I am becoming increasingly excited at the prospect of attending Aussiecon later this year, and getting to mingle with many of the fair folk of this board. Some are old friends, some I don't know half as well as they deserve, some will be new friends, but I am sure it will be an adventure to remember. There will, of course, be one face not there whose presence would have been most welcome, and who would have unboubtedly made it an even more memorable event. I speak, of course, of Lord Manwoody.
In my formative years here, I can remember being welcomed by the very visible Aussie contingent, guys like the legendary Alfred of Hewsdale and MasAscribedPetr (and many more whom I will not be offended by me not naming them), who added an unique flavour to the already exotic mix of posters. Michael was an integral part of that group, and in many ways was foremost amongst them, a leader of sorts amongst a group notoriously averse to leaders. It was his character and intellect that caused this, not any self promotion of his own, in fact he would have laughed at the idea. But I think none of the Aussie would have begrudged him that unofficial title, I know that I was proud to be associated with someone like him, if only by some accident of location.
There may have been some amongst the board who didn't get along with Michael, he didn't suffer those he saw as fools easily, but I would find it hard to believe that there was anyone who didn't respect him. There may have been those who were cleverer, unlikely, or those who were funnier, doubtful, but none who combined wit, humour, wisdom and fairness in quite the same measure. There was a good reason why he was made a moderator, as he was often the voice of reason and restraint in some of the most passionate and vitriolic debates the board has seen.
Of course, it is easy to canonise the dead. Michael had his faults like anyone else, he was far from perfect. But those who knew him know that it is no exaggeration to say he was a man of great depth and of many achievements. You can read more about him here, if you want to know more.
It has been seven years (seven years!) since we heard of Michael's death. Some may question the value of my yearly post in memory of him, I know there were those who did so last year. There will also be those who have no idea who I am talking about (or even who I am), the board, like the world, moves on. But, to me, it is important. This board was a very important part of my life for a period of time (and still occupies a large place in my affections) and Michael was one of the people who helped make it such a special place. It was, and still is, more than just a collection of geeks talking about one series of books, it is a community, a family even. He deserves to be remembered here.
Michael was my friend and I miss him, so I invite you to spend a moment today joining me remembering him. He wouldn't want grief or ashes and sackcloth, in fact a glass of whiskey would be far more his style.
Atque in perpetuum, frāter, avē atque valē.
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In Memory of Lord Manwoody
Started by Ser Camaris, Jun 24 2010 06:50 PM
20 replies to this topic
#2
Noontidal
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Commoner
Posted 24 June 2010 - 06:58 PM
If a silly princess who died perhaps a decade ago still merits yearly attention around that time, then even more merit is granted toward even just noting the memory one who really mattered to this community.
Sadly, I never really knew him, I had only recently joined the board at that time.
Sadly, I never really knew him, I had only recently joined the board at that time.
#6
Skunkbelly
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Techno Impresario
Posted 24 June 2010 - 08:44 PM
Well said, Cam.
I remember exactly the moment that I logged on and read of Manwoody's death. It is as sad to me now as it was that day. I'll raise a glass of Kentucky small batch in his memory, even if it is the wrong kind of whisky. He'd understand.
I remember exactly the moment that I logged on and read of Manwoody's death. It is as sad to me now as it was that day. I'll raise a glass of Kentucky small batch in his memory, even if it is the wrong kind of whisky. He'd understand.
#12
mormont
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Open minded
Posted 25 June 2010 - 02:41 AM
I didn't know Manwoody as well as some others, and didn't get to meet him in person, for which I am sad. But I did get to interact with him on the board a fair bit, and I do remember his humour and intelligence and good nature, and it was and is inspiring. 
#17
aghrivaine
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Posted 10 May 2012 - 05:41 PM
I've been re-reading the books, and winced all over again when the Manwoodys arrive in King's Landing. I still miss him - I thought of him when I was in Scotland this year, sampling whiskey, and wish I could have discussed single-malts vs. blends, and tapped his expertise.
Can't believe it's been 9 years. 'Scuse me, someone must be chopping onions around here somewhere.
Can't believe it's been 9 years. 'Scuse me, someone must be chopping onions around here somewhere.
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