I know some of you have been wondering why our friend Calamity stopped posting in the forums. Per his wife's request, I've been given permission to give you this information now.
On his 59th birthday, January 19th, 2022, our friend Calamity's life came to an end after a hard fought battle with lung cancer. He fought to the very end with everything he had. Calamity knew his prognosis was not good, but he never gave up the fight, because he was a born fighter.
The reason he did not make his condition public but to a few of us is he didn't want anybody to treat him any differently. He wanted this place to continue to be a fun, and for people to freely speak their beliefs to him, including those who were opponents he disagreed with strongly. He was also in general, a very private man.
I spoke to Calamity a lot privately. Man, he was incredibly funny, and I don't just say that about anyone. I know his personality wasn't for everyone, but he was a blast to converse with. I'm sad that I'll never get to meet him in person now, but wherever he is, he has my love, and I know he has the love of many of you, and he knew that.
Some words from Calamity's wife.
This is a poem Calamity's father read at his service, which wife asked me to read. Goodbye, calamity. I will never forget you my friend.
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
