RIP Iago

[vandermolen]

I knew about Mel's passing and did not mention it here in any of my posts because I did not want to risk the chance of a response that may be unbecoming. My relationship with Mel is a story that is worth writing about, which I did write and it will be in my upcoming book. Our relationship started with him attacking me several times on a forum, developed when he was hospitalised near where I lived for a major operation and me visiting him in the hospital and then in his home when he left the hospital against doctor's advise right after the major surgery. From then on it has developed into a friendship of the very first level. I am proud to be his friend and feel previleged to have known him. His passing is very sad news for me personally. We have been in e-mail contact after I returned to China and, I have been his confidant when he is down. He is one of the true genuine person one sees rarely. He has a warm heart. I treated him like family and he did likewise to me. I will miss him.

I remember knocking on his door. He opened the door after about two minutes, surprised to see me, for he did not think anyone can find him. I asked him why he "escaped" from the hospital in the middle of the night 2 days after heart surgery. He said: "I don't think I can make it this time. I don't want to die in a hospital. I refuse to die without music close to me!" So I stayed for a few days and we listened to Wagner, Schubert, Beethoven, Verdi, etc. His spirits became better and he began to be more cooperative with medical treatment. That was about then years ago.

I have been listening to some of Mel's favorite music lately. I know he is also listening and it makes him happy.

You were clearly a devoted friend to him - I'm sure that this must bring you comfort now- all credit to you.

[Marc]

I did not know Iago but would like to add my respects.

Same here.

I wish his relatives, friends and acquaintances all the strength they need.
Let memories and music be a comfort to you.

[Gabriel]

I am one of the posters who had some difficult musical discussions with Iago years ago. As I didn't know him personally, I prefer to build an image of his character with the opinions of those who did.

May the peace and joy of the Lord be with him.

[Drasko]

Sad, R.I.P.

[Mozart]

I liked Iago, specially when he wrote nasty things to me and others

But what is sad about an old man dying in his time? I've only had one experience with someone close dying and well it was time for them to die. I knew it was going to happen and it happened and I don't think I was particularly saddened by it.

[The Six]

He was the best poster here.

[71 dB]

I'm shocked and surprised.

"Memento Mori"

[Sergeant Rock]

But what is sad about an old man dying in his time?

No one...no one...has enough time. That's why it's sad.

Sarge

[Dr. Dread]

Yep. What a rip-off. 

[Wanderer]

I wish he had some family or loved ones with him in his last moments. May he rest in peace.

[lisa needs braces]

 

[zamyrabyrd]

Oh, Gosh, I was thinking about him lately and wondering why he wasn't posting. He wrote me some nice words of support when I was fired from my teaching job. It must have been difficult for him to cope with his first amputation (horrors!!). This was the 2nd? My father, RIP, also had diabetes and a heart condition, not a nice combination. The two together can make a person moody and even desperate.

Personally I would rather have people who "what you see is what you get", not "nice" imposters.
Wow, I really feel sad.
ZB

[MishaK]

I'm sorry to hear this news. R.I.P.

[Homo Aestheticus]

I've been away for the past 2 months and have just now learned of Mel's passing.   

I can attest to his real gentleness of spirit...  Even when we had a nasty 'falling out' a long while back on an older forum he would (out of nowhere) send me nice, conciliatory messages.

This evening while searching my drafts folder I came across a posting that is vintage Mel (which I thought I'd share)

"Why does anybody have to explain or justify which pieces of music, or which composers they like? What the hells the difference what anyone else thinks or says? Thus, why do you feel ostracized on ANY forum or on any thread, for merely stating your views?  YOU like what you like and don't like what you don't like. Why do your likes or dislikes need re-inforcement from anybody else?  Tell em' to "stick it" if they don't like your opinions or your choices. No more profound explanations other than "I like it" or " I don't like it" are required.  All of these erudite explanations/justifications are just so much BS anyway.  Spread your OWN wings and fly away!!

Personally, I detest all of Mozarts operas and all of JS Bachs music. And anything, even with a hint of atonality, is verboten in my house. (Except the "Rite of Spring"). Why is that an exception?  Because I like it, that's why. And by the way, the absolutely ONLY reason that I listen to ANY music is because I LIKE IT. Not because of who wrote it, performed it, its historical significance or what day of the week it was written on"

**********

Rest in peace, friend.

[MN Dave]

Classic Iago.

[DavidW]

Thanks for sharing that Eric.  I think Mel actually enjoyed how you stirred up trouble on cmg.   Actually I think I do too.

[arkiv]

May he rest in peace.

[Papageno]

Ah, Iago...

I wonder what they'll be saying about me when I'm dead.

[Harry]

Ah, Iago...

I wonder what they'll be saying about me when I'm dead.

Good things, for you are a good human being, at least in my eyes.

[DavidW]

Ah, Iago...

I wonder what they'll be saying about me when I'm dead.

Ah Papageno... he always was a nostalgic womb yearner, and now he's gone to the great womb in the sky.