This is really sad news. I've been watching this thread hoping it was some sort of misunderstanding :(
I've known Billy for several years now. Probably ok to say this now - he contributed as a beta tester for SONAR for several versions just prior to X1, so many of us at Cakewalk got to know him. I'd also met him personally many years ago at AES.

Billy struck me as a very passionate guy. He did a lot to help us during his time as a beta tester. I remember having dialogues with him late into the night trying to fix problems he'd find. He'd always be trying to write new songs using the beta's and finding bugs as he went along. He had a lot of energy and determination to get things right. We even communicated on a personal level a few times when I was mixing our CD - I sent him a couple of tracks to critique the mix and he went out of his way to even try and remix one of them.

The new X2 feature to insert/replace synths smoothly was definitely Billy's pet area.  I had many discussions with him about this while he was a tester and thought about him while developing it. Its bittersweet that he won't be here to enjoy that feature. 

RIP Billy. 

Thanks for that Noel.

It's remarkable to see how many people have great memories and heart warming anecdotes to share about Billy.



all the best,
mike

I've known Billy for a number of years and boy was he a quick-witted soul!  As fast as I had a come-back for one of his quips, he was hitting me with the next one.  Billy was also one of the most prolific composers I've ever met.

From what Noel says, It's nice to know there's a "little bit of Billy" in Sonar for us all to enjoy.  Rest in peace my brother; those of us who knew you are richer for it.

Bill Ruys.

May I propose that we as a forum send a letter to his family expressing our deep sorrow and our great feeling of loss.

I view this thread as a kind of testimonial to Ba Midi that is great for us but does nothing for those of his family he left behind. I believe they would like to know just how much he meant to us here.

A single letter from all of us noting what his loss to us means.

This is in respect for him and for those that were close to him.

it could be posted here and signed by each of us and forwarded via CW, if CW agrees. Or by some other means if so desired.

If  this forum agrees please let us know here or PM me.

I will write a draft for all to agree with or others can do the same and the forum can pick the one that is most appropriate.

Of course we can decide not to do so if that is the forum's wish.

This is simply a proposal. 

Yesterday when it was confirmed I was in no mood to post anything on this forum. Somehow none of the various threads held any interest for me.

Today I can deal with this thread and this forum as a whole. But it is still a shock. 

Sounds like a winner John.

Feel so sad, you made great music. I even made my Mrs have a listen.
Thanks for the precious time you spent helping me and many others.

RIP

  Even his screen name was creative, in a sweet way.  This thread speaks volumes.  You're a great bunch of folks, like Billy.

RIP Billy!

to everything there is a season- and this one sucks...  bless you brother!  Happy trails!

I was hoping this wasn't true. This is very sad news. My condolences to his family and friends.