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 10 responses by jsonic

I have read your posts. It is obvious you're a sincere and caring man that has touched many a heart. I'm not a praying man , but I do believe in Karma. You have so much good Karma that I know you'll beat this thing. Thanks for your input throughout the years. Heal fast and continue to enjoy the music.
Pat,
I have been following this thread since its inception. It is the most gut-wrenching , enlightening and real piece of literature I've ever read. Your dilemma has caused us all to re-evaluate our lives, in some cases to appreciate what we have, or in my case to try to be more Lugnut-like. The courage you have shown is inspiring, but the love and concern it has brought back is truly miraculous. Don't worry about the meds affecting your writing skills. IMHO this was your most eloquent post to date. In so many ways yours has been a life so well lived. The feelings you've brought out in us all is in itself a great legacy. I realize what you are doing in this thread and am grateful you've had the stamina and courage to do it. "Thanks to you all for keeping this thread alive. I'm sure you know how much it's meant to me." No Lugnut, Thank you.
Hey Pat,

I've been following this post since its inception. At times I feel guilty for being so encapsulated, like a passerby who stops to look at a car wreck. I don't know how you summon the strength to write about your life at this juncture with such grace and eloquence. I think you are more heroic than Lance as he carries on with cancer behind him. I admire you Pat. Though we've never met, I consider you a friend. Many of us have forgotten what it is to be human. Thanks for reminding us all.
Hey Pat,

I know that it's not your intent , but the description of your ordeal and the heartfelt responses it elicits from your fellow Audiogoners has become art. Great art moves us and regardless of the outcome, the dignity and triumphant spirit you've exemplified will linger . I have learned from and drawn inspiration from reading your words . I thank you for sharing with us your colossal spirit. Each day you are able to document this remarkable journey is a gift. I only wish you what you wish for yourself.
Pat,

I wonder if there is a charitable group or organization you would want those of us that choose to remember you could donate to. If you don't believe in that sort of thing and you wanted to have us send money directly to Barb I don't think anyone would find it objectionable. Your words have taken on a life independent of your own. I will print this thread when it's done and use it as a source of comfort and inspiration to the unfortunate ones that may undertake the journey you've travelled so gracefully in the future.
One day hopefully not too soon there will be a post that says Lugnut passed away last night. His journey has brought so much closeness amongst A'goners that I would like to know what we are supposed to do after he's gone. Do we tell Lugnut stories, correspond with eachother, with Barb? I know we'll all mourn his passing but maybe there's a way to keep the spirit he has awakened in all of us alive. Any suggestions? This includes any you may have Pat and I am sorry for relegating you to the past tense.
Pat,
I have never been a believer in organized religion of any kind, but your words have made me a believer in humanism. I will use this phenomenal thread as a reference to console those going through what you're almost done with and when the time comes to help me cope with my own demise. You are a giant among men and although too short yours has been a life richly lived . Thank you for taking us on this difficult journey and unifying us in our love and admiration for you.
Dear barb and The Malone Family,

My family and I are thinking of you all today. A lyric from a Dylan song seems to sum up Pat, this thread and what he's meant to us all better than any words I could come up with:

And every one of them words rang true
And glowed like burnin' coal
Pourin' off of every page
Like it was written in my soul from me to you,
Tangled up in blue.

I am more tangled up than you'll ever know. I envy you having had such a great spirit to have shared your life with. Thanks for sharing him with us. I'm getting out my Decade CD now. I'll be sending a letter as you suggested to Pat's grandchildren.

Bless you and yours,

J.SONIC
It has been almost a month now since our friend has passed. I would like to know from Barb or Paul how the Malone family is doing. The puppy is beautiful. Pat is still in my thoughts. I hope everyone is healing well. Also Paul if you could post the address of where we could send those letters to Pat's grandchildren I'd appreciate it.

Thanks you,

J.SONIC
Dear Barb and Kirsten and all of the Malone extended family,

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas although I imagine this holiday will be especially hard. Pat is now part of the light in the star on our Xmas trees. May he forever shine. Thank you for letting us celebrate his life and passing.

All good things,

J.SONIC