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
Nrchy's quote:

"I think he's said it before, he's ready to live if that's what happens and he's ready to die if that's what happens."

That sums up the impression I've gotten from this thread. Pat's facing this head-on, showing great dignity and resolve.

I know the following will sound mushy and ridiculous to many, but I wanted to share something I recently read.

The gentleman and explorer Sir Walter Raleigh was about to be put to death in England along with several of his men after falling from favor with his queen.

Raleigh instructed his men that each should handle himself with the utmost dignity as his execution came. No begging, no fighting, no crying. One of his men spoke up and said "what does it matter the manner in which we die?"

Raleigh replied "when it's the last thing you'll do, it matters a great deal".

As soon as I read that I was immediately reminded of this thread and the grace and resolve manifested by Pat.

I pray sincerely that Pat's example in life is a lesson to each of us. We can all learn much from this.
Good news, all. Pat and Barb will be coming to San Francisco this weekend. We've begun to plan a few activities, and are thinking about going to listen to some blues music on Friday or Saturday night. Also, a trip to the massive Amoeba Music store in the Haight is in order for Saturday. If anyone else is interested in coming along, please let me know, and as our itinerary develops, I'll pass it along. Also, if anyone knows of a particularly good place to listen to blues on Friday or Saturday, please shout out.
Howard
I hear that Deja Vu SF will have you singing the blues after a lap dance or two.