Hello, old friends. Not the reunion I would have chosen, but as we pass in the aisles and pews, I am grateful for the reminder that this is not really Brigadoon, but an actual community filled with amazing, struggling, flawed, warm, real, gorgeous human beings.

I too imagine this sunny Saturday as 'Spaw strolls up to the Great Getaway in the Sky. Thusly: http://youtu.be/bSC6Ciqyjwc

Pat's heart and soul, his devotion to his family, his intelligence were always clear and appealing, and one of the things I loved best about him, as Mick said, was that he could and would "call out ignorance in a straightforward and unvarnished way". The world needs more of that.

I look forward to strolling back through his posts from over the years, and remembering (as well as his wisdom) the many, many early morning cups of coffee spewed out over keyboard and desk, as I was caught defenseless in the face of his unmatched wit.

My condolences, Karen, and Pat's sons. May the memory of his great love soothe your grief. Thank you for sharing him with us.

I shall make, eat and share a big batch of Buckeyes in his memory.

Dani