General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsI'm sorry to report that DUer Junkdrawer has passed away
I received a DU Mail from his wife last week, unfortunately since I was on vacation I only just got around to reading it. Here is the message:
Rich was a true progressive and a realist--almost to the point of pessimism. He joined DU in 2002 and you all have been a part of our dinnertime discussions until he died. I do not think that many of the DU members know just how smart Junkdrawer was; he was scary-smart. He had been a math/physics major as an undergrad many, many years ago and got into computers in the 1980s. He once told me, "There is no playground greater than the one in my head," but I went ahead & married him anyway!
Richard was very concerned about the direction this country is headed. The watered-down liberal pabulum that has replaced any sort of true activism was distressing to him. Increasingly he found people on DU who were merely posing as liberals (I believe you all call them "Trolls"
So this is his goodbye to the Democratic Underground. He would want you all to remember one of his favorite quotes from Kurt Vonnegut:
"Here's what I think the truth is: We are all addicts of fossil fuels in a state of denial, about to face cold turkey. And like so many addicts about to face cold turkey, our leaders are now committing violent crimes to get what little is left of what we’re hooked on."
So it goes.
intaglio
(8,170 posts)and thank you for this
joeybee12
(56,177 posts)Tuesday Afternoon
(56,912 posts)boston bean
(36,590 posts)tkmorris
(11,138 posts)Jefferson23
(30,099 posts)nclib
(1,021 posts)Trajan
(19,089 posts)He was a good one ... so sorry for his family
pinboy3niner
(53,339 posts)Arugula Latte
(50,566 posts)Historic NY
(38,299 posts)MineralMan
(148,293 posts)daleanime
(17,796 posts)stevenleser
(32,886 posts)CherokeeDem
(3,719 posts)Condolences to his family and friends and those he was close to on DU.
He will be missed.
DrDan
(20,411 posts)Little Star
(17,055 posts)WillyT
(72,631 posts)Peace...
William769
(56,490 posts)TexasTowelie
(118,305 posts)My condolences to the family.
Cal Carpenter
(4,959 posts)So it goes.
hlthe2b
(107,484 posts)Last edited Wed Jun 18, 2014, 01:39 PM - Edit history (1)
May he RIP.
Definitely OUR loss, in addition to that of his friends and family.
840high
(17,196 posts)nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)I am sorry for your loss.
riverwalker
(8,694 posts)he will be missed
redqueen
(115,177 posts)Half-Century Man
(5,279 posts)Cleita
(75,480 posts)Junkdrawer was top drawer and one of the all time good DUers. It's always sad to lose a good DUer, one who contributed so much to this website.
SalviaBlue
(3,038 posts)and Peace to his family and friends.
In_The_Wind
(72,300 posts)malaise
(280,052 posts)Deepest sympathy
Thank you for the time you spent with us.
Peaceful journey.
Kaleva
(38,806 posts)alittlelark
(18,937 posts)DisgustipatedinCA
(12,530 posts)Junkdrawer...Richard...you'll be remembered fondly.
JimDandy
(7,318 posts)be writing here anymore. I hope memories of him will sustain you through the tough times without him. Peace.
KittyWampus
(55,894 posts)My heart goes out to his bereaved.
progressoid
(50,886 posts)lunasun
(21,646 posts)mulsh
(2,959 posts)your posts certainly made a difference. you will be missed.condolences to your family and friends.
KT2000
(21,057 posts)my condolences to Junkdrawer's family and RIP.
pintobean
(18,101 posts)My condolences to the family.
RIP Junkdrawer.
virgdem
(2,228 posts)deepest condolences to his wife, family and friends. Rest in Peace Junkdrawer.
Le Taz Hot
(22,271 posts)TBF
(34,955 posts)roguevalley
(40,656 posts)for his family I have. I hate these notices. Good people are so needed now. RIP, Junkdrawer and all the love I have to your family. Only time is your friend now.
Rosa Luxemburg
(28,627 posts)blm
(113,915 posts)((Junkdrawer))
Peace to all who loved him - including me.
petronius
(26,674 posts)My condolences and best wishes to the family...
hrmjustin
(71,265 posts)mike_c
(36,427 posts)Condolences to Junkdrawer's widow and family.
CrispyQ
(38,838 posts)I loved his screen name! Everyone's got one, huh?
pinto
(106,886 posts)One of the long time DUers.
babylonsister
(171,755 posts)I will miss your husband and am terribly sorry to read this. Thank you for letting us know.
Gothmog
(156,989 posts)etherealtruth
(22,165 posts)MohRokTah
(15,429 posts)urbuddha
(363 posts)...and all of the best to his family and friends.
theHandpuppet
(19,964 posts)My condolences to his friends and family.
Armstead
(47,803 posts)madfloridian
(88,117 posts)So sad.
Autumn
(46,987 posts)His voice will be missed.
countryjake
(8,554 posts)Our DU family will truly miss him.
Peace to Junkdrawer.
Thank you, EarlG, for bringing us this bad news.
countryjake
(8,554 posts)After a day of letting this awful news soak in, I am just shocked and so very sad to learn that Junkdrawer is gone.
My heart is breaking for Ms. Junkdrawer, I send vibes across this country to her, thoughts of comfort, strength, and peace.
We were privileged by his presence here at DU for so many years, now, tragically, he is gone too soon.
Kelvin Mace
(17,469 posts)JD was a major contributor to the BBV discussion/efforts of a decade ago.
"Condolences" seems such an inadequate word to offer for such a agonizing loss.
I will go and re-read his posts. I will remember him.
Starry Messenger
(32,376 posts)Lots of sad losses piling up recently. RIP Junkdrawer. Peace to his wife and family.
Happyhippychick
(8,422 posts)ismnotwasm
(42,502 posts)For this incredible loss
Wilms
(26,795 posts)Thanks for all the thoughtful posts.
bigtree
(90,505 posts). . . one of my favorite DUers.
My sympathy to the family. He will be missed.
grasswire
(50,130 posts)Thank you, Mrs. Junkdrawer, for reminding us to eschew trollery and stand in solidarity with genuine liberals and progressives. May that be his legacy.
Renew Deal
(83,372 posts)He will be missed.
closeupready
(29,503 posts)Why WHY is it always the good ones who pass on too young!
denbot
(9,916 posts)Peace.
OnyxCollie
(9,958 posts)RIP, Junkdrawer.
Kali
(55,991 posts)as I did. RIP, Junkdrawer. You died too soon and the world is lesser without you.
Tom Yossarian Joad.
Someone please pass this on to them.
LittleBlue
(10,362 posts)He could talk just fine one minute and be dead the next. Damn.
RIP Richard
Morning Dew
(6,539 posts)Condolences to Richard's family.
jwirr
(39,215 posts)Laelth
(32,017 posts)-Laelth
Warren Stupidity
(48,181 posts)heaven05
(18,124 posts)my sincere condolences and may he rest in peace. Smart guy.
Laelth
(32,017 posts)Tom Yossarian Joad.
Full Discussionist thread here: http://discussionist.com/101583042
-Laelth
get the red out
(13,663 posts)He sounds like a wonderful person.
Hekate
(95,817 posts)...DU will miss you.
Buns_of_Fire
(18,037 posts)MADem
(135,425 posts)We lost a beloved family member to vehicular homicide last fall; it just is a tough row to hoe, particularly when the justice system is so slow to react. I hope those he left behind have good memories and support one another, it helps a bit, anyway.
Such a sad and untimely loss. My deepest sympathies.
Tommy_Carcetti
(43,659 posts)RIP.
Triana
(22,666 posts)I'm so sorry to hear this. My sincere condolences go out to his wife and family.
LeftishBrit
(41,316 posts)RIP. and condolences to all his family.
livetohike
(23,144 posts)octoberlib
(14,971 posts)btrflykng9
(287 posts)My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and his family.
Onward to peace and better places, Richard/Junkdrawer.
ColesCountyDem
(6,944 posts)Hassin Bin Sober
(26,828 posts)greatauntoftriplets
(177,150 posts)I'm very sorry to hear this.
BlancheSplanchnik
(20,219 posts)That is a chillingly realistic quote from Vonnegut.
Peace and support to you, Mrs. Junkdrawer.
panader0
(25,816 posts)morningfog
(18,115 posts)Sunlei
(22,651 posts)MrScorpio
(73,724 posts)Tikki
(14,799 posts)The Tikkis
Iggo
(48,681 posts)Octafish
(55,745 posts)Junkdrawer!
berni_mccoy
(23,018 posts)TorchTheWitch
(11,065 posts)I'll surely miss Junkdrawer and so sad about his tragic death. What a beautiful tribute from his wife, and I wish only good thoughts for his family.
Thanks, EarlG, for sharing this though it is so heartbreaking.
zeemike
(18,998 posts)I remember you well.
tosh
(4,453 posts)My condolences to Mrs. Junkdrawer.
Peace to Richard.
DinahMoeHum
(22,574 posts)Jack Rabbit
(45,984 posts)And so it goes.
MissDeeds
(7,499 posts)We've lost an important voice and a good liberal.
Condolences to his family and friends.
RIP, Junkdrawer
Zorra
(27,670 posts)RIP Junkdrawer.
secondwind
(16,903 posts)person's life was cut short... RIP, sir, you will not be forgotten.
Worried senior
(1,328 posts)for you and your family.
villager
(26,001 posts)Safe passage, Junkdrawer...
ucrdem
(15,720 posts)So sorry to hear the news
Yes, he was a very smart guy, and his contributions will be missed.
kentuck
(113,103 posts)He will be fondly remembered. Our condolences to the family.
mfcorey1
(11,070 posts)mzmolly
(51,774 posts)RIP, Junkdrawer. Wishing all the best, to his family and close friends.
cyberswede
(26,117 posts)I always enjoyed his posts.
Great quote to remember.
Thank you for sharing the information, EarlG. I hope you're able to share the comments in this thread with his wife.
CreekDog
(46,192 posts)Miss your presence here already.
raouldukelives
(5,178 posts)Your spirit will be sorely missed.
Liberal_in_LA
(44,397 posts)seaglass
(8,181 posts)Rest in peace Junkdrawer
Solly Mack
(93,490 posts)I'm so sorry for your loss. It is a loss for DU as well.
Always enjoyed Junkdrawer's passion.
[center][/center]
Old and In the Way
(37,540 posts)Junkdrawer was definitely one of my favorite DUers. I agreed with his POV on many things, the trolling issue, included. His comments here will be missed by this DUer
KitSileya
(4,035 posts)My condolences to his wife and family.
hunter
(39,179 posts)DesertRat
(27,995 posts)RIP Richard.
Ichingcarpenter
(36,988 posts)I thank his wife for informing us and
wish her and his family my condolences
A Great Loss to DU his voice will be missed.
noiretextatique
(27,275 posts)RIP, Junkdrawer. He was on of my favorite DUers.
myrna minx
(22,772 posts)My deepest condolences to you and yours.
CaliforniaPeggy
(152,768 posts)I didn't know him, but that doesn't matter.
He contributed.
May he rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his wife and family and friends...
It is really tough when you don't get to say goodbye.
whatchamacallit
(15,558 posts)RIP
Beacool
(30,339 posts)How devastating to lose a loved one in a blink of a eye. My sincerest condolences to his wife, family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
FailureToCommunicate
(14,368 posts)these many condolences, as well as mine, to his wife. She sounds quite level-headed and wise, just the kind of person to join the DU community. Maybe suggest that to her? Who knows, it might help ease some of her loss...
gademocrat7
(11,272 posts)Jackpine Radical
(45,274 posts)My heart goes out to the survivors.
bananas
(27,509 posts)Throd
(7,208 posts)Surya Gayatri
(15,445 posts)quote would be from Vonnegut.
Perhaps they'll meet up some Blue Monday on Titan.
Strength and comfort to Ms. Junkdrawer and the rest of his family.
tenderfoot
(8,982 posts)The Magistrate
(96,043 posts)He was a good man.
Uncle Joe
(60,433 posts)Peace and healing to his family.
Thanks for the thread, EarlG
uppityperson
(115,901 posts)neffernin
(275 posts)lostincalifornia
(3,639 posts)xchrom
(108,903 posts)Oilwellian
(12,647 posts)He will be greatly missed. My condolences to the family.
bettyellen
(47,209 posts)very good man. So sorry for your loss.
glinda
(14,807 posts)That's a terrible thing. Condolences to his wife.
Here's why he hadn't posted in a long time: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x2478532
magical thyme
(14,881 posts)Peace to his family and friends...
Raine1967
(11,623 posts)This is so terribly sad.
PeaceNikki
(27,985 posts)He will be missed.
LisaLynne
(14,554 posts)My condolences to his family and all who loved him.
defacto7
(13,745 posts)sinkingfeeling
(53,626 posts)brentspeak
(18,290 posts)Prayers to the family
nolabear
(43,368 posts)Skittles
(161,132 posts)me b zola
(19,053 posts)Rest in Peace Richard
westerebus
(2,977 posts)He was a decent person and well spoken. My condolences.
Warren DeMontague
(80,708 posts)Deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
Paladin
(29,219 posts)valerief
(53,235 posts)Joe Shlabotnik
(5,604 posts)My condolences to his family. Junkdrawer was a great and respected member of this community.
A Little Weird
(1,754 posts)MFM008
(20,032 posts)to this community and his family and friends.
Peace.
Bossy Monkey
(15,872 posts)Brickbat
(19,339 posts)senseandsensibility
(20,593 posts)It breaks my heart that she had to write this. However, I would like to thank her for doing so. DU will be a lesser place without him.
cate94
(2,921 posts)RIP Rich.
xiamiam
(4,906 posts)Very sad to lose another DU member from the early days. Very sad for all of us. Thank you Mrs. Junkdrawer for your very thoughtful post ...its beautiful that you could take time to not just let us know what happened, but to also share how Richard felt about Du and our country. I feel the same. Blessings to you.
Cooley Hurd
(26,877 posts)...and to all that knew and loved him here. This is crushing news.
lordsummerisle
(4,653 posts)broadcaster75201
(387 posts)nt
emsimon33
(3,128 posts)AverageJoe90
(10,745 posts)My condolences to your family and friends.
Hell Hath No Fury
(16,327 posts)and was well respected. So incredibly sorry for your (and our) loss. He was the best of old school DU and, as himself noted, there's too little of that here these days. His contributions will be missed.
kiva
(4,373 posts)slipslidingaway
(21,210 posts)he will be missed by many people here.
snagglepuss
(12,704 posts)spanone
(137,922 posts)mokawanis
(4,473 posts)R.I.P
KoKo
(84,711 posts)I remember him well and wondered why we weren't hearing from him for a long while.
He is remembered fondly.. and, losing another long time DU'er is very sad to this whole community who have been here long enough to know and remember who he was and read his posts and commented.
Wishes to the family, friends and all those who held him dear in their hearts.
Another gone off to a place of peace who contributed to this community who will be sorely missed.
Rest In Peace, Junkdrawer
rurallib
(63,364 posts)may you have wonderful memories.
Aerows
(39,961 posts)I'm so sorry to hear of his passing! He was a great DUer!
deathrind
(1,786 posts)blogslut
(38,712 posts)He will truly be missed.
The_Casual_Observer
(27,742 posts)scarletwoman
(31,893 posts)I hope you will email Mrs. Junkdrawer back and give her our collective condolences.
I am so deeply sorry for her loss, and send my wishes that she find peace and strength.
I'm very sorry for DU's loss, too.
DrewFlorida
(1,096 posts)a kennedy
(32,598 posts)RIP for a true progressive....
trumad
(41,692 posts)alsame
(7,784 posts)condolences to his family and friends.
RainDog
(28,784 posts)Thank you to his family for sharing him with DU.
Hugs to you all. He will be missed.
blackspade
(10,056 posts)That sucks.
My condolences to his family.
pacalo
(24,739 posts)(I always loved his user name.)
What a beautiful tribute to him by his wife, who sounds like a treasure herself. I wish her strength & comfort.
Thank you for all the wonderful posts, Richard "Junkdrawer". You were an awesome DUer.
joshcryer
(62,513 posts)What a tragic loss.
polly7
(20,582 posts)Peace and strength to all of you.
RIP Jundrawer.
Blue_In_AK
(46,436 posts)I always enjoyed his posts. This is a great loss to our community.
Take care of yourself, Mrs. Junkdrawer.
orleans
(35,497 posts)lonestarnot
(77,097 posts)Soylent Brice
(8,308 posts)RetroLounge
(37,250 posts)RIP Junkdrawer.
RL
flying rabbit
(4,802 posts)bunnies
(15,859 posts)sabrina 1
(62,325 posts)Bonobo
(29,257 posts)The Vonnegut quote is spot on.
RobertEarl
(13,685 posts)He was one of my favorite DUers. I will miss him. Tears....
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)shanti
(21,722 posts)You were one of the good ones...
GReedDiamond
(5,394 posts)...to his family and friends.
I remember reading his posts, he seems like a guy who really made a positive impression on the World around him...may Richard aka Junkdrawer RIP.
Laughing Mirror
(4,185 posts)whenever I logged in and I saw his name. He had information nobody else was providing or wanting to look at.
It was reading one of his posts one day that inspired me to finally become a member. I even modeled my first user name after his. I will miss him very much.
TheKentuckian
(26,314 posts)mountain grammy
(27,471 posts)Samantha
(9,314 posts)So, so sorry to you go. RIP.
Sam
barbtries
(30,100 posts)and to them i offer condolences and all my best wishes. so sorry to hear this news.
kag
(4,120 posts)I, too, married a "scary" smart man, and even now, after almost 25 years of marriage am awed by his intellect. I know Mrs. Junkdrawer will miss him more than words can convey, but I'll send my warmest thoughts her direction and hope that she will receive comfort and peace in time.
A sad loss for DU, and for our nation who needs smart, progressive people now more than ever.
msanthrope
(37,549 posts)Mugu
(2,887 posts)RIP Junkdrawer.
sellitman
(11,691 posts)So sorry to hear of his passing.
BumRushDaShow
(146,081 posts)Sorry to see this. His user name always made me chuckle as it invoked all sorts of humorous thoughts and although I may not have agreed with all that he wrote, this is hard to fathom. R.I.P. and condolences to his family.
Ferretherder
(1,447 posts)You were obviously a VERY intelligent, caring person who was married to your equal.
Thank you, Ms. junkdrawer, for a very beautiful remembrance, and good thoughts are headed your way. So sorry for your loss.
ctsnowman
(1,903 posts)Bobbie Jo
(14,344 posts)onecent
(6,096 posts)cbayer
(146,218 posts)lunatica
(53,410 posts)Losing a loved one is a terrible blow.
Coventina
(28,068 posts)My condolences to the entire Junkdrawer family.
We weep along with you.
Overseas
(12,121 posts)dionysus
(26,467 posts)NuclearDem
(16,184 posts)I wish his family the best.
cordelia
(2,174 posts)NewJeffCT
(56,842 posts)you will be missed.
WilliamPitt
(58,179 posts)RKP5637
(67,112 posts)friends.
Nika
(546 posts)femmocrat
(28,394 posts)TeeYiYi
(8,028 posts)Rest in peace, Junkdrawer, my friend.
TYY