Sometimes, to give him grief, we'd make jokes about explosive rocks (reference: The Apple. His character Mallory got blown up stepping on one of those rocks.) It would always be good for a few laughs.
I've know this was coming for a long time and I guess the anger in me over this situation has been festering for a long time. To use the cliche "This ain't fair". I got to know Mallory over the years. First as a poster, then as a mod, and finally on a more personal level. As others have said, he was one cool cat. Rarely did he ever let anyone get under his skin. He always had a good insight into life or a humorous quip handy. Like I said earlier, he was a doting loving father. He cared greatly about his children and there were times when we fretted with him over this or that. When he approached me for advise vis a vis his son joining the military I felt honored to be let into that portion of his life. So I did my best to not only give him my take, but to point out others who could offer their opinions as well. I am glad that he got to see his son straighten up and fly right before this week. Funny enough but when dealing with my kids there has been the occasion when I asked my self "what would Mallory do"? May he find rest and peace.
Again, when I feel like God is fucking with me, when I feel like my life is too hard, I look at people who've lived with things like this gracefully and am reminded to STFU because things have been fucking great for me. Yes, some could say it isn't that heroic, that it isn't like the man volunteered to have cancer, but that isn't the point. The point is how you play the cards you're dealt and I don't know that I could play that hand as classily as he did.
I will miss him. We always had a good time during College Football season, especially during the Bears-Ducks game. The gentle ribbing back and forth was fun. I know I will be rooting for the Ducks this year in his honor.
We agreed to disagree on just about everything, but he was always thoughtful. A gentleman, possessed of a wry, self-deprecating humor. Never once saw him insult anyone, even joking. May God hold you in the palm of His hand, good sir.
I really respected him and followed his story up until a couple of years ago when I stopped posting at TBBS. It was heartbreaking to hear of his job struggles and cancer struggles. I'm moved by the loss of Mallory.
We have lost one of the finest posters of the board. I had wondered where he went and didn't recall any cancer issues coming up that I saw. I mourn his passing.
Wow, I guess I need to check the Gray Room more often! Mallory and I never really had any interactions. I knew he was a mod at TrekBBS, and always seemed like one of the good ones. Never had any problems with him whatsoever. When we went from TBBS to WF, I don't remember him being one of the fellas that made it over with us. Then I check his posts and realize he has nearly 1000 posts here. Godspeed to Mallory.
I remember Mallory - from the lounges where we'd have fun with food fights. Pity we never had any here - it would have been grand!:halloweenfireworks::coffin:
I don't think anyone ever had anything bad to say about Mallory. Considering the world we live in, the job he did for his hobby in a contentious board, that's a rare form of grace. I know of at least two other posters with grave health issues due to cancer, and I myself am a survivor. I wish them all of the best.
We have lost a good one. Not much interaction with him but he put up with that TBBS bullshit and that makes him a saint any day of the week.
I never really interacted with him at all, but when I posted that I had cancer he sent me some very encouraging emails. Kinda sad I got better when he didn't, I'm a WAY bigger jerk than him.
Well, I only mentioned you because if I ever get around to making a will, one of my siblings will be ordered to contact you in the even of my passing. Then you can share it on Wordforge...in the Red Room.