It was my great privilege to have known ZTR for about a year. I met him right here at Big Mike's. Most of our interactions were over the internet, but for the last few months I was also his caregiver.
He died early this morning at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon. Last Sunday, he seemed to be sleeping late, but after repeated failed attempts to wake him, he was brought to the ER in an ambulance. Soon after being admitted, labored breathing required him to be put on a ventilator. The doctors and staff in the ICU tried valiantly to save him.
As far as I know, he never regained consciousness.
He came up to Portland to be treated at OHSU, which has one of the very best graft vs. host programs in the country. It's a great tragedy that he never got there.
He is leaving behind a lot of dear friends who will sorely miss him.
I don't know anything about memorial service or funeral arrangements yet. The family of his ex-wife, who was his high school sweetheart, is taking care of that stuff.
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The last interaction I had with Andy last month prominently shows his kind heartedness, and a joyful & happy heart despite what he was going through (see my post #25 of this thread). Andy, Rest With the LORD !!!
Lolu
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I'm really shocked to hear this! I'm really sorry not to have known Andy personally. In the few months when we met on the Internet, we talked a lot and he talked so much about wanting to come to Italy, ride the bike, drink good wine and enjoy good food. He was very hopeful to do this in the next summer, and I would have liked to meet and accompany him with great pleasure ,because I always found him a nice guy, friendly and helpful, a great man! I am truly heartbroken for his death and the for suffering that he has faced in recent times.
GoodBye Andy!
Take your Pips, go out and Live.
Luke.
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This is soo sad news , I don't know how to express my feelings right now. Andy ,you are off to a better world my friend , May God bless your generous soul , and welcomes you in his infinite paradise .
My prayers are with you and your loved ones ...
Sincerely ,
Soumi
"Risk more than others think safe.
Dream more than others think practical.
Expect more than others think possible.
Care more than others think wise"
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A sad day
A great inspirational person has left us. He never gave up and fought his fight.
He will be doing the same in Heaven, giving inspiration to everyone
sharmas
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