I, too, expected a different outcome, though this possibility lurked in my mind. Having seen someone undergo a long-term fatal struggle with cancer, I am at least happy that he went quickly and with less pain and suffering than he would have had otherwise.

I never got to know him very well and never met him in person, but he was always an inspiration to me in his ability to see the bright side and I counted him a friend. From reading the accounts here, I can tell I missed out on getting to really know the kind of person that only crosses your path once or twice in a lifetime.

News of his passing has brought many of the long-absent Rinkies back to the family here, even if just for a moment. I think he would like that.

I'll see you on the other side, Beasty.