Auf Gefallen Kameraden
 

In the early hours of Tuesday, Australian Eastern Standard Time, Newbie, a member of this board passed away after a brief but intense struggle with a terminal illness.

He is survived by his wife and children.

Re: Auf Gefallen Kameraden
 

This is a shocking news. I remember his recent questions regarding Heinkel seaplanes.

May he rest in peace.

Re: Auf Gefallen Kameraden
 

That is very unfortunate, I am very sorry to hear that he passed away so quickly.

His family and friends have my sympathy.

Re: Auf Gefallen Kameraden
 

Thank you for passing on this information -- sad as it is. Far too often, Internet friends simply disappear into the ether, never to be heard from again.

Re: Auf Gefallen Kameraden
 

It is indeed sad about his passing.

Perhaps these passings, hopefully infrequent, can serve to remind us all about the fragilness of life, our "internet friends" and why we should treasure them. Be nice and cool, for tomorrow may bring something totally unexpected.

Re: Auf Gefallen Kameraden
 

I am sorry to learn of the passing of a colleague. My condolences to his wife and children.

However would someone please put up his real name ? I would not like to be remembered solely by my nickname.

Martin Gleeson.

Re: Auf Gefallen Kameraden
 

His real name was David Newbie. His interest was German maritime operations and units and he an I - along with the greatfully received help and advise from Dave Wadman - were working on KuFlGr 906.

I have passed on to his wife the best wishes and sympathy of all members of the board and she has asked me to in return pass on her gratitude, not only for your kind thoughts and words but also for the efforts and answers you provided David in the last weeks of his life. David wasn't a big hitter in terms of postings or knowledge but what he lacked in expertese he made up for in enthusiasm and honesty and the exchange of information and ideas, and even some of the arguments and associated egos on the board made a difference to the quality of his life. Right until the end I would print out all recent messages posted on the boards, including print-outs of some of Ed Wests ebay links, to take with me when I visited him in hospital. As his wife noted, it made all the difference to him and gave him something to focus on and take his mind away from the terrible situation he was facing.

A more gentle, genuine and honest man you would not find. He is to be laid to rest on Sunday in a private ceremony.

Should you be so moved his family have asked that you donate something (however small) to your local cancer research centre as a sort of 'flowers-in-lieu' gesture.

David Newbie, may he Rest In Peace.

Re: Auf Gefallen Kameraden
 

I am attaching my deepest sympathies. Some things are inevitable but sometimes they happen too soon.
Ruy, I think this forum is slightly inapropriate for this thread. Perhaps you may add an obit subforum, and if Adam and David's wife agrees, perhaps you may add a short bio and a photo of David.

Re: Auf Gefallen Kameraden
 

I'm sorry, Franek, but on this matter I completely disagree with you. I think it is only right that in the midst of our 20/20 hindsight pontifications on lives lived and lost, and on destruction and death; we are reminded that none of us has a mortgage on life. And, in recognition of this, we should, as John Beaman noted, always espouse our causes and our cases with gentleness and civility. So when we do pass, we do not disappear like tears in the rain; but are remembered for lives well lived, and as members whose contributions to this site were always a joy to anticipate and to read.

Re: Auf Gefallen Kameraden
 

You have completely misunderstood what I have written. I mean Lw discussion subforum is not appropriate for such postings, especially becuase we have community subforums.

Re: Auf Gefallen Kameraden
 

May he now have peace, so shocking a young man of 27 being taken from his familyand friends. I will not moan again. RIP

Re: Auf Gefallen Kameraden
 

Tony, Newbie wasn't 27. That was just his private joke. It took me a while to figure out what you meant with your comment. I can assure you - not that it makes the situation any 'better' - that he was somewhat older than 27, but you are right. The next time one of us goes to complain we should perhaps remember those of us who are not quite so lucky.

Adam

Re: Auf Gefallen Kameraden
 

Rain, midnight rain, nothing but wild rain
on this bleak hut, and solitude, and me
remembering again that I shall die
and neither hear the rain nor give it thanks
for washing me cleaner than I have been
since I was born into this solitude.
Blessed are the dead that the rain rains upon;
But hear I pray that none whome once I loved
Is dying tonight of lying still awake
solitary, listening to the rain,
Either in pain or thus in sympathy
Helpless among the living and the dead,
Like a cold water among broken reeds
Myriads of broken reeds all still and stiff,
Like me who have no love which this wild rain
Has not dissolved except the love of death,
If love it be towards love if perfect and
Cannot, the tempest tell em, dissapoint


Taken from Thomas (war poet WW1)