A DU memorial page will be created, Help needed from every DU'ers

[Hawkeye-X]

I finally got an email from Skinner after I submitted my forum request for a memorial. He stated the following:

I don't think a forum is the way to do this. We could do a memorial page, but we would need a list from the members.

We could use anything, pictures, mementos, logos, DU names, real names, old threads, whatever.

I'll create the first three names - the well-known DU'ers who have passed away in our lifetime.

[Hawkeye-X]

1. Andy Stephenson (God_n_Bush_Cheney)

[Name removed]

2. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[coffeenap]

31. +1

[Rhiannon12866]

91. God_bush_n_cheney (Andy) was one of my first friends on DU...

Here's his post where I first ran across him. The link from DU.1 doesn't seem to work, but here is his OP. You may remember it. I was fairly new to DU and it blew me away... It's even more painful to read now, given all that happened to him, and what's happening now in Congress, than it was in 2003. The next day, he started a fund for his friend's baby boy...

God_bush_n_cheney (5094 posts)

Apr-18-03, 01:55 AM (ET)

My friend comitted Suicide tonigh...I am wrecked...I need a drink

As some of you may know…I manage an apartment building, as well as own a Subway. Two weeks ago one of my favorite employees from Subway moved into the building from a rat-infested shithole. I had to pull strings to get him in but he and his wife needed a better place for their new baby. So they moved in…Jason was thrilled and told me he had never lived in such a nice place. I was psyched to have him move in because I liked him and as I said he was one of my best employees and trusted as well. I hired Jason when he was living in a halfway house. I gambled on him because I saw something in him. He was a hard worker never took anything hell he even had the combo to my safe. Tonight I am very sad to say that Jason has taken his own life. He apparently hung himself yesterday sometime. His wife was visiting her mother and came home today and found him. I am in shock…I am angry and very very sad. I even fell as if maybe I had something to do with it. But in reality it is a failed system!
Jason might be alive tonight, if we lived in a society that cared more about the health of its citizens than in guns and conquest. I run a small business. I have not health insurance…I can’t afford it. The state of Washington offers all citizens health care. But because of Budget cuts, war, and recession…The help he needed was not there. Jason suffered from bi-polar disorder. I found this out tonight. But I assure you, had I know what there was trouble I would have bought him the medicine he needed. He told me several weeks ago he needed medicine. I was caught up in politics…off in my own selfish realm to notice his pain. So I have guilt. Perhaps this is my way of dealing I just don’t know. Several of you here I call friend…just as sure as I call my friends in 3D friend. So I have wept…called the others in the store wept…so much for quitting smoking. So here I sit…

Feeling guilty I did not hear my friends pain. Sad I have lost a friend. Weeping again. Also pissed at the system. This kid was worth something. He worked hard…he was lazy as well…and I am really going to miss him. People that kill themselves take a part of each and every person whose life they have touched. Jason was intelligent, funny and a good soul. I am sorry we lost him. His kind the world needs more of. So long Jason…I miss you already!

Damn...I am so wrecked I can't write anymore...

[Hawkeye-X]

3. Jeff Matson (notsamj)

[alittlelark]

28. +1

[Zomby Woof]

4. Khephra

Very great idea.

[alittlelark]

29. +1

[11 Bravo]

30. +2

[WhiteTara]

46. I still miss Khephra

and I mourn his passing. May he stay in the light and shine on all of us.

[BrklynLiberal]

99. Here is a picture of the handmade pyramid urn for his ashes.

[Myrina]

113. 2 more Keph pics:

The first was in DC (I think) for one of the first ever DU Gatherings, I'm not sure who's with him in the pic:




The 2nd was taken in May 2003 at the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner in Indianapolis, Kef (very far left) was an early Hoosiers for Dean organizer & was thrilled to meet his hero:

[madfloridian]

5. Oneighty...my tribute a story from his journal

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/madfloridian/...

Also Kephra

[boston bean]

47. oneighty was one of a kind, a real charmer, a great person!

[madfloridian]

48. His journal is still available to read. A treasure.

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/oneighty

[kentuck]

63. I loved reading "oneighty's" comment.

He was a great one.

[CatWoman]

64. did you know he published a book of short stories?

he sent me a copy before he died

[kentuck]

79. I did not know that !

He could be very entertaining.

[madfloridian]

103. The Voyages of the Vicky Mary. I treasure that little book. Cover picture.

"From my very special autographed copy of Oneighty's "Voyages of the Vicky Mary":

The Alligator
"Hey Gator? Whatcha be doing up there on the hill? Sunning, warming, waiting for the hunt, I bet. But you be where I wish to be. Soon he leaves splash."

"Where I work in the creeks and ditches of the Santee River Delta there are Alligators: big ones and little ones. This one was a big one, about ten feet long. With my thirty-two foot workboat the "Vicky Mary" I have towed my small boat up to the oyster bank that I have been planning to raid. I anchor up the Vicky and start paddling the little boat to the oyster bank. It is then I see the Gator! I toss a few oyster shells at him, holler, yell, and ask him to leave. Soon he get the message, raises high on his legs, and zips into the water."

[blm]

112. heh....same here.

I am so glad he finally gave in to those of us who begged him to put out a collection of his stories.

[CatWoman]

122. yup!!

[blondeatlast]

130. Me too; it's one of my son's favorite books. Sob+2. nt

[peace13]

121. The comments to that post are wonderful as well! n/t

[Hawkeye-X]

6. Sapphire Blue

[bobbolink]

10. Well, that was two brains in the same road at the same time!

[boston bean]

36. Sapphireblue was a beautiful person.... a really great person.... i miss sapphireblue!

[Irishonly]

59. My choice also

[bobbolink]

7. I don't know if Saphire Blue qualifies, and her daughter isn't posting here anymore.

But if she qualifies, she would certainly be *MY* addition!

[Hawkeye-X]

8. Indeed, she qualifies

Just beat you by a second or so.

[bobbolink]

12. Do we know that?

Or am I thinking of something different from what you are thinking....?

[Hawkeye-X]

18. No. I remember it well. Sapphire Blue was posting here in DU

and she passed away, and Indigo Blue posted under SB's name, letting everyone know.

[bobbolink]

21. I think we are talking about different memorials.

Someone, I thought it was you, talked about doing what Grayson is doing, and starting a "wall" with names of DUers who died because of lack of health care. Andy would definitely qualify for that one, although those who knew him aren't spreaking up about that. I don't know about Sapphire... I don't think so. I think she opted not to keep fighting.

I'm guessing you are talking about something different.

[Hawkeye-X]

24. Yes, I actually started that post before

and I submitted the forum, and the DU admins felt it was more appropriate to post a memorial page, and I agree.

Hawkeye-X

[bobbolink]

26. Well, that's very nice... but that doesn't answer the question I asked.

Is this a memorial for all DUers who have died, or DUers who have died from lack of health care?


??????

Oh, well... it really doesn't matter if you clarify. It's your baby, and I have submitted a name and will leave it at this point.

[Hawkeye-X]

38. Actually I didn't think of it in the first place.

I believe graywarrior suggested it first, and it was not considered at that time.

And to finally answer your question - This DU memorial page is for the deceased DU posters who have been in the active DU community, not of lack of health care. I am leaving that to Rep. Grayson's idea.

Hawkeye-X

[bobbolink]

43. Thank you. I was working hard to get a clear answer.

It's a good idea, and I will leave you to your project.

[lonestarnot]

49. For sure qualifies!

[Shell Beau]

9. alcorjon. I am quite sure I butchered the spelling.

I need to search and see if I can get the correct one.

[lukasahero]

97. It's alarcojon

He was a friend.

[conscious evolution]

11. MrGrumpy

[Shell Beau]

34. Absolutely!

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

131. +1

[eleny]

13. Kendra Kahn, known as Longhorn here at DU

The image that accompanied Kendra's posts.

[greatauntoftriplets]

15. Thanks. I was just coming to post that.

I talked with her on the phone shortly before she died. I miss her a lot.

[WolverineDG]

17. Ya beat me to it

dg

[girl gone mad]

23. +1 for Longhorn.

We kept the same schedule for a while. It was fun having someone to talk with in the small hours, and I miss her dearly.

[pinto]

37. A fellow mod and the only DUer I ever met, off-line. She and her husband were on a train trip,

had a brief stop-over in my town. Thanks for remembering her.

[intheflow]

57. Thanks for finding her signature cowgirl boot!

That should definitely make it on to the memorial page next to her name.

[sonias]

62. Thank you - I was going to suggest Longhorn

Hell of a Texas woman. She is missed greatly!

Sonia

[auntAgonist]

90. Kendra for sure. thanks for beating me to it :) I just saw this

I miss her every day, and still expect to see email from her once in a while.

thanks again eleny.

aA
kesha

[intheflow]

14. Longhorn

DU mod from Texas who died last February from cancer. I miss her!

On edit, I see someone else remembered her and posted as I was typing this.

[eleny]

22. .

[JohnnyLib2]

54. For sure.

[maddezmom]

84. She is worth a double mention

She was wonderful and is dearly missed.

[madfloridian]

16. Here is Will Pitt's tribute to Khephra..

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

"His name was Scott Lowery, and he was 37 years old. He stood up for Howard Dean. He was my friend and colleague. He has been one of the best DU ever had. His greatest desire was to expose the right-wing fundamentalist fake Christians for what they are. Today, he stands righteously before his God, and knows now what I could have told him yesterday - that he was a better man than I or anyone else. He has earned his rest, and your prayers, and your thoughts."

January 2005

Khephra was a bigger Deaniac than I was/am...if that is possible.

[JohnnyLib2]

19. Monkeyman

straight shooter.

[Egnever]

32. Monkey man died?

I thought he got himself tombstoned.

[proud2BlibKansan]

42. He did and then he died

about a year ago I think?

[boston bean]

44. I didn't know that. that makes me sad.... i liked monkeyman a lot!

he use to type secret messages...........

[Egnever]

125. wow

now that I am sorry to hear. He was acting fairly nutty near the end when he got tombstoned here. Perhaps health issues had something to do with it.

He was a straight shooter to be sure, and while I thought his tombstoning was justified at the time, he will be missed.

[lonestarnot]

50. I loved the monkeyman and blue.

[Canuckistanian]

53. Oh, yeah, I remember him

A very active anti-war Vet, if I recall.

He made quite a splash here.

[w8liftinglady]

60. His name was Dale Peters-my tribute to him

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

He helped me tremendously when my son came home with PTSD

[JohnnyLib2]

77. Thank you so much.

I regret that I missed it at the time.

[kentuck]

78. And thank you to w8liftinglady...

for supporting me when I lost my Mother back in June. Your token of remembrance is and was greatly appreciated.

[Egnever]

126. I had no idea

He was a great voice here.

[Suich]

20. Eggbeater n/t

[The Straight Story]

25. K&R So many over the years. Let's keep this up at the top (nt)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

27. Khashka

I have a memorial thread to him, plus a picture his mom sent...

[hfojvt]

66. well that was the first I heard about that

I found a memorial poem in your journal and a one year rememberance, but never found anything on a cause. And he was only 41. Tragic and unexpected.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

68. It was horrifying.

He and I were close friends, always talking on the phone. I had planned to one day meet him in person...

We never heard the cause. He did have MS, and that may have contributed.

[CatWoman]

33. Playahata

another lost to cancer

[RFKHumphreyObama]

69. I remember her

I used to enjoy and value reading her posts during my early days on here. She was a great asset to DU and I miss her

[Zomby Woof]

76. She was extremely smart, funny, and always pleasant

Never failed to make me smile when she showed up to say hey. Her posts in GD were informative, thoughtful, and straight to the point. I learned a lot from her, and she was a true friend.

[RFKHumphreyObama]

81. You said it much better than I did Zomby

You've summed up my feelings and sentiments about her word for word. She was a great person who is very sadly missed

[Zomby Woof]

74. Goddammit

I loved Playahata! She was one of my all-time best friends on here. Damn damn damn... I am still in disbelief.

[boston bean]

35. maddiejoan, couldn't match her wit! I miss maddie! ......

[Hawkeye-X]

39. I agree. Even though she was TS'ed during the primaries, she still remained a vital part of DU

and her Amelia avatar.

Who can never forget her?

[JohnnyLib2]

55. Agreed. Irreplaceable.

[intheflow]

58. OMG, that's the person whose name I couldn't remember!

Thank you for remembering maddiejoan. I'm thinking she passed 8 or 10 months ago.

[FreeState]

82. +1 n/t

[helderheid]

111. WHAT?? She passed? I had no idea! :(

[Robb]

40. Thanks for staying on this. nt

[femmocrat]

41. Thank you. This is a wonderful idea.

Longhorn is the only one I "knew". We should definitely remember departed DUers.

[proud2BlibKansan]

45. realpolitic

He changed his name shortly before he died. Can't remember it now though.

[Mabus]

94. The cyclist?

Omigosh. I only met him once at the Westport Flea Market (the time you set up a DU meetup with the KC Drinking Liberally crowd) but I really liked him.

[proud2BlibKansan]

117. Yes. He died this summer

[Starbucks Anarchist]

51. Alarcajon.

[Shell Beau]

Thank you. I totally screwed up his name, and he certainly deserves

better than that.

[Lars39]

52. nostjam...a very sweet, talented man.

[saracat]

86. Oh yes, but i don't know how to spell it!

[Jackpine Radical]

118. I believe it was nostamj (J. matson spelled backward).

[Lars39]

127. That's right!

His username always challenged my inner dyslexic.

[charlie]

56. ProdigalJunkMail's (grand?)father, AllJunkMail

The guy was an internet noob, the family put him in front of a computer and off he went. Largely apolitical, he was just irrepressibly happy chatting with everybody at DU. He died suddenly and it was like a ray of sunshine went out.

Birdman. One of DU's earliest regular article contributors. Nice guy, very astute, very earthy.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

93. great-grandfather...thanks for remembering him

I have a link to the thread where I announced his passing and all the wonderful things that were said by the people here unfortunately that link no longer seems to function...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/cgi-bin/duforum/du...

sP

[charlie]

123. Your gramps loomed large

He wasn't here long before it seemed everyone knew him. And liked him. He's probably the only DU regular who could say he'd never been flamed

[Jackpine Radical]

119. I was trying to remember AllJunkMail.

I remember when the family member told us about his death, and what DU meant to him.

[kentuck]

61. jarab...

was my real life brother. He was a moderator several times and enjoyed DU very much. He passed away a year ago on July 28th. You had to know the "Big O"...He was like a mad genius. I miss him a lot.

[RFKHumphreyObama]

73. I remember him

IIRC I moderated with him a few times. I miss him. My deepest and sincerest thoughts, prayers, condolences and sympathies to you and your family

[kentuck]

75. Thank you so very much.

Your thoughts are held in the highest regard.

[maddezmom]

83. I miss him as well

[WhoDoYouTrust]

92. Whoa, I'm sorry, Kentuck.

It's so hard to lose a brother. My deepest sympathy.

[Jackpine Radical]

120. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, Kentuck.

I never knew he was your brother, or that you lost him.

[charlie]

124. Aw gee, kentuck

I didn't know. I'm sorry.

[Ohio Joe]

65. K&R - nt

[Hekate]

67. KnR. I'm so glad you are doing this, Hawkeye-X. nt

[CaliforniaPeggy]

70. Kick!

[EFerrari]

71. It's nice that we're getting around to this.

Thanks.

[RFKHumphreyObama]

72. There was a DU'er named Nicknameless (Nancy)

Just found this on my bookmarked list
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

[Rhiannon12866]

88. nicknameless (Nancy) is still on my buddy list...

She kept us all up to speed during the terrible pet food scare. I still have her PMs about the latest recalled foods and her beloved cats. I think of her often...

[Corey_Baker08]

80. K&R A Great Tribute To Those So Talented; So Inspiring that Have Passed!!!

[saracat]

85. MaddieJoan

[enigmatic]

87. Liberal Andy

Andy Oglesby (Liberal Andy on DU) was a friend and a great musician who played in a band called The Near Myths:

http://thenearmyths.com/home.html

We played the band on our station often and Andy became a good friend. Andy died in 2006 of throat cancer, and he is very sadly missed.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

[Rhiannon12866]

89. Here's Liberal_Andy's most memorable thread, IMHO... ;(

Learn a protest song,..words & chords to "Fool Me Once"

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

[tandot]

95. I don't know if OPERATIONMINDCRIME 's wife Stacey was a DUer

I always remember his posts when she got sick and when she passed.

My sister-in-law has breast cancer and is undergoing chemo right now. Her husband and one of her kids just came down with the flu this week. I am very worried about her.

[chimpymustgo]

96. K & R. Thanks for the idea and the thread. Memories of some GREAT DU'ers over the years.

Makes you realize how long we've been "together". This is such a different place now. But it's been a lifeline - thanks to the many being named here.

[Mari333]

98. my husband who was killed was a DUer named Hogarth.

[mike_c]

105. I had no idea....

My god, all the times we've conversed online, I had no clue. Please accept my late condolences and best wishes for you and your family.

[Mari333]

107. DU helped me through those days

god bless them all. 2 yrs later my son passed on and I just left DU, couldnt bear politics anymore. Now, I seem to be able to get back in the swing of things a bit. huge hugs

[sellitman]

109. Hugs to you.

Wish I could do more......

I cannot imagine what you have been through. Our son has been though 2 successful brain tumor operations in the past 2 years and that was hard enough. I cannot imagine......

[BrklynLiberal]

100. kick..

[lildreamer316]

101. Perseid

We only got one post to note her passing; and I could never get any more info than that. But she never posted again; so I believe it.
I believe her name was Ellen.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

[madinmaryland]

102. NewYawker99 disappeared a couple of years ago.

No one has heard anything from here, since then.

[madfloridian]

104. I wish we knew more about why she is not here. She made me feel welcome...

when I first came here to DU.

I miss her keeping tabs of the number of posts.

[blondeatlast]

132. It's my understanding that she is still alive but just very, very ill and can't post.

She really did make us noobs feel welcome and sometimes, just knowing someone remembered my b-day was a real day brightener!

Does anyone have recentr info?

[skygazer]

106. I like this idea

All the names I could think of have been mentioned but I will kick and rec.

[Hawkeye-X]

108. Kicking this back to the top..

[peace13]

110. There is one that we are missing. He was a true supporters of the vets.

He would fire up late at night. I am so embarrassed that I don't remember his name. I hope someone out here does.

[Bozita]

114. Monkeyman?

[peace13]

115. Thank you .

He was a real fighter and I could feel his pain. Thanks for this. I see the comments up top about him now so I am sure that he will not be forgotten. Thanks again. Peace, Kim

[The Straight Story]

116. kick (nt)

[conscious evolution]

128. kick

[peace13]

129. Kick this one more time!

[JohnnyLib2]

133. Keeping it going.....