October 23, 2002

11:16 AM

Many of us learned about Rick Gleason, the Canadian badly injured in the Bali explosion, through the efforts of his friend, known to us on MetaFilter as stavrosthewonderchicken, who published regular updates on Rick's condition on his blog (see also this thread). Sadly, Rick has died in a Melbourne hospital (CBC, Canadian Press).
posted by mcwetboy (131 comments total)

Terrorism sucks.
posted by four panels at 11:24 AM on October 23, 2002

I'm so sorry Chris
posted by matteo at 11:26 AM on October 23, 2002

Damn.
posted by konolia at 11:29 AM on October 23, 2002

My deepest condolences.
posted by oflinkey at 11:30 AM on October 23, 2002

Same message as oflinkey, with a big hug.
posted by boneybaloney at 11:32 AM on October 23, 2002

My thoughts are with you.
posted by ColdChef at 11:34 AM on October 23, 2002

Sincere Condolences.
posted by lampshade at 11:35 AM on October 23, 2002

My thaoughts are with you
posted by jackspot at 11:36 AM on October 23, 2002

God bless all of Rick's friends and family. I am so sorry.
posted by yhbc at 11:38 AM on October 23, 2002

fuck. i'm so..., fuck.
posted by quonsar at 11:46 AM on October 23, 2002

Oh, man. I'm sorry, Stav. Peace to you and Rick's family.
posted by octobersurprise at 11:48 AM on October 23, 2002

So, so sorry, Stav. My thoughts are with you and all of Rick's loved ones.
posted by scody at 11:56 AM on October 23, 2002

I'm very, very sorry.
posted by Woolcott'sKindredGal at 11:57 AM on October 23, 2002

That's so terrible. My deepest sympathy.
posted by Stuart_R at 12:03 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by Satapher at 12:03 PM on October 23, 2002

Globe and Mail coverage.
posted by mcwetboy at 12:06 PM on October 23, 2002

Sorryon the other side of the world, Chris.
posted by alloneword at 12:14 PM on October 23, 2002

I am so very sorry for the loss of your friend....I remember you worrying about him right away the night the news broke, yet it didn't seem it would come to this, how very sad. Condolences to you and Rick's family.
posted by madamjujujive at 12:20 PM on October 23, 2002

There is really nothing to say except that my thoughts are with you, and with Rick's family.
posted by greengrl at 12:27 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by stinglessbee at 12:29 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by ashbury at 12:34 PM on October 23, 2002

sorry, stav.
posted by eddydamascene at 12:35 PM on October 23, 2002

My heart goes out to you and Rick's family.
posted by readymade at 12:38 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by SiW at 12:38 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by amandaudoff at 12:39 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by scottandrew at 12:40 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by *burp* at 12:45 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by mdeatherage at 12:47 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by hackly_fracture at 12:51 PM on October 23, 2002

. . .
posted by Ufez Jones at 12:52 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by arco at 12:53 PM on October 23, 2002

Sorry to read this. Take care...
posted by plep at 12:53 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by thomcatspike at 12:53 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by pfuller at 1:04 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by allpaws at 1:07 PM on October 23, 2002

"The people that we have lost, and the dreams that may have faded.... never forget them. "
posted by ronin at 1:11 PM on October 23, 2002

If I were that ditsy chick from Big Brother I'd give you a hug right now. As is, I don't know what to do.
posted by holloway at 1:13 PM on October 23, 2002

Very sorry, Chris.
posted by languagehat at 1:27 PM on October 23, 2002

My deepest sympathies Stav.
posted by Dantien at 1:29 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by jbelshaw at 1:33 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by ligeia at 1:35 PM on October 23, 2002

!
posted by moonbiter at 1:36 PM on October 23, 2002

So so sorry to read this.
The Australian Red Cross has a Bali Assistance Program — should anyone feel inclined. It's tragic that so many have suffered.
posted by herc at 1:42 PM on October 23, 2002

I am sorry Stavs.
posted by clavdivs at 1:42 PM on October 23, 2002

My prayers to his family.

Thousands mourn in Sydney's 'cathedral'; We share your pain, say families of September 11 dead; The Bali Toll, Dead and Missing, an incomplete but very international list.
posted by dhartung at 1:44 PM on October 23, 2002

*hoists a cold one in tribute*
posted by Cyrano at 2:02 PM on October 23, 2002

Man, that news sucks more than anything I've ever read on MetaFilter has ever sucked before. Peace be upon him and his friends and family.
posted by kindall at 2:05 PM on October 23, 2002

If anybody's friend be dead,
It's sharpest of the theme
The thinking how they walked alive,
At such and such a time.
Their costume, of a Sunday,
Some manner of the hair, -
A prank nobody knew but them,
Lost, in the sepulchre.
How warm they were on such a day:
You almost feel the date,
So short way off it seems; and now,
They're centuries from that.
How pleased they were at what you said;
You try to touch the smile,
And dip your fingers in the frost:
When was it, can you tell,
You asked the company to tea,
Acquaintance, just a few,
And chatted close with this grand thing
That don't remember you?
Past bows and invitations,
Past interview, and vow,
Past what ourselves can estimate-
That makes the quick of woe!
-Emily Dickinson

Sincerest condolences to Rick's friends and family and the friends and families of those lost in the Bali tragedy.
posted by Mr_Spook at 2:09 PM on October 23, 2002

so sorry stav.
posted by goneill at 2:11 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by daver at 2:14 PM on October 23, 2002

I'm so sorry to hear of this, Stavros. It sounds like Rick was a wonderful person. I'm glad you had the chance to know him and sorry he's gone out of the world.

I envy not in any moods
The captive void of noble rage,
The linnet born within the cage,
That never knew the summer woods;

I envy not the beast that takes
His license in the field of time,
Unfettered by the sense of crime,
To whom a conscience never wakes;

Nor, what may count itself as blest,
The heart that never plighted troth
But stagnates in the weeds of sloth;
Nor any want-begotten rest.

I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.

"In Memoriam, AHH, #27"
Alfred Tennyson
posted by hippugeek at 2:22 PM on October 23, 2002

my condolences
posted by goddam at 2:22 PM on October 23, 2002

warm thoughts your way, stav.
posted by yoga at 2:25 PM on October 23, 2002

i'm so sorry for your loss stavros... you and rick's family are in my prayers.
posted by t r a c y at 2:26 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by CrazyJub at 2:39 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by jess at 2:44 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by chill at 2:46 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by calico at 2:49 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by bowline at 2:53 PM on October 23, 2002

My condolences to the Gleason family, any friend of 'wonderchicken' is a friend of mine, if I can be so presumptuous. My thoughts are with you too, stavros, as you have obviously been feeling the strain in recent days.

I raise my glass to Rick! And to stavrosthewonderchicken! to absent friends!

.

We are so lucky to have the access to the means to communicate in times like these.
posted by asok at 2:57 PM on October 23, 2002

I'm so sorry...remember all the good times you had together...
posted by amberglow at 3:01 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by 40 Watt at 3:13 PM on October 23, 2002

I'm so sorry this happened. The way you've followed this on your site, which made it so apparent how much you cared for Rick, has been a most fitting tribute. Rick was lucky to have a friend like you, Chris. Hang in there.
posted by biscotti at 3:15 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by thunder at 3:34 PM on October 23, 2002

Very sorry stavros.
posted by quin at 3:34 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by zygoticmynci at 3:35 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by Blubble at 3:46 PM on October 23, 2002

......
posted by jokeefe at 3:48 PM on October 23, 2002

My condolences, stavros. God bless Rick Gleason's family and loved ones.
posted by phyrewerx at 3:53 PM on October 23, 2002

~
posted by y2karl at 4:05 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by PigAlien at 4:10 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by hama7 at 4:11 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by ursus_comiter at 4:14 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by fluffy1984 at 4:16 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by dg at 4:38 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by sonicgeeza at 4:50 PM on October 23, 2002

?
posted by metaxa at 4:55 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by dhacker at 5:00 PM on October 23, 2002

I'll raise a glass this evening. My condolences, Stavros.
posted by illusionaire at 5:00 PM on October 23, 2002

so very, very sorry to read this...condolences to you, stavros, and rick's loved ones, and the thousands of others touched by yet another senseless loss.
posted by squasha at 5:02 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by sgt.serenity at 5:08 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by shelleyp at 5:32 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by The Great Satan at 5:56 PM on October 23, 2002

I'm sorry, Stavros. My thoughts are with you as well.
posted by litlnemo at 5:58 PM on October 23, 2002

My condolensces and sympathies, Stavros. And also to Rick's family.
posted by Smart Dalek at 6:05 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by Jubey at 6:10 PM on October 23, 2002

Tonight, I'll pour one for both of you amigo. I'm so sorry. . .
posted by crasspastor at 6:12 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by jann at 6:12 PM on October 23, 2002

Rest in peace...and God bless.
posted by Oxydude at 6:15 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by melissa at 6:20 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by whatnot at 6:32 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by quarantine at 6:46 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by adamgreenfield at 6:47 PM on October 23, 2002

A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man, as they say, and Rick was extraordinarily noble to all those whose lives he touched. God bless, stav.
posted by Danelope at 6:55 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by Nothing at 7:11 PM on October 23, 2002

so sorry to hear this....my deepest condolences to Ricks family and his good friend Stavros....
posted by SweetIceT at 7:21 PM on October 23, 2002

Oh God, I'm so sorry. Chris, my thoughts are with you and Rick's family and friends.
posted by maudlin at 7:43 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by armoured-ant at 7:53 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by jonmc at 7:54 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by boredomjockey at 8:10 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by Neale at 8:27 PM on October 23, 2002

. ! .
posted by bwg at 8:45 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by sennoma at 9:03 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by farmen at 9:07 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by epersonae at 9:40 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by lelilo at 9:49 PM on October 23, 2002

No great words come to me, stav; Be well, and take this thread as evidence that you have our love, as does Rick's family.
posted by Wulfgar! at 9:49 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by jmd82 at 10:08 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by one.louder.ash! at 10:17 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by yonderboy at 11:10 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by Tarrama at 11:21 PM on October 23, 2002

.:.
:::
:::
:::
posted by taratan at 11:35 PM on October 23, 2002 [1 favorite]

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posted by saintsguy at 11:58 PM on October 23, 2002

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posted by Bearman at 12:14 AM on October 24, 2002

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posted by SoulNoise at 12:19 AM on October 24, 2002

Thank you everyone.

Rick was a good man, and the best of friends, and he will be missed, by more people than I had ever realized.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 1:34 AM on October 24, 2002

I've only just found this thread. I feel almost sick to hear this news Chris. My heart goes out to all Rick's family and friends.
posted by walrus at 2:24 AM on October 24, 2002

May Rick and all the other victims of these mindless bastards rest in peace. Sleep tight.

Beannacht Dia leat, Stavros.
posted by Doozer at 2:39 AM on October 24, 2002

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posted by putzface_dickman at 4:29 AM on October 24, 2002

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posted by prentiz at 4:41 AM on October 24, 2002

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posted by talos at 4:46 AM on October 24, 2002

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posted by thewittyname at 5:24 AM on October 24, 2002

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posted by Pretty_Generic at 5:33 AM on October 24, 2002

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posted by triggerfinger at 6:14 AM on October 24, 2002

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posted by Pinwheel at 7:08 AM on October 24, 2002

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posted by Songdog at 7:58 AM on October 24, 2002

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posted by johnnyboy at 8:09 AM on October 24, 2002

Damn
posted by Joeforking at 5:04 PM on October 24, 2002

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posted by Slithy_Tove at 2:01 AM on October 25, 2002

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posted by DenOfSizer at 1:33 PM on October 25, 2002

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posted by twos at 3:10 PM on October 25, 2002