Who the hell is going to calculate trip report fines, much less convert them to Kip?

Andy and Beth went out of their way one evening to meet me for dinner in Bangkok. At the end of the meal I was very excited to learn that I was "not so bad for a Texan".


You'll be missed Mr Panda. Travel light.

May he be in peace now, never knew him but read of his brave struggles.

Condolence to his family and friends.

Pat

Our sincere condolences to Beth.

We only met Andy the once when visting Boston but he struck us then as one of those all too rare indivduals, a true gentleman. A genuinely nice guy, his wit and incisive comments will be greatly missed by all that knew him. This forum and the world in general will be a poorer place without him.

The world has lost a brilliant person. He will be missed by all of us here.

My condolences as well. I enjoyed reading his posts and trip reports.

The good do die young. We were fortunate to have met Andy and have the Speedo photo to prove it. Our condolences to Beth and their family. Thanks to Bob and Karen for keeping us updated.

Abby & Tomas

My condolences too. First Neil_Oz and now dear GPanda. They both remain inspirations for information and fun on Fodors Forums, witty and clever, articulate and knowledgable.
Rest in Peace.

With teary eyes I say goodbye to Andy, his incisive wit, love of life and generosity of spirit. I will always think of the lovable Panda frolicking through bamboo stands, chewing shoots with relish.
My condolences to Beth and the extensive Levine clan. Thanks to Karen and Bob for keeping us posted (ahmm, when I do check the Board) and being such unfailing support to Andy and Beth.
I will contribute to the Memorial Fund as soon as I'm back in the USA.
Robbietravels
Athens, Greece

There's a mini GTG in Sydney tonight & we'll raise a glass in salute to the GPanda and our own NeilOz, who took the fork in the road last year.

I knew GPanda only through his Fodors posts and am very glad our paths crossed. In the good times, I relished his humour, wit, help to others and banter with Bob. In the bad times, his tenacity, grace and stoicism were the mark of the man.

To Beth, Karen, Bob and his family & friends, my deepest sympathy.

Vale Andy, the GPanda.

Where is(was?) the GTG, Bokhara? I live just outside Sydney. Didn't know about Neil, as I tuned out for a bit last year. We were on the same side of politics.

Hi Cilla,
It's at Ottoman in Hickson Road, tonight. There have been posts on the Australian board and Lounge about it.

Thanks Bokhara2. Don't visit the Oz board much nor the Lounge. Not in that vicinity tonight, hope you guys have a memorable night. Vivid is still on if you haven't already been.

Heartfelt condolences to Beth. Thank you to Bob & Karen for keeping us informed and for all the support you have given Andy & Beth.

Well, I have been sick since I saw Bob's email this week at the loss of such a young, vibrant, friendly soul. But rather than discussing that, I wanted to tell stories about Andy.

As many others have said, Andy was a huge, friendly presence. When I was first introduced to the fodors group by my cousin Jessica, I felt immediately welcomed. I had first met Bob and Karen, but then I attended a (large) GTG. Andy welcomed everyone with an open, warm attitude -- no questions asked. I immediately felt welcomed into this extended group of people who are united by some common interests, but are so very diverse as well. I remember Andy telling me personally about a pre-dinner happy hour that he was hosting at his and Beth's home, and I attended. When I went to a dinner later, the one at the Indian restaurant in Cambridge, I was going through a very tough personal time. I had some legal problems brewing with an insane home contractor. I wasn't sure I felt up to the dinner, but I went. Andy was talking about a case that day that he thought he was going to lose, but he felt good because he "had made the guy cry" on the stand. He joked that if he is going to lose, that at least he wants to get that much out of it. He got wind of my troubles and when I lightly asked him if he would represent me if needed, he said he was a terrible lawyer but that he could make the contractor cry. I said that was precisely what I wanted and therefore he was hired. The point is, that Andy cheered me up from my sour mood and made my night. I am so glad I went to that dinner. I still laugh about that conversation periodically.

Rest in peace Andy and my sympathies are with Beth and all of Andy's family and many, many friends.

I met Andy and Beth at the LA GTG. Even though I only knew one other person there, and overwhelmed by the large number of strangers, I felt he stretched out his arms and held us together through his jokes, banter, and larger than life personality. My heart goes out to his beautiful wife Beth.

Get ready Bob for a flood of checks in GPanda's honor.
Thank for posting this and organizing the donations.

Thank you all who are being so generous in remembering Andy with your gifts.

B&K

RIP, GPANDA
You will be missed by many.

Sheesh Panda, the lengths you'll go
to, to get attention and such overwhelming
expressions of admiration. Okay, Okay,
you made the world a happier place...

...but, ahem, we are impatiently awaiting
for your final trip report with penalties
ever mounting by the minute. Anxious to hear
about how the muscle trick is being received.

Oṃ śānti śānti śānti

Dear Andy,

You have made so many lives so much better through your wit, wisdom, and kindness. How we have loved to sign onto Fodor's and see that the fabulous Gpanda has left words to cheer, cajole, tease, instruct, inspire.

Once again, you are in the vanguard of travel. We wish that you were still within reach, and just a few keystrokes away from another humorous exchange, but however much we miss you, we are grateful that you have been released from physical suffering.

You have been larger than life and beloved beyond reason -- the Panda moniker has suited you perfectly.

Rest in peace...or try to find a way to come back to haunt the Asia board, if you can manage.

Dear Beth,

You are in our thoughts. How fortunate Andy was to have your love and support. We hope that you are getting the comfort and support you need. Please let us know how you are when you feel up to it.

All best wishes.

I am so sorry to hear that Gpanda has left us. I only saw this post just now, as I was in China the past week and a half. While there, I burned some incense at a temple for him.

I am very sorry to have never met him. I really enjoyed reading his posts on the Asia board. What a character!

My thoughts and prayers are with Beth and the rest of his family.