A sad day in the freebie community
This will probably be moved to the commons but I just wanted to post it here first.
We have lost another member of our community.
Our good friend BWSman has passed away yesterday. He will be greatly missed, his humor and strength will be remembered forever.
He helped hold together our freebie challenge for many years. Our condolences go out to his family.
Here's to you "B" we will ever forget
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I am posting the pm between myself and BWSman's brother for anyone who wants to know more.
Ron was not only active here in the forums, but he was also a member of a service club similar to the Lions or Kiwanis called The Kinsmen Club of Canada. He was walking to the bus stop to help out at an event they were hosting in our home town when he had a heart attack. He was rushed to the hospital, but could not be revived. He had been a diabetic for over 28 years. In 2005 he was diagnosed with kidney failure and put on dialysis. In the fall of 2008 he received a kidney and pancreas transplant. Just when it looked like things were turning around for him, he developed a sore on his left heel that would not heal. (One of the complications of diabetes is reduced circulation to the extremities, the hands and feet.) This led to the amputation of that leg in the early summer of 2009. He was determined that this would not stop him an refused to be bound to a wheelchair. As soon as possible he was fitted with a prosthetic and was walking again before the year was over. In the fall of 2010 he developed a blister on his right foot. The doctors did their best, but by early 2011 infection had settled deep in the foot. If the doctors had kept removing bad tissue he would have been left with less than 1/2 a foot. He made the decision to have his right foot amputated just below the knee, similar to the left leg, so he could get on with his life, walk on his own and do the things he loved. Early in 2012 the transplanted kidney failed and he was put back on dialysis. This and the sickness earlier that put quite a strain on his heart. Although he had to go to the hospital three times a week for dialysis, he kept helping out with the Kinsmen, and had a daily presence in the forum.
If you want to copy any or all of the above to post in the forum, you have my permission. I am attaching a picture I took of him last year while we were golfing you may post as well. If you want a higher resolution image, email me at [email protected].
GRNGiant
GOD BLESS you GRNGiant
I've been mulling over for the better part of two hours this sad news and wondering what, if anything to say. All I can do is extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends for this brave, resourceful and most human of human beings and wish him Godspeed. Run a victory lap 'round the Pearly Gates...you've more than earned it.
I'm always at a loss for words in situations like this. I had absolutely no knowledge of his health issues the past several years, but from reading what his brother wrote to jeeperz, I can safely say the man was a fighter up to the end. He will be a great inspiration to those who will face similar situations and think all is lost. This man did not think all was lost. He fought against each new issue and won each new battle. It's unfortunate that he lost the war.
I didn't know you as well as a lot of others here in the forums did sir, but you will definitely be missed by all.
BWS was frequently quite literally the Man when someone had to step in and sort things out in the DAZ Freebie Challenge. He was a tough but ready judge.
He was usually quite stoic, so it was a hoot when he let loose his sense of humour. I'm delighted to have been the recipient of a few well-aimed pies in the face from him.
Adios, old chum.
Rest in peace BWSman. We will miss you most keenly. Thanks for the memories and the kindness. My condolences to the family.
My condolences. I empathize with his family.
My condolences to his family and loved ones! As has been said, he was a fighter to the end, a brave man. He didn't whine about his troubles. We will all miss him.
Dana
Godspeed, BWSman. You will be missed.
My deepest condolences to your family and friends.
What a dreadful shock! I really am having trouble getting this to sink in.
I know that he was always very helpful on the forums, and very knowledgeable too, and you could rely on his advice. I will certainly miss him, and I'm sure everyone on the forums is as shocked as I am. Thank you for letting us know
My condolences to his family and friends.
What can I say that hasn't already been said better by others. I remember how Ron dealt with his problems, the photos he posted from his hospital bed to show us how things were doing with his 2nd amputation, the photos he posted to show how well he was getting on with his new legs, all were awe inspiring to see the way he was not just coping but celebrating every step forward. His attitude was so wonderful to see.
quoting from the WOT series "May the last embrace of the Mother welcome you home B"
My thoughts are with GRNgiant and the rest of his family.
Very sad news, very sad indeed.
I have discussed with him occasionally here and I have deepest respect for his work in the freebee community.
Rest in peace friend - wherever your believes will take you.
:( so sorry to hear that!
my condolences!
RIP BWSman.
Condolences to his family.
*throat constricted*
Condolences to his family.
I probably knew Ron best of all of the folks in the freebie challenge. In fact, he was my first and number one ETO (Executive Team Officer). He always helped me keep my head on straight and was quick with a resolve when things got rough. He was a firm believer in the "freebie" tradition and set a presidence for giving of himself. He was a very funny guy in private. He was a pillar to this community, and though his legs were gone, stood high above all our heads. A symbol of strength, vertue and honesty to the human spirit. Last night, I must admit, the tears flowed here from this grown man who will miss him so very deeply. God's bouquet of flowers has been completed now with the very special "Rose". My thoughts and condolences go out to his family and may they always be reminded of just how lucky they all were to be a part of this very special person's life. May he remain the inspiration that he was for us all as to just how precious life really is and how strong the love for it can be. May you rest in peace forever more my dear brother.
Alas, it's always the good ones that go too soon and are faced with the hardest challenges in life.
Hope they are finally giving you the well earned rest and good life you deserve, B.
Redacted
very sorry to hear of his passing, my condolences to his family.
I only knew him on the forum here, but I could tell he was a good person. And now he's gone.
What can I say that hasn't already been said...?
dominus vobiscum
My condolences to his family and friends, and everyone whose life he touched. Very sad news indeed...
..................
No words
Sad news indeed.... :(
amen.
This is very sad but what an inspiring human being! I've been around the community here and at Renderosity and remember his name and him being an active poster. Never knew this person was so courageous and such a great example of a fighter and positivism. May he rest in peace. My condolences to his family and friends.
Very sad news
Nothing but respect for a great man and contributor to the world and people around him. It is a great loss to everyone who knew him. He was a great person and will be truly missed. Hope he's running about on 2 new perfect legs now and having a blast... pure inspiration to everyone around him to never give up and live fully no matter what challenges lives serves us. Rest In Peace (or wild frenetic delight) BWSman!
Sad to learn of his passing...
I will miss your postings BSWman. Glad to have had the pleasure to interact with you in the forums while you were here.
I envision you running with joy with your new legs in your slice of paradise. May your forever be everything you ever wanted.
I'm so terribly sorry for this loss. Deepest condolences to everyone who loved him.
So very sad :( My thoughts are with his family and friends.