"I do think that common sense dictates that we use a different approach when the thread is about a member of our Mudcat community or someone close to our community."

Of course. That is perfectly appropriate, because people here will actually know the deceased.

But the pope? Bob Hope? Ronald Reagan? Fluffy the Cat?

I don't think so. I have never, nor will I ever diss some member's personal obit thread. But I'm with others here who would never post an obit thread for one of my loved ones or beloved pets in an online chat forum, Mudcat or otherwise.

I realize people are creating websites as online memorials to their loved ones. I think that's pretty cool. If they want to do it for their pets too, more power to them. But chat forums are a different thing altogether.