When I heard from Jet-Poop that dannye had passed away, I had to stop and let that sink in for a bit.
I've known him for quite a long while, though not as long as many of the names that now crowd the catbox. Perhaps because I was also an older noder, I always got along well with the crusty old coot. I remember talking to him on the phone, listening to how he hated Microsoft Windows and what a pain it was. I remember sending him an updated copy of Windows to install on his computer, and that he was pleased with the outcome. We would chat about life in general, about how much he enjoyed just sitting and watching the view as the busy world rushed by, and how silly and uptight the noders could be here on E2.
I hadn't talked to him in a while, although I knew he had some medical issues going on. Family always came first with him, even when he knew he was not going to be around for long. We ribbed each other over nodes, we laughed as the trolls and the crap nodes were purged with a side order of Klaproth's ire, and we discussed the immense talent that was buried here and there, diamonds amongst the quartz.
I can tell you he was very, very proud of most of you, whom he considered his kids. Loud, raucous, obnoxious kids, but he loved you all.
I'm not ashamed to admit there are tears on my face as I write this, but it's time to get off the old man's lawn.
Godspeed, my friend. You will be remembered.