"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 Dallas 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 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.

for sharing this infor with us. I did not know him but did share a few PM's about things. He is be missed. E

I also lost a dear friend to cancer on July 4th, she was my moms best friend for over 30 years. I love how you phrased it's independence from the pain and suffering. Those words could never be truer.  My sympathy goes out to the loss of your friend, the moderator.

I was not aware of FunTIMes illness but appreciated him and his willingness to help on my previous visits to this area.  The I am sorry to hear of his passing though happy he did it on his terms more or less, and I send out my heartfelt wishes for his peace as well as peace for those of you who knew him better than I.  On the flip side, I appreciate knowing now of his passing, thanks for the post!

Hugs
--Wendy