About Lugnut -- Patrick Malone


Many of us have come to know Patrick Malone (Lugnut) as a friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and kind individual. He is a frequent and enthusiastic contributor to our analog discussion forum. He has initiated only 17 threads, but responded to 559 threads. I would guess that many, if not most, of us can recall a time when Pat replied with helpful advice to a question we posted or helped us track down a rare recording. I have come to love Pat as a friend, and to respect him as a man, and I suspect many of you share those feelings.

Today I write to share difficult news with you. Pat has been diagnosed with an aggressive stomach cancer. It has yet to be determined whether surgery will even be worth it. If surgery is performed, most or all of the stomach will be removed, and Pat would face a difficult and long post-op period in the hospital. The medical course is still uncertain, but will be determined soon. Whatever is decided, it will not be easy or pleasant.

Something may be planned in the future to assist the family. For now, Pat could use some of the friendship he so often and willingly showed us. You can email Pat at: [email protected]. You can also mail cards, letters ... or whatever. You may email me for Pat's mailing address. My email is: [email protected].

I hope to spend a few days with Pat in Idaho or Nebraska (from which he hails) soon. Between this news, my legal work, getting ready for family arriving for the holidays, Audio Intelligent, and trying to make plans to visit Pat, my head is spinning. If you email me and I don't respond, please understand that I am not ignoring you, but rather simply do not have time to reply.

Pat may or may not have time to respond to posts here, to emails, or to cards mailed to him. But he has asked me to convey to each and every one of you that he has cherished your friendship, your comradery, and sharing our common hobby on this great website.

As we prepare for our holiday season celebrations, and look forward to -- as we should -- enjoying this time of year, I ask that you keep Pat and his family in mind ... and softly offer up, in quiet moments in the still of night and early morning, prayers for Pat and his family. God bless.

Warmest regards to all,
Paul Frumkin
paul_frumkin

Showing 28 responses by danlib1

Lugnut- your posts convey a sharp and clever mind. I always enjoy reading your 2 cents.

I speak for many of us when I say I'm thinking of you, and pray for your quick return to our forum.
Lugnut...Your last post proves once again that the world's most potent force is Love (that's right, it's not a SS-20 MIRV warhead!)

I remember vividly holding my mother's hand one last time 2 years ago. I'm still comforted by one thought: the love she instilled in me will last until my last breath...then the love I gave will live on through others. I firmly believe that.

When all is said and done, all there is is love. Everything else will fade. But not that love.

Many of us are thinking of you often- and yes, some even have you in their prayers. And most of us have never met you!

Maybe this world ain't so bad after all!
Lugnut;

I know you had to weigh a lot of things when deciding whether to forego further chemotherapy. I've always felt that in hi-fi weighing quality vs. quantity, quality always wins. I would agree it applies to life as well.

We're all looking forward to your impressions as your system continues to evolve and bring you some awesome sound!

You're in my thoughts and prayers bro'.
If Pat is Crockett, who gets to be Tubbs?

I've seen a photo of Slappy- he doesn't look like Tubbs at all.

Volunteers?
Pat- it's obvious your soul is churning up great things.

In the midst of great difficulty, you share with us the bitter and sweet of life. I know you don't feel courageous. I'm sure you feel that you're simply playing the hand you're dealt as best you can. But you my friend are a beautiful man, whom God has richly blessed with kindness and wisdom.

Thank you for talking to us, and helping us understand anew the gift of friendship and love.

For some reason as I close this note, I'm reminded of a quote from- of all people- Carl Jung.

"Bidden or not- God is Present".
Pat;

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Barb.
Bin's post was so beautiful; it reminded me of something I think of often.

My Dad was killed in the military in 1964. I was 7 years old. I still remember his love like it was yesterday.

I lost my Mom 2 years ago. I remember her looking into my eyes as she lay dying, her tears streaking her cheeks. Unable to speak, I still know her tears were not for herself, but for me. I will always have her love.

I believe so firmly in an afterlife because, having known love in such depth, I refuse to believe it can ever be extinguished.

Pat thank you for sharing so openly. Having followed this thread daily since it's inception, it unravels as a testament to love and empathy. You have made us smile, cry, and smile again. Thanks my friend- for reminding all of us that love is what truly matters.
Pat- I'm gonna come outta da closet and admit that I too struggle with Coltrane. I find that I quickly lose interest in it- versus the work of say Miles Davis.

I also find that Coltrane is just trying too hard to make sound. I know you guys think I'm nuts, but something about the guy doesn't cut it for me.

You may now begin to stone me.
Lugnut;

I'm thinking of you and taking your advice to heart. Thanks for sharing in this most difficult time.
Patrick-

Good "hearing" your posts. Perhaps Mr. Armstrong nailing down #7 will brighten your day a bit :)
Nrchy's quote:

"I think he's said it before, he's ready to live if that's what happens and he's ready to die if that's what happens."

That sums up the impression I've gotten from this thread. Pat's facing this head-on, showing great dignity and resolve.

I know the following will sound mushy and ridiculous to many, but I wanted to share something I recently read.

The gentleman and explorer Sir Walter Raleigh was about to be put to death in England along with several of his men after falling from favor with his queen.

Raleigh instructed his men that each should handle himself with the utmost dignity as his execution came. No begging, no fighting, no crying. One of his men spoke up and said "what does it matter the manner in which we die?"

Raleigh replied "when it's the last thing you'll do, it matters a great deal".

As soon as I read that I was immediately reminded of this thread and the grace and resolve manifested by Pat.

I pray sincerely that Pat's example in life is a lesson to each of us. We can all learn much from this.
Barb and Pat- You're in my thoughts and prayers daily. May God be with you both.
TWL- Well said. And Warren- my wife gets frequent updates from me on Lugnut too. I think it's just natural- sharing something that moves you deeply with those you love.

God Speed Pat.
May God bless and keep close Pat's loved ones.

I don't know what to say, except that one thing that really comforted me after my Mom died was the following thought:

Though the one I love is gone for now, the love is not. LOVE NEVER DIES.

Thanks Pat, Barb and Amanda for sharing this journey.
Barb;

Thanks for posting- it must be very difficult to do so. We are all thinking of you quite often.
man it's great to see this thread refreshed....I was thinking about the 'ol Lugnut a couple of days ago. I apparently wasn't the only one :)
Agreed- it ain't the same round here without ol Lugnut!

I fondly recall his many posts and comments, and of course the amazing sense of community generated in this thread as we slowly said goodbye to Pat.

To his memory- and friendships.