.
He was always fair, enjoyed the hobby and Im sure he was loved by both sides of his life very much. God bless and good speed...
Xoxo
VC
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone.
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum,
Bring out the coffin...let the mourners come.
Let aeroplanes circle, moaning overhead,
Scribbling on the sky the message: He is Dead.
Put crepe bows 'round the necks of public doves,
Let traffic policemen wear black, cotton gloves.
He was my North, my South, my East, my West.
My working week and my Sunday rest.
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song,
I thought love would last forever: I was wrong.
The stars are not wanted now, put out every one.
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun.
Pour out the ocean and sweep up the wood,
For nothing now can ever come to any good."
W.H. Auden
Our previous Chicago Board moderator FunTIMes, who some of you may have known personally and others from interactions from this board, has lost his battle to cancer. Just like his own life, his death came to him on his own terms as he decided to quit treatment and enter hospice. He was a remarkable man, kind and considerate and above all, honest. He passed away on the 4th of July, surrounded by his family who kept a 24 hour vigil for several days. He gave Independence Day new meaning. For him, it was independence from the pain and suffering. For that I am happy.
I was proud to know him and call him my friend. For those who knew him, please don't grieve for him. He is at peace. In his last few days we spoke often of his desire to move on and leave the suffering behind. Via Con Dios dear friend.
.
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone.
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum,
Bring out the coffin...let the mourners come.
Let aeroplanes circle, moaning overhead,
Scribbling on the sky the message: He is Dead.
Put crepe bows 'round the necks of public doves,
Let traffic policemen wear black, cotton gloves.
He was my North, my South, my East, my West.
My working week and my Sunday rest.
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song,
I thought love would last forever: I was wrong.
The stars are not wanted now, put out every one.
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun.
Pour out the ocean and sweep up the wood,
For nothing now can ever come to any good."
W.H. Auden
Our previous Chicago Board moderator FunTIMes, who some of you may have known personally and others from interactions from this board, has lost his battle to cancer. Just like his own life, his death came to him on his own terms as he decided to quit treatment and enter hospice. He was a remarkable man, kind and considerate and above all, honest. He passed away on the 4th of July, surrounded by his family who kept a 24 hour vigil for several days. He gave Independence Day new meaning. For him, it was independence from the pain and suffering. For that I am happy.
I was proud to know him and call him my friend. For those who knew him, please don't grieve for him. He is at peace. In his last few days we spoke often of his desire to move on and leave the suffering behind. Via Con Dios dear friend.
.
His kind words and late night phone calls and the invitations to ride horses with him.
I will always miss his voice and huge heart. His optimism and his grounded demeanor that helped me from floating to high.
He was the best man I have ever met. Always taking time to help others even while he had so much going on...
You will be missed FunTIMes!
Love always,
Gizzy
I will do like you asked and keep your family in my prayers. Even your cool ex wife. Haha! I will also take more time to enjoy every day. I promise!
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone.
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum,
Bring out the coffin...let the mourners come.
Let aeroplanes circle, moaning overhead,
Scribbling on the sky the message: He is Dead.
Put crepe bows 'round the necks of public doves,
Let traffic policemen wear black, cotton gloves.
He was my North, my South, my East, my West.
My working week and my Sunday rest.
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song,
I thought love would last forever: I was wrong.
The stars are not wanted now, put out every one.
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun.
Pour out the ocean and sweep up the wood,
For nothing now can ever come to any good."
W.H. Auden
Our previous Chicago Board moderator FunTIMes, who some of you may have known personally and others from interactions from this board, has lost his battle to cancer. Just like his own life, his death came to him on his own terms as he decided to quit treatment and enter hospice. He was a remarkable man, kind and considerate and above all, honest. He passed away on the 4th of July, surrounded by his family who kept a 24 hour vigil for several days. He gave Independence Day new meaning. For him, it was independence from the pain and suffering. For that I am happy.
I was proud to know him and call him my friend. For those who knew him, please don't grieve for him. He is at peace. In his last few days we spoke often of his desire to move on and leave the suffering behind. Via Con Dios dear friend.
.
contact me at 847-445-0788 at your earliest convenience.
I had the pleasure of getting together with Funtimes 2 years ago almost to the day for lunch at one of his favorite barbeque places in Houston. We had a standing date planned at a place here in Chicago called "smoques" at Grace and Pulaski which we apparently will not be able to make. However, I will, at my earliest convenience, stop in and have some "Q" in your memory my friend!
Tears are swelling in my eyes as I type. For those that did not know of his fight with the big "C", it is worthy to say that it was a valiant fight! He traveled around the world trying various methods that were not available to him here. Rest well my friend I am very saddened to see you go!
Mike
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone.
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum,
Bring out the coffin...let the mourners come.
Let aeroplanes circle, moaning overhead,
Scribbling on the sky the message: He is Dead.
Put crepe bows 'round the necks of public doves,
Let traffic policemen wear black, cotton gloves.
He was my North, my South, my East, my West.
My working week and my Sunday rest.
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song,
I thought love would last forever: I was wrong.
The stars are not wanted now, put out every one.
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun.
Pour out the ocean and sweep up the wood,
For nothing now can ever come to any good."
W.H. Auden
Our previous Chicago Board moderator FunTIMes, who some of you may have known personally and others from interactions from this board, has lost his battle to cancer. Just like his own life, his death came to him on his own terms as he decided to quit treatment and enter hospice. He was a remarkable man, kind and considerate and above all, honest. He passed away on the 4th of July, surrounded by his family who kept a 24 hour vigil for several days. He gave Independence Day new meaning. For him, it was independence from the pain and suffering. For that I am happy.
I was proud to know him and call him my friend. For those who knew him, please don't grieve for him. He is at peace. In his last few days we spoke often of his desire to move on and leave the suffering behind. Via Con Dios dear friend.
.
I haven't logged in to this board in almost a year - and what do I see -a message from FunTimes.
Thank you for being a friend.
2012 has been a sad year.
Never met the gent but he was always a thoughtful and considerate presence on the board. He certainly was helpful and kind to this outta towner. May he rest in peace.
A real good guy who deserved better. I'm sad to hear about his passing.