I know we’re not supposed to post copyrighted stuff in its entirety, so here’s a condensed passage from The Hobbit.
*Bilbo bent on one knee, filled with sorrow. “This is a bitter adventure, if it must end so; yet I am glad that I have shared in your perils—that has been more than any Baggins deserves.”
“No!” said Thorin. “There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. But sad or merry, I must leave it now. Farewell!”
Then Bilbo turned away, and went by himself, and wept until his eyes were red and his voice was hoarse. He was a kindly little soul. Indeed it was long before he had the heart to make a joke again.*
Farewell, Scott. We will make a joke again, in your honor.
I posted what I wanted to say on my own Board. However, in reference to the SDMB - I do remember teasing him when he first registered over his Username - I think I said something like a “poohpah chalupa” was such a horrifying image that I could never go to Taco Bell again. He responded back to me by mail very good-humoredly and explained it wasn’t what I thought. And from the time forward, we had mailed each other from time to time - often about UB business, but more often him sending me encouraging thoughts and advice to give me hope.
It struck me a long time ago that if I were to suddenly die, my dear friends on the internet might never hear about it.
Scottisher, if this horrible thing was to happen, at least Scott was allowed the final dignity of having a friend like you to make sure we knew and make sure he was remembered in a place he so obviously cared about, and I’m grateful I have such friends too.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends. How terrible to have such a warm, bright candle suddenly go out.
