Sad news

I too am deeply saddened by this news. My condolances to you Sidewinder and the rest of BJ's family.

I have just read all of the posts honoring a man who stands out in our lives as evidenced by the words written by those before me. Peace be to your family and friends and now to you BJ. I think you will rest in peace because I strongly suspect you were and are PEACE. Sleep well my friend.

I read of a man who stood to speak

At the funeral of a friend

He referred to the dates on his tombstone

From the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came his date of birth

And spoke the following date with tears,

But he said what mattered most of all

Was the dash between those years. (19??-2007)

For that dash represents all the time

That he spent alive on earth...

And now only those who loved him

Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;

The cars...the house...the cash,

What matters is how we live and love

And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard...

Are there things you'd like to change?

For you never know how much time is left,

That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough

To consider what's true and real,

And always try to understand

The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,

And show appreciation more

And love the people in our lives

Like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,

And more often wear a smile..

Remembering that this special dash

Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy's being read

With your life's actions to rehash...

Would you be proud of the things they say

About how you spent your dash?

Very nice my friend :)

Crap.

I've been on holiday for a week and a half with no PC access until back at work today.

I've finally got a spare moment to log in at VDr to see what's going on and I came across this thread.

I saw the title and wondered what had happened and at first I thought I had mis read it.

BJ pulled me into line a few times in my early months here but we worked things out and I held great respect for him.

He will be missed by many.

I'd have to second that Nix ... and the same for all others posting in this thread, ditto. Such a sad thing it is... my condolences to Sidewinder and BJ's family and all who knew him.

It is a tender thing we hold, this life, I only hope for a portion of BJ's success at it...!

Thanks for your comments Dude. Steve_83 actually reminded me of this in his post when he mentioned "dash".
I have had this this short writing saved for several years and will stop to read it from time to time when it crosses my path in My Documents folder.

I received this today from TJolly, used to post here quite often:

Just received an email linking to the sudden death of Big John. Very sad news. I had a lot of respect for him. Pity I can't personally pass on my condolences on Vdr.

I am very sorry to hear of his tragic death,my sympathy goes out to all the family,
and those near and dear to him. TMI.

It was quite a shock to hear that someone who has been so much a presence here is gone.

He helped many people, simply out of the goodness of his heart.

It is a sad event but BigJohn has left behind an enviable legacy. He touched many people and he will be widely missed.

Thanks to photolady, as her sig informed me of Big John's passing.
LIke so many others, I can't really imagine VDr w/o BJ.
However, it helps knowing Big John is in a better place along with Scottlr, and bringing him up to speed on VDr developments over the past few years.
RIP, Big John, and my best to your family.

I just learned about Big John, I wish I had known sooner. The news sent a chill up my spine. To me Big John was like a landmark. A point of reference to keep perspective. He was a big part of why even though I spend my time elsewhere, I think of VDR as home. That is why VDR has always been my home page and continues to be to this day.

I offer my heartfelt, albeit belated, condolences to John's family. I will always remember John.

Its been a long time since I posted here. While I didn't know John personally, I feel as if I do through those of you who did. I remember his posts when I was here and his helpfullness. Its obvious that he lives on through the friends and family that loved him. RIP John, I only wish I had known you.

OOOXXX
~ES

(typing through tears)
Thought I'd drop in, it's been a few months, this is the first thread I opened... Struggling and can't find sufficient words to express how hard this news hits. BJ was the best, a cornerstone of this board. Like so many others, fond memories of him over the years will forever be an indelible part of my experience here at VDr. I teasingly called him 'The eye in the sky', and it's so hard to accept that we'll not see the green light on next to that watchful eye of his anymore. He will always stand out as the kindest of souls with a heart of gold, without a doubt a rare breed. No one can fill the big guy's shoes. The good Lord shared him long enough to show us all by example how bright one's light can truly shine. My deepest sympathies to Sidewinder and all of BJ's family and loved ones. It's been a privilege and an honor to know him and call him friend.

~Kat

I agree, Kat, that's why I'm not even going to attempt to replace him. Can't be done.

There is a better selection of people up there.

http://jasonpage.zenfolio.com/img/p638438373-3.jpg
"Rock Reaching Sky" 2005

I've been more involved in photography over the years and that's why I haven't been on this forum much.

Plus I got a Mac so I don't have many computer issues anymore, and my PC know how is a bit dated.

Farewell whether it is in heaven, eternal darkness or a reincarnation into something else.