Majestic wrote:I haven't been here in a while, but am shocked and saddened to learn of Deano's departure. I didn't know him personally or have much direct interaction with him, but it is impossible to to be around this place long without knowing who he was, his persona was larger than life. Sometimes he reminded me of the high school bully, you know the guy who might mock you because of your favorite band or the shoes you wore, but I had the feeling that it was all in fun and that he had a big heart and loved to joke around and keep things lively. I will miss his presence here, and to his family and those of you here were fortunate enough know him and call him friend, my heart felt condolences. I know he goes on and that a piece of him still lives is in the hearts of each of you and all ways will.
You're right, Dean always riled people up out of fun, not malice. He may have been the first to call one out for their strange likes or different beliefs, but at the same time made you feel like you could really be yourself around him and he would accept you for who you are. He did love pushing people out of their comfort zone, and personally I'm so grateful for that. I think he made an unerasable mark in the lives of all those that knew him, and even those that didnt know him well or only met him once know exactly who you're talking about at a mention (I laugh how those that didn't know Dean by name, always refer to him as "the tall guy" or "the guy with good teeth" as my friend at work does.) Dean's presence certainly was so strong and so irreplaceable. To me, there has been a solemn silence to this board and to life now...MR needed Dean on it, my life needed Dean in it - the loss, the finality continues to be so painful

Sorry, but I just needed a place tonight to let out the grief.