I've lost a very dear friend this week. He was a good man... complex, intelligent, witty, and passionately interested in life. I had the privilege of spending a lot of time with him, most recently a couple weeks not long ago, and enjoyed it very much. We met by chance... we belonged to the same online group, and he took the risk of contacting me. That started a conversation that continued both online and off for many years. He could be infuriating, opinionated, and loud, but he was always caring and considerate, a loyal friend, a shoulder to lean on, and an inspiration to me. He was many things to me, but most importantly, he was always someone I could trust.

Farewell, dear one. I'll miss you. I hope you are reunited with your beloved, and that you're out there somewhere watching me be all those things you encouraged me to be.