"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



The previous Houston 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.