For all who want their name added to the letter. Please us the link in post number #20. 

John needs the help doing it this way. When you see the size of the list you'll understand. 

I've change my mind on adding the forum address. I will add it at the bottom so they will have an easy time in finding us if the wish to.

sharke


Just my $0.02, hope you don't mind. I was just thinking that his family may even visit this site and read this thread, which may kind of detract from the original intention of the letter which is hopefully to express a spontaneous, heartfelt condolence from the heart. The letter, if you don't mind me saying, is absolutely fine as it is, and its intention and spirit will be greatly appreciated by Billy's family. I just know from prior experience of writing notes of condolence myself, that it's all too easy to sit for hours wondering whether this word or that phrase will have the right effect or be taken the wrong way, or that you've said enough. I had this recently when the child of a Facebook friend died. I sat there with my fingers hovering over the keys, typing things and then deleting them, when in the end I just wrote the simplest of condolences. At times like this it really is the thought that counts. 

As a total newcomer to this forum I didn't know Billy at all and had no interaction with him, so really this has little to do with me, but I tell ya, having gone to the guy's apartment building to inquire about him and hearing the super say "I'm sorry sir, he passed away 4 weeks ago" through the intercom really brought home the human element of it and choked me up to be honest, so I've been following the tributes to the guy with interest. I think it's great what you're doing and believe me, whatever wording the letter takes, if it's basically along the lines of how it is now, is going to be absolutely fine. 

Mind? Of course I don't mind. In fact your post is very helpful. The one point I don't think is true is that if they were to read the threads it would "detract" from the purpose of the letter.

If anything it would show just how serious we are and that this effort was not done in haste. That it is in fact from the forum and not from a single member.

Also I want to thank you for the effort you made in getting to the truth. Keep in mind that post count means nothing nor is the amount of time spent here of any importance. Its the quality that matters.

I agree with Guitarhacker about removing the awful, apart from that I like the letter as is.

Telecaster


I agree with Guitarhacker about removing the awful, apart from that I like the letter as is.

I agree remove awful. I would also clarify that we knew him by his forum screen name ba-midi. Considering Billy's age his family may not identify with we knew him as ba-midi.

John, regardless of any nit-picking on various views on particular wording I'd like to say that your original simply conveyed what we'd all like to express and that you've handled the whole thing sensitively and I'm certainly grateful for the thought and effort you've put into the whole thing.

The intent and meaning is already clear to anyone.  Thank you!

I am reading every post with due attention. I may not respond to every one simply because I want to hear from more members and I am thinking about all suggestions with care.

Jonbouy your post means the world to me. Thank you. I am indebted to you for that post. It will never be forgotten. 
 
 

John,

Having lost my brother, who was also my best friend, 2 years ago, I became aware that the words of condolence were of less impact than the fact that the person was impacted by the life of my brother and took the time or effort to acknowledge that in any variety of ways.  Just the handshake or the hug helped lift and take with them a bit of the sorrow that we felt. 

I think that about the only thing you can't say is "I know how you feel"  because we never can know what another person is really enduring. 

For me the gradual transition in the grieving process is one of moving from the total sense of loss to now being able to remember more of the good times.

I feel that just letting his family and loved ones know, in the manner that you outlined, that he had an impact on us as individuals and that he was one of the treasures of this forum may act as a virtual group hug from all of us.  

Thank you for your efforts in co-ordinating this project.

Well said, lorney. At my mother's service the most satisfying moments came as a stream of people, some of whom I didn't even know, stepped up to relate how she had influenced their lives. It was nice to know I wasn't the only one who'd be missing her.

Notice
I will be working on the BA Midi thread tonight at midnight to finalize it. After that I will no longer add names. If you want your name to appear post it now or before midnight USA EST. If you have any thoughts please post them here now.