GPANDA MEMORIAL
Jun 7th, 2011, 09:20 PM
#21
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I was pleased to have met Andy at the LA GTG a few years back. I remember being so stunned at how many people had come from all over the country for this event and happy to finally put faces with all the names.
Andy, of course, had to show us the "muscle trick" during our Dim Sum brunch on the last day.
I've always hurried to start my trip reports here on Fodor's so that I could get that "no penalty" assessment from Gpanda and I too already miss Andy's witty and sharp remarks, especially when it came to Bob.
Beth, our thoughts are with you. I know this board was more Andy's domain than yours, but please come by and visit every once in a while.
Andy, of course, had to show us the "muscle trick" during our Dim Sum brunch on the last day.
I've always hurried to start my trip reports here on Fodor's so that I could get that "no penalty" assessment from Gpanda and I too already miss Andy's witty and sharp remarks, especially when it came to Bob.
Beth, our thoughts are with you. I know this board was more Andy's domain than yours, but please come by and visit every once in a while.
Jun 7th, 2011, 09:42 PM
#22
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From the other side of the world, I would like to send my condolences to Beth. Many of us have felt the loss of someone close, but to lose someone so vibrant and relatively young would be the hardest loss to bear.
Unlike many of you, I was not fortunate enough to have met Andy, yet I still feel strongly that the world is a lesser place for his departure.
He was always so balanced and welcoming in his posts and replies and never set out to demean or devalue others opinions, except maybe Bob.
I was alway appreciative of his impartial input, particularly when I was off on a rant, arguing with others about things that didn't matter. Andy was one reason that I kept on coming back to this forum.
I admire the respect that he has gained from all at Fodors and will always see Andy as an outstanding example of how one should conduct themselves in cyberspace.
Unlike many of you, I was not fortunate enough to have met Andy, yet I still feel strongly that the world is a lesser place for his departure.
He was always so balanced and welcoming in his posts and replies and never set out to demean or devalue others opinions, except maybe Bob.
I was alway appreciative of his impartial input, particularly when I was off on a rant, arguing with others about things that didn't matter. Andy was one reason that I kept on coming back to this forum.
I admire the respect that he has gained from all at Fodors and will always see Andy as an outstanding example of how one should conduct themselves in cyberspace.
Jun 8th, 2011, 12:16 AM
#23
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Another brilliant Fodorite who has touched us all. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting him, I have followed his posts like a "wannabe" Asian groupie, and traveled at his side through many unknown parts of the world.
Maybe that is why his passing is like an old friend's, who will no longer be at my side during those exotic escapades.
My deepest condolences go to his true life travel partners. I thank you all for sharing part of your memorable life together with us here at Fodors for all to enjoy. As many have said before, we are blessed to have part of his journey.
Maybe that is why his passing is like an old friend's, who will no longer be at my side during those exotic escapades.
My deepest condolences go to his true life travel partners. I thank you all for sharing part of your memorable life together with us here at Fodors for all to enjoy. As many have said before, we are blessed to have part of his journey.
Jun 8th, 2011, 01:42 AM
#24
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Only something as monumentally important as Andy's passing could get me to re-register at Fodors, a site that would <b>not</b> "let me back in" as Bookchick, so I have re-registered as "THEBookchick for the sole purpose of posting on this tribute thread to Andy. Andy, I think, would have been amused at the bureaucracy!
These are some things I wrote in e-mails recently about Andy. Some of you may have been on the receiving end of them, so if this looks repetitive and familiar, you're right. (You're right.)
When Bob wrote of Beth's being informed at the hospice that Andy's remaining time here on earth was very short, I wrote this:
<b><i>As awful as it was, I am glad you were there for Beth. God help her, this has been nothing but one huge blow after another for her to deal with. I am certain she, for all the jokes she made about Andy being the child she never expected to have (before his illness), felt that Andy was one of very few who knew her well and accepted her for some of her weaknesses and foibles, just as she was the same kind of partner to him. Now that light will be extinguished forever.
My world is dimmer this morning, thinking of no more "ying" to your yang, Kimball, no more ultra-left wing retorts, no more showing off the muscle trick, no more comments on Cambridge being the center of the universe, no more telling me he doesn't believe I ever had cancer because I look too good to have had it.
Yet I do embrace the idea that this is going to be the end of Andy's physical suffering. The prison of his body will indeed set his soul free. All of us will have an opportunity to "talk" to Andy whenever we want to--we don't have to ring his cell phone or wait until we see him at dinner or the next GTG. I'd like to think we'll have our own little "travel angel" who will be able to whisper into our ear what our dinner selection off a foreign menu should be, or which room (for those of us who are uninitiated) or floor at the ROS would be the best to give us an optimal view.
Godspeed, Andy, you brilliant, funny, quirky fellow. I will never, ever forget your braces and bow ties, and I could never forget you in a million years.</b></i>
And then after I returned home from work yesterday, I received Bob's e-mail to inform me of Andy's passing. In reply, I wrote this, and had attached a photo of a panda (in the photo you only see the back of the panda, and I think it was someone in a panda suit, actually) sitting on a beach, presumably looking out onto the peaceful waters:
<b><i>Despite the inevitability of Andy's passing and the appreciation for the fact he'll never know another millisecond of pain or discomfort, I feel a sense of loss, and an understanding that nothing and no one could or will ever fill it. There will always be an "Andy-shaped" hole in my heart.
The picture I am attaching is one I found after Andy's diagnosis, and it so very much reminded me of him--a photo of a solitary panda on a beach.
I cannot and will not say "goodbye". All I can say is "until we meet again, my friend, I hope with all my heart that you take every possible wonderful trip you ever dreamed of". You were certainly one of a kind, but I suspect you've always known that.</b></i>
Bob and I exchanged a few e-mails last night. I commended Bob and Karen for their support and friendship of/with Andy and Beth. Both Bob and Karen were there every step of the way, in so many ways for Beth and Andy. And I told Bob that I would be so happy to make a contribution to a fund in Andy's name, but I could just envision Andy's reaction: "You can NOT be serious! Bob can't even accurately count the money for the GTG luncheons, and you're going to send him a check for MY memorial fund??!?!?!!?". The thought of that made laugh while I was crying.
BC
These are some things I wrote in e-mails recently about Andy. Some of you may have been on the receiving end of them, so if this looks repetitive and familiar, you're right. (You're right.)
When Bob wrote of Beth's being informed at the hospice that Andy's remaining time here on earth was very short, I wrote this:
<b><i>As awful as it was, I am glad you were there for Beth. God help her, this has been nothing but one huge blow after another for her to deal with. I am certain she, for all the jokes she made about Andy being the child she never expected to have (before his illness), felt that Andy was one of very few who knew her well and accepted her for some of her weaknesses and foibles, just as she was the same kind of partner to him. Now that light will be extinguished forever.
My world is dimmer this morning, thinking of no more "ying" to your yang, Kimball, no more ultra-left wing retorts, no more showing off the muscle trick, no more comments on Cambridge being the center of the universe, no more telling me he doesn't believe I ever had cancer because I look too good to have had it.
Yet I do embrace the idea that this is going to be the end of Andy's physical suffering. The prison of his body will indeed set his soul free. All of us will have an opportunity to "talk" to Andy whenever we want to--we don't have to ring his cell phone or wait until we see him at dinner or the next GTG. I'd like to think we'll have our own little "travel angel" who will be able to whisper into our ear what our dinner selection off a foreign menu should be, or which room (for those of us who are uninitiated) or floor at the ROS would be the best to give us an optimal view.
Godspeed, Andy, you brilliant, funny, quirky fellow. I will never, ever forget your braces and bow ties, and I could never forget you in a million years.</b></i>
And then after I returned home from work yesterday, I received Bob's e-mail to inform me of Andy's passing. In reply, I wrote this, and had attached a photo of a panda (in the photo you only see the back of the panda, and I think it was someone in a panda suit, actually) sitting on a beach, presumably looking out onto the peaceful waters:
<b><i>Despite the inevitability of Andy's passing and the appreciation for the fact he'll never know another millisecond of pain or discomfort, I feel a sense of loss, and an understanding that nothing and no one could or will ever fill it. There will always be an "Andy-shaped" hole in my heart.
The picture I am attaching is one I found after Andy's diagnosis, and it so very much reminded me of him--a photo of a solitary panda on a beach.
I cannot and will not say "goodbye". All I can say is "until we meet again, my friend, I hope with all my heart that you take every possible wonderful trip you ever dreamed of". You were certainly one of a kind, but I suspect you've always known that.</b></i>
Bob and I exchanged a few e-mails last night. I commended Bob and Karen for their support and friendship of/with Andy and Beth. Both Bob and Karen were there every step of the way, in so many ways for Beth and Andy. And I told Bob that I would be so happy to make a contribution to a fund in Andy's name, but I could just envision Andy's reaction: "You can NOT be serious! Bob can't even accurately count the money for the GTG luncheons, and you're going to send him a check for MY memorial fund??!?!?!!?". The thought of that made laugh while I was crying.
BC
Jun 8th, 2011, 02:52 AM
#26
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I actually don't recall the first time I met Andy. He would say it was at the first Boston GTG at Legal Seafood in Cambridge.
However, I really got to know Andy a couple of years ago when I decided to attend the Friday night dinner at Punjab.
The entire group was late (hanging out at Rizzuto's plus the notorious traffic on a Friday night) and I was almost ready to leave. I was fine with meeting up with everyone on Saturday morning.
As people found their seats, it worked out that Andy and I were sitting near each other (along with THEBookChick, laurieco, rhkkmk,and csimpson10) at one end of the table. I thought it would be great to talk to others but I wound up laughing the entire time! Andy had so many stories to tell. Rhkkmk also chimed in - either to correct Andy or add fun side comments. It was so much fun that I decided from that point to join in on the Friday night dinners. I also got to witness the muscle trick that evening. What a riot!
At the next GTG, Andy and Beth were there and I was very happy. At this GTG, I was able to chat with Beth and get to know her better. It was so much fun. Even though Andy had started treatment, his enthusiasm had not waned. He was still telling his stories and making people laugh.
Andy - you will be missed. I know that you're pain free now. Beth - my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
TravelRibbon
However, I really got to know Andy a couple of years ago when I decided to attend the Friday night dinner at Punjab.
The entire group was late (hanging out at Rizzuto's plus the notorious traffic on a Friday night) and I was almost ready to leave. I was fine with meeting up with everyone on Saturday morning.
As people found their seats, it worked out that Andy and I were sitting near each other (along with THEBookChick, laurieco, rhkkmk,and csimpson10) at one end of the table. I thought it would be great to talk to others but I wound up laughing the entire time! Andy had so many stories to tell. Rhkkmk also chimed in - either to correct Andy or add fun side comments. It was so much fun that I decided from that point to join in on the Friday night dinners. I also got to witness the muscle trick that evening. What a riot!
At the next GTG, Andy and Beth were there and I was very happy. At this GTG, I was able to chat with Beth and get to know her better. It was so much fun. Even though Andy had started treatment, his enthusiasm had not waned. He was still telling his stories and making people laugh.
Andy - you will be missed. I know that you're pain free now. Beth - my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
TravelRibbon
Jun 8th, 2011, 03:02 AM
#28
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Bookchick, that photo you had sent via email of the Panda on the beach was so perfect and poignant, it should be shared with all. I found it online and I've posted it below. I smiled when I saw it as will all.
<b>Wistful Panda at the beach</b>
http://photo-url.com/Gpanda
<b>Wistful Panda at the beach</b>
http://photo-url.com/Gpanda
Jun 8th, 2011, 04:27 AM
#32
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I will miss Andy's wit and humor which were exhibited both on this forum and at the Boston GTG. He certainly made them both more interesting.
He was a genuine, one of a kind human being who connected easily with many people, which is evident by the many tributes to him posted here.
My sincesest sympathy to Beth and to the many others who will miss him.
He was a genuine, one of a kind human being who connected easily with many people, which is evident by the many tributes to him posted here.
My sincesest sympathy to Beth and to the many others who will miss him.
Jun 8th, 2011, 05:04 AM
#33
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I'm so sorry Andy is gone; he made Fodor-ville such a fun place to visit. I will cherish my speedo photo, and think of him often. He had a kind heart & a quick wit.
I was in Thailand back in 2007, and I posted about how bad the air pollution was. This is Andy's reply:
"Gpanda on Mar 21, 07 at 8:39am
<b>Alternate theory-all the hot air released by Bob over the years in Thailand has finally coagulated."</b>
He made me laugh out loud many times.
My condolences to Beth and all of Andy's friends and family.
I was in Thailand back in 2007, and I posted about how bad the air pollution was. This is Andy's reply:
"Gpanda on Mar 21, 07 at 8:39am
<b>Alternate theory-all the hot air released by Bob over the years in Thailand has finally coagulated."</b>
He made me laugh out loud many times.
My condolences to Beth and all of Andy's friends and family.
Jun 8th, 2011, 05:43 AM
#34
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Andy...Andy...I think of him struting his stuff in his speedo at the ROS pool, while Beth and I are hidding under the towel: of him keeling over in laughter as Bob and a thai taxi driver are having an intense conversation-each in his own language and neither sure what the other has said; of him "ordering" dinner for the 4 of us-didn't matter what we wanted; the muscel trick every where-3 meals a day for the viewing pleasure of the wait staff. This was Andy...you got the fun with the sometimes embarrassingly funny. We will miss him both here and on our trips. I like to think that the Panda has found a nice clump of tender bamboo to spend eternity in. You will be missed.
Jun 8th, 2011, 07:46 AM
#35
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Ah yes, the speedo photo. I used my only copy of that picture to make a special luggage tag for Andy a couple of years ago! We were celebrating something, maybe, at the BOS GTG? Anyway, some of the fodorites had selected 'special' items to present to Andy at that particular GTG. My item was the speedo luggage tag. Wonder if it's on his suitcase where he is travelling now!
Thanks for the fond memories everyone. BC, nice to 'see' you again!
Carol
Thanks for the fond memories everyone. BC, nice to 'see' you again!
Carol
Jun 8th, 2011, 08:31 AM
#36
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I was also a lucky recipient of Andy's final daily email poems. I never write poems or verse but awoke this morning and this came to me so bare with me.
ODE TO THE PANDA
If he were still here you might hear him say
No fines or penalties for all today
Although he would announce it in a more refined way
From Boston he hailed so proud and true
Actually Cambridge as he would tell us that many times too
His love for those Red Sox would just shine through
The Panda, a perfect moniker for his pride
His tough exterior only to hide
A soft and caring person deep inside
We will miss everyday all of his wit and charm
That speedo, the muscle trick could do no one harm
Now just the eerie silence......
We will miss you my friend…… Aloha Oe!
ODE TO THE PANDA
If he were still here you might hear him say
No fines or penalties for all today
Although he would announce it in a more refined way
From Boston he hailed so proud and true
Actually Cambridge as he would tell us that many times too
His love for those Red Sox would just shine through
The Panda, a perfect moniker for his pride
His tough exterior only to hide
A soft and caring person deep inside
We will miss everyday all of his wit and charm
That speedo, the muscle trick could do no one harm
Now just the eerie silence......
We will miss you my friend…… Aloha Oe!
Jun 8th, 2011, 08:45 AM
#37
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Iris and I were fortunate enough to have enjoyed the company of Andy & Beth on a couple of occasions.
Of course we had to "suffer" through the muscle trick and countless puns & other lame jokes which of course had us doubled over with laughter.
I was hoping that this day would not come, but of course sometimes wishes do not come true.
Our deepest condolences to Beth.
And once again, thanks to Bob & Karen for all that they have done for Andy & Beth in the past.
Of course we had to "suffer" through the muscle trick and countless puns & other lame jokes which of course had us doubled over with laughter.
I was hoping that this day would not come, but of course sometimes wishes do not come true.
Our deepest condolences to Beth.
And once again, thanks to Bob & Karen for all that they have done for Andy & Beth in the past.
Jun 8th, 2011, 08:49 AM
#38
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I just became teary as I re-read the hilarious banter at the end of my '07 trip report in which Gpanda refused to grant me a waiver for being two months late. He imposed a penalty, and asking me to donate an amount to a charity of my choice. Although he presented a shameless plug for the Panda Preservation Society, we ended up settling on the Fodors Compulsive Posters Association.
"Compulsive posters prevailed over the ever-so-cute Pandas. Justice was not served," he said.
"Compulsive posters prevailed over the ever-so-cute Pandas. Justice was not served," he said.
