About Lugnut -- Patrick Malone


Many of us have come to know Patrick Malone (Lugnut) as a friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and kind individual. He is a frequent and enthusiastic contributor to our analog discussion forum. He has initiated only 17 threads, but responded to 559 threads. I would guess that many, if not most, of us can recall a time when Pat replied with helpful advice to a question we posted or helped us track down a rare recording. I have come to love Pat as a friend, and to respect him as a man, and I suspect many of you share those feelings.

Today I write to share difficult news with you. Pat has been diagnosed with an aggressive stomach cancer. It has yet to be determined whether surgery will even be worth it. If surgery is performed, most or all of the stomach will be removed, and Pat would face a difficult and long post-op period in the hospital. The medical course is still uncertain, but will be determined soon. Whatever is decided, it will not be easy or pleasant.

Something may be planned in the future to assist the family. For now, Pat could use some of the friendship he so often and willingly showed us. You can email Pat at: lugnut50@msn.com. You can also mail cards, letters ... or whatever. You may email me for Pat's mailing address. My email is: pfrumkin1@comcast.net.

I hope to spend a few days with Pat in Idaho or Nebraska (from which he hails) soon. Between this news, my legal work, getting ready for family arriving for the holidays, Audio Intelligent, and trying to make plans to visit Pat, my head is spinning. If you email me and I don't respond, please understand that I am not ignoring you, but rather simply do not have time to reply.

Pat may or may not have time to respond to posts here, to emails, or to cards mailed to him. But he has asked me to convey to each and every one of you that he has cherished your friendship, your comradery, and sharing our common hobby on this great website.

As we prepare for our holiday season celebrations, and look forward to -- as we should -- enjoying this time of year, I ask that you keep Pat and his family in mind ... and softly offer up, in quiet moments in the still of night and early morning, prayers for Pat and his family. God bless.

Warmest regards to all,
Paul Frumkin
paul_frumkin
It's a true testament of the goodness God has blessed us with when you see a group of people, who really know nothing more of each other than a few typed words concerning a common hobby, come together like this.

Pat, my thoughts, my prayers, and my sincerest of hopes are with you. May God bless you and your family and give you the emotional and physical strength to see yourself through this time. While it may seem difficult to grasp, have faith my friend that you'll come through this a stronger person.
Lugger: I'd look at a positive here; you've generated the *best thread ever on Audiogon! I'd hire a caligrapher, have each and every message above me done up, framed and hung on the wall of the tune room.

Your story about your lovely wife handling the tunes put a lump in my throat - you are very lucky.

Everything will be OK.

Chuck (and other variations)-
wriiten by
Shasta,

What a wonderful idea. Consider it done.

Barb and I just returned from a trip to my home state. This was a trip that I would never have paid for myself because at times like these one must be prudent with finances. A dear friend surprised us with airline tickets, another with the use of a lakeside home while on this vacation, another the use of a new car, others arranged various events for quality group time with friends and old classmates. Boxes of rare and pristine vinyl were picked from various sources and sent home with us. God granted me better health during this short 4 1/2 day stay than I've enjoyed in months.

Once home I found that Steve Dobbins, aka Vetterone, had completely remodeled my music room. He took a very tired, old worn down room and turned it into "Purple Haze". It's just too cool. New diming light fixtures, paint, wall paper, cleaned carpet and furniture. He added trim to door frames that used to drive me crazy. This is a very special friend. In the years I've known Steve he has enriched my life in many ways and I know that those small things I have done for him have been given in the spirit of giving a piece of myself. If you knew Steve and saw my room you would realize that this project was an extension of his creative eye and he did it with love.

I simply cannot convey how much I appreciate every post I've read to this thread. I promise that if I ever get cynical I will return to all of the above words to renew my faith in the goodness of my fellow man.

Tonight I pick Paul Frumkin up at the Boise airport for one last weekend on normalcy before the process begins. Paul is a very real, special person. I can say easily that I've grown to love him.

It's especially heartwarming to read posts from members that I've had some heated discussions with in these forums. You guys know who you are. I guess I didn't make you angry during those times because your goodness allowed you to see my goodness in spite of our differences.

Thank you all so much for taking the time to lift my spirits. This thread may very well be one of the most precious things ever done for me. Thanks Audiogon for your words directed at me but a special thanks for providing a place where such fine people congregate.

In the tune of life you might hear a sour note but the band plays on.
In the tune of life you might hear a sour note but the band plays on.
Lugnut

Pat,
That is one of the most profound phrases I've ever read/heard. I'll remember that.
May the Good Lord bless you with courage and strength in this battle.
My heart and prayers are with you and your family in your time of need. It's good to see the outpouring of friendship at times like this. I wish more of us could 'be there' in body like Steve and Paul. We are all there in spirit though.

It's great to hear from you. Please drop in when possible, or when needed. Sometimes just talking (even internet chat) is good for the mind, body and soul.

Have a happy and a healthy new year,

John McGrogan
Patrick

While I only know you from your posts demonstrating a keen wit and definitely one that doesn't suffer fools well, I sure want you to know this from a fellow Irishman, being both a tough "nut" and a sentimentalist at heart, I feel I know you now better more than I ever did. The trail of caring by the above posts clearly show a man worth having as a friend.

You are in my prayers Patrick and we are ALL with you in your battle, just know that fact.

Sincerely my best to you and your family.

Will McGee