[TheIceMan]

Originally Posted by boots

To me, Zigzag was a kindred spirit in a lot of ways. He often said exactly what I was thinking, though he had more tact and elegance in his expression. I'm sad in his passing, but I think he would take comfort that memory of him will not fade quickly. If there is a better place, I'm sure he's there. If there is not, then at least his presence made this world better.

I don't know zigzag, but I really like what you said boots.

[budster101]

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[RAILhead]

Dang, this sucks. I can't personally recall any threads or posts posts of his that stick out, but I seem to remember he and I would spar on occasion.

We all have to go, but it sucks when it happens, no?

Maury

[ebuddy]

Zig's last post and a little taste of what he's left with us;

Originally Posted by Mark Larr;
You non southerners realize the term redneck is offensive, right?

Zigs reply? Yes. Why else would we use it?

[typoon]

Originally Posted by budster101

I hope this is ok. As per request I took it upon myself to put up zigzag's final post count. But, instead of putting up just a name and a number I thought in a sort of tradition, that I would post a screen capture of it.

Thanks Budster. May he Rest in Peace.

[CRASH HARDDRIVE]

I can't believe it. I'm litterally stunned.

He was always a thougtful and considerate guy, with a lot to say about everything, always interesting.

He'll really be missed.

R.I.P.

[ThinkInsane]

It's sad to hear of anyone's passing, doubly so for one of our oldest and most respected members. Very sad news indeed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family. Fare thee well friend, you'll be missed.

[Doofy]

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[Demonhood]

this is terribly sad.
he was an active and entertaining member of this community. and i think we are all better for having known his words.

[thunderous_funker]

What a shocking blow. Its so easy to attribute a kind of naive immortality to posters here, especially when they offer so much wit, wisdom and eloquence. Like many long time posters, I've struggled with a real love/hate relationship with the board (especially the political lounge) but it was always the desire to read great posts from people I greatly admire that brought me back from time to time. zigzag was without question at the very top of that list.

Its so strange to admit that a man I never actually met (didn't even know his name) could have had such a profound impact on me. zigzag, more than anyone else I've met in recent years, possessed that enviable quality to turn a question or issue around and force one to consider it in a way that was illuminating and humbling. zigzag always considered every facet and labored to understand another POV.

I'm grateful that I had a chance to chat with him on this board. I'm deeply saddened that I didn't do it more often now that he's gone.

Sincere condolences and many blessings to his family and friends. Know that he was loved and admired even by those who knew him only as zigzag.

[dreilly1]

I share my condolences with everyone here. I hope that this outpouring of sympathy can provide some small comfort to his family and friends.

I find it interesting how our online personas persist after we're gone, and how this medium can create connections between people who have, in most cases, never met in real life. It may sound corny, but a little piece of him will still exist as long as these forums are in operation...

[Cody Dawg]

We all you, zigzag.

In Memoriam to zigzag.

[mr. natural]

"Mr. Soul"

Oh, hello Mr. Soul,
I dropped by
to pick up a reason
For the thought that I caught
that my head
is the event of the season
Why in crowds just a trace
of my face
could seem so pleasin'
I'll cop out to the change,
but a stranger
is putting the tease on.

I was down on a frown
when the messenger
brought me a letter
I was raised by the praise
of a fan
who said I upset her
Any girl in the world
could have easily
known me better
She said, You're strange,
but don't change,
and I let her.

In a while will the smile
on my face
turn to plaster?
Stick around while the clown
who is sick
does the trick of disaster
For the race of my head
and my face
is moving much faster
Is it strange I should change?
I don't know,
why don't you ask her?


lyrics by Neil Young


In tribute to zigzag, who was a fan of Neil's music.

What a sad surprise.


"Helpless"

There is a town in north Ontario,
With dream comfort memory to spare,
And in my mind
I still need a place to go,
All my changes were there.

Blue, blue windows behind the stars,
Yellow moon on the rise,
Big birds flying across the sky,
Throwing shadows on our eyes.
Leave us

Helpless, helpless, helpless
Baby can you hear me now?
The chains are locked
and tied across the door,
Baby, sing with me somehow.

Blue, blue windows behind the stars,
Yellow moon on the rise,
Big birds flying across the sky,
Throwing shadows on our eyes.
Leave us

Helpless, helpless, helpless.

[KeyLimePi]

MacNN has a clutch of people with real humor, insight and a spark of life. zigzag was at the top of that list. Thanks for all the great words.

[Kevin]

[budster101]

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[RAILhead]

This seems kind of sudden, too, seeing as how he posted just a few days ago (right?). Anyone know how he passed or how old he was?

Maury
/not trying to be morbid or nosey -- just wondering

[budster101]

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[FulcrumPilot]

Adios! Zigzag!

Was good to know you through your posts!

RIP.

[malvolio]

Damn.
Farewell, zigzag. You will be greatly missed.

[davesimondotcom]

It's amazing how you can come to "know" people through this board. By evidence of the people who posted in this thread, zigzag obviously made quite an impact even through this impersonal medium.

May he rest in peace. My condolences to all who loved him.

[Cody Dawg]

I am wondering why zigzag died? Can someone tell me? Is there an organization we can donate some money to in his honor?

Farewell, zigzag...

You will always be here in spirit with us at MacNN.

[m a d r a]

jeez! - i hope you lot are this gushingly insincere when i walk under a bus!

[ironknee]

it was his time to leave...thanks for sharing a bit of your life with us zig

i hope you achieve nirvana but if not be reborn in a happy place

three bows

[OreoCookie]

Damn. My condolences to his family and his friends. Don't want to be intrusive, but any word on how it happened?

[OldManMac]

Quite shocking news! His voice was often the voice of reason here, and he, as others have said, never got personal, despite disagreeing with others' opinions.

[PurpleGiant]

Rest in peace ziggy. You will be missed.

[vmpaul]

News that breaks my heart. Truly sad, very sad news.

He was a font of wisdom, perspective and experience. I don't know that anyone can say we truly know people that post here but zigzag's character, honesty, good humor and integrity shone through clearly. Whether you agreed with him or not, he was able to present his point without insulting anyone or taking a response personally. It's a lesson I often wish I could master and one I strive to emulate.

I haven't hung around here much lately but when I visit I always looked forward to reading a debate that zig participated in. In fact, I mostly came back here to look for his posts. They were that enjoyable to read and I learned that much from his point of view. I figured any thread he was engaged in was worth reading because of his position.

I, literally, checked the MacNN forum 2 days ago looking for zigzag's latest posts. Didn't see anything and thought, oh, he must be on vacation or something.

I told him once (in a PM) that I wished we disagreed on more just so we could debate because I know he'd have an interesting way to inform and educate me.

I'm one of those people that save text clips of an interesting quote or a well stated argument. I, no joke, have at least a dozen clips in my Quotes folder that are from zigzag posts. I'm a bit choked up now, and away from my home computer, but if I can find any I think are appropriate I'll post them later.

scottieB, I second that request about expressing our condolences to his family and would appreciate any more information you could give us on his passing.

Of all the people that come and go on these Forums it truly won't be the same without zigzag anymore. I would have been proud to have met him in the real world. I'm sad that I'll never have that chance now. You can be damn sure I'll be raising a glass to you tonight.

RIP friend. You will be missed.

[Kevin]

I was going back today reading some of the things he had said.

While alot of it I remember not agreeing with, he had the tact to bring it across without acting condescending.

He actually respected the people he was arguing with. Didn't matter who he agreed with.

I can respect that. We need more zigzags in this forum.

[ReggieX]

Dang.

[ghporter]

I spent today working with therapists in a hospital, helping all sorts of patients with all sorts of problems. I thought I was working toward a day when I would be helping patients myself, but some of them were sad cases. This is sadder.

Farewell, Zig. (And the picture in your sig IS fantastic.)

[spacefreak]

I've debated Zigzag on numerous occasions, and even though our political differences could be profound at times, I am extremely saddened that he is no longer with us. I hope his passing was peaceful and as pain-free as possible.

Was it an illness or accident that took his life? Does anyone know?

And did his family know how much time he spent here? It would be a shame if his friends and loved ones had no idea, for one could see quite the snapshot of a side of Zig by going through his posts.

Thanks for the company and conversation. You'll be missed. And if you're reading this from the heavens, Zigzag, be sure to stay up-to-date on current events down here... because when I eventually make my way up there, I'm going to be all geared up to resume debating.

[scottiB]

My wife and I went to zigzag's house this evening and gave our sympathies to two of his brothers who traveled north to handle his affairs. He lived in an older home in an affluent suburb north of Detroit, and I'm afraid it's a prime candidate for a tear-down and replacement by a McMansion.

I mentioned to his brothers the outpouring of sentiments on these boards and the desire to contribute in his memory. A donation to The Henry Ford Museum Annual Fund seemed appropriate. zigzag worked there as an intern-archivist while he sought a masters in Library Science, leading to a second career.

A couple of issues are still outstanding, and I need to clarify them before anyone chooses to contribute. Firstly, the family would like notification sent of donations--something I'm not sure can be done online. And, the minimum to donate online is $50--a figure that may seem a bit steep. Monday morning I'll call the museum to nail these down, and perhaps provide an address for those who wish to snail mail with those being attributed in zigzag's memory.

I only have one picture of zigzag (and unfortunately I'm in it, too). It was taken by my wife in September 2002 at the Cranbrook Academy of Art at the opening celebration of its New Studios building. The expansion's architect is Rafael Moneo, one who zigzag admired, and he got to shake Moneo's hand--which he thought was pretty cool. He is without sunglasses.



I'm afraid I'm going against his wishes in posting this, but what the hell.

[Atomic Rooster]

Rest the eternal sleep.

INVICTUS

OUT of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

[baw]

Originally Posted by spacefreak

Was it an illness or accident that took his life? Does anyone know?

I'd like to know myself.

[budster101]

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[Athens]

Originally Posted by ebuddy

Zig's last post and a little taste of what he's left with us;




Zigs reply? Yes. Why else would we use it?

Hehe so true so true, that is a great line to go with the offline pic some one else posted.

I didn't know Zigzag well, we didn't really cross paths, but by what other members have posted I can tell he was a good guy.

As long as those that knew him remmber him he will aways be here.

Zig say hi to my Auntie up there, you cant miss her. RIP and so long.

[ghporter]

The Henry Ford Museum is definitely worth donating to if you can afford it. It is a wonderful place. As is Cranbrook... I never knew Zig was in the Detroit area; I grew up south of Detroit.

[scottiB]

There've been a few requests regarding the circumstances of zigzag's death. While I knew these would happen, I planned on being silent and letting them sit--with no disrespect to anyone. I'm caught between the wishes of his family and being true to those who cared, respected, and liked zigzag through these boards.

To use a cliche (which zigzag hated): we all have our limits, and zigzag was pressed beyond his; he took his own life.

I request that this thread not devolve into a debate, but I can't prevent it.

----

Other than me, the only other person that I know zigzag met in the real world from these boards was daimoni, someone who hasn't been on these boards for almost a year. Would a moderator PM me his email address? His profile won't allow me to. Thanks. And I'll follow through regarding The Henry Ford Museum or another suitable institution on Monday.

[OreoCookie]

Originally Posted by scottiB

There've been a few requests regarding the circumstances of zigzag's death. While I knew these would happen, I planned on being silent and letting them sit--with no disrespect to anyone. I'm caught between the wishes of his family and being true to those who cared, respected, and liked zigzag through these boards.

To use a cliche (which zigzag hated): we all have our limits, and zigzag was pressed beyond his; he took his own life.

That's what I suspected. Sorry to hear about that, it was actually the second I heard of this week

[IceEnclosure]

damn damn

[nredman]

sad news, my thoughts and prayers go out to his friends & family

rest in peace, you are now home.

[thunderous_funker]

Thanks, scottiB. Appreciate the consideration in sharing with us. Very tough news.

[davesimondotcom]

That's awfully sad news. I know we all get down sometimes, I'm sorry zigzag felt he had no other option.

[scottiB]

Originally Posted by thunderous_funker

Thanks, scottiB. Appreciate the consideration in sharing with us. Very tough news.

Not a problem, but we all were entitled to know. At the risk of sounding maudlin, we are a family here.

zigzag and I would discuss The Lounge in the RL, and we felt it was a favorite bar. People come in, hang out, commiserate if they choose, sit at the bar and read the paper if not. Some are long time patrons. Some people stop entering the doors after awhile. It was a favorite haunt of zig's, and he enjoyed being here greatly. If this were a brick and mortar lounge, how could I not tell everybody? He was a part of us, and there will always be a figurative stool empty at the bar.

I hardly knew what a PM was, and now my inbox is almost full. We've come together, and we really should be proud of it. zigzag would.

[spacefreak]

Originally Posted by OreoCookie

That's what I suspected.

Was this just a guess, or was there something more that pointed you towards this conclusion?

Perhaps you PM'd him a lot... I don't know. From my POV (reading his posts), I definitely didn't get the feeling that something like this was on the horizon.

[budster101]

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[AKcrab]

Originally Posted by spacefreak

Was this just a guess, or was there something more that pointed you towards this conclusion?

I'm assuming it was a guess based on the circumstances.

I'm a bit floored by the news, as I find it hard to comprehend that someone who could seem so reasonable and levelheaded on these forums, could take such a drastic step.

However, budster makes a great point. The zigzag we know is in his 6000+ posts, and that's what really matters.

[pooka]

Originally Posted by budster101

Look back, reflect, and express now, how this man affected you, even though you may not have met him in person.

Some of my favorites. These particular threads don't really contain the more insightful and intelligent posts that you're familiar with. Just good ole silliness. I wish I could search back further. Random order:

thread 1
thread 2
thread 3
thread 4
thread 5

Couple of my absolute faves.. A good example of how the man could impress the hell outta me with his WELL STATED opinions on a variety of subjects and then make me piss my pants two posts later with some off the wall crap.
How my sig came to be
Gay Marriage: AKA-Why the world wants to keep me and my sister apart

And finally.. Just an example of the bond that we shared.
My friend

Gonna miss ya, man. Wish we could have gotten a disorderly conduct citation together.

[OreoCookie]

Originally Posted by spacefreak

Was this just a guess, or was there something more that pointed you towards this conclusion?

Perhaps you PM'd him a lot... I don't know. From my POV (reading his posts), I definitely didn't get the feeling that something like this was on the horizon.

I just concluded that from the way this thread was started, I didn't claim to know him better. Suicide is (at least in Germany) the #2 cause of death for men at the age of 30-40.