~ 1sb ~

[Trekka]

In one of his sweeter proclamations, he referred to me as his Sundance Kid, except female. And of Viking descent. He wasn’t too far off!

Now, that would make him my Butch Cassidy-- a throwback to my former handle? Or a fitting moniker reminiscent of his inner outlaw and love of the American West? Perhaps both. A historian wrote,

"The bandit who assumed the alias Butch Cassidy remains an icon of the Old West, even 150 years after his birth. As with many legendary outlaws, Cassidy’s life was shrouded in mystery and folklore, but even murkier are the facts surrounding his death. Did Butch Cassidy die with his partner in crime, the “Sundance Kid,” in a shootout as is commonly thought, or did he go into hiding to quietly live out his final years?”​

The truth is, 1sb was mysterious. Murky facts did surround him. And he did quietly live out his final year, posting less and less frequently as he became increasingly ill. He concealed much of his truth with a thick veneer of whimsy, levity, sarcasm, and new wave punk rock.

He was protective; he shielded his nearest and dearest from the pain he experienced...

 

[Trekka]

I will miss his impeccable spelling and grammar. I will miss his pithy sarcastic flirtation. I will miss his blond ponytail. I will miss learning new things from him. I will miss tailing him around the boards like a puppy dog. I will miss his open minded and curious nature.

I will miss seeing his name on my caller ID. I will miss hearing him pick up the phone with his Texas drawl inquiring, “Well, how do?”

I will miss editing each other’s writing, and debating with fervor where a comma did, or did not, belong. I will miss his diatribes, his lectures, his unsolicited advice, and his unmatched ability to distract me with random trivia...

 

[Trekka]

Sometimes I think that he came into my life to see me through some very dark years. He showed up just in time to grab a hold of my hand as I walked over the hot, searing coals of divorce. And once I arrived safely on the other side, it seemed he felt it okay to move on.

It was ultimately an unlikely friendship, but a crucially timed one. A friendship I will not forget...

 

[Trekka]

I think, most of all, my experience with 1sb – with all its accompanying ups and downs – taught me that relationships can indeed be forged “online.”

Without physical proximity, without the tactile sensation of a hug, kiss, or handshake, the relationships we all build here are meaningful.

They are valid.

They’re dizzying when they begin, fulfilling as they endure, and mourned when they are lost...

 

[Trekka]

For the gifts 1sb gave me of his time, humor, love, loyalty, and friendship, I am grateful.

Never did I envision saying a final goodbye to him in this fashion…

1sb always told me that, when he died, he wanted a Mongolian Sky Burial. I half expected to find myself on a Himalayan mountaintop one day, next to a shaman, tossing chunks of my friend into the air for the birds to eat!

He was always a sucker for shock value. Also, practical. It’s no Sky Burial, but hopefully, this will do...

 

[Trekka]

To 1sb, my friend, my love, my confidante, you will be always remembered, and dearly missed.

~Your babydoll

 

[sunbunny3]

 

[Inspirinious]

Thank you Trekka for a wonderful memorial.

You knew him far better than most the rest of the people on Lit, such as myself. I appreciate learning about the real 1SB.

I wasn't concerned about his username, each of us have own reasons for the name we choose. What always got me was that quirky AV he used. Now, from your memorial, I have learned that that AV actually fit him well. It captured the spirit of how he wanted to be identified.

Thank you again for these wonderful words.

May he rest in peace, and always in our memories.

 

[newbiebabe]

Trekka,

What a beautiful memorial you have written.

May you continue to find peace as you learn to live without your friend.

 

[INeedLove]

Very nicely done, friend. (understatement of the century--please note)

It's hard to be on Lit and not cry. He was such an enigma. He hated his birthday being posted--but I did it anyway. He was so smart yet ignorant about his impact on others. I loved him and still have a part of me that still does. I was his kitten. He was Daddy with a capitol D. And yes, he is laughing his ass off as he watches from the stars.

 

[beachbaby179]

Oh my goodness. I'm crying into my coffee cup. Trekka, that is beautiful.

 

[gypsyTX]

To 1sb, my friend, my love, my confidante, you will be always remembered, and dearly missed.

~Your babydoll

I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[AbsintheFather]

That was an epic eulogy and very well-written odyssey of deep connection. He was lucky to have had such a good friend in you. Absolutely beautiful

 

[JennyNo1]

That was beautiful, Trekka. Unfortunately, I didn't get to know him very well, but from chatting on the boards and the little we did talk one-on-one, it was obvious to me that he was an extraordinary person. I feel I know him a little bit better now. Lit is definitely the poorer for losing him.

 

[Collar_N_Cuffs]

Beautifully done, Trekka.
More peace and closure

 

[ViciousTease]

Trekka, beautifully said. You've done him proud.

In one of our early conversations, I told him I didn't like his username. I said I would refer to him as 1sb, but the 's' would stand for silly in my mind. He laughed and said he could live with that. I still read it that way.

 

[Suz_anne]

Sweet Trekka...

Thank you for sharing your warm memories - this is a beautiful tribute to your friend and your love for him shines through each word.

 

[mickyp123]

I think, most of all, my experience with 1sb – with all its accompanying ups and downs – taught me that relationships can indeed be forged “online.”

Without physical proximity, without the tactile sensation of a hug, kiss, or handshake, the relationships we all build here are meaningful.

They are valid.

They’re dizzying when they begin, fulfilling as they endure, and mourned when they are lost...

Words born of experience and spoken from the heart carry with them an eloquence that never comes for free

 

[Tallcajun]

I am just reading this.
So, so very sorry. I too loved his posts.

This is a bummer.