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
I just spoke to Barb, great to hear her voice again. She had visitors to comfort her so I kept my conversation short.

I am grateful to all at Audiogon who supported this family when they needed it and grateful that I was able to share in the joy of knowing Pat and Barb.
Barb hang in there,we have the same thing in common,
I also lost the love of my life,its not really the
end of their life, but its an upgrade for what they
have here on earth,when I first found out audiogon,
I always see the post of Pat, thank you very much
and May the Lord Bless you and strengthen you and
your children and family.
Several thoughts:

1. Barb, that IS a beautiful puppy. I hope it brings you much warmth, companionship and joy. What breed is it?

2. Snofun (Les), CEDIA's ELF foundation is a great organization. It installs home theaters in children's hospital wards. But it doesn't accept used gear, and used gear is something that we collectively can, from time to time, donate to allow someone to bring entertainment into their home. Zaikesman comments that we might stick closer to "home" with our giving, and perhaps, indeed, arranging some regular, official, award of home theaters and stereos to a deserving person is beyond our capability (and perhaps beyond our purpose). I anticipate that Barb (likely with my or someone else's assistance) will be auctioning or selling some of Pat's music collection. Maybe our giving -- in the absence of some specific request from Barb -- can for now be limited to bidding generously on these items. But if anyone knows of someone in Leslie's shoes (paralyzed by a drunk driver) or in some other quality of life threatening situation, and who lacks the means to purchase their own system, then I encourage you to turn to this group and see if we can't arrange something like the "Leslie Project" for them. I was absolutely stunned by this group's generosity in the "Leslie Project," and I suspect their kindness is not exhausted.

3. Last, a huge thank you to Audiogon. It's no secret this website exists not just to support this great hobby, but also to generate revenue. Audiogon did not have to let the "Leslie Project" thread be posted, and it did not have to allow this thread to be posted and to continue. THANK YOU, Steve (a/k/a Mr. Audiogon). Your kindness shows that that you consider this to be not just a commercial marketplace, but also a community. With respect and gratitude, I salute you, sir.

Best regards to all,
Paul