RIP Derek Johnson.

Re-reading the first line of the OP gets me every time. "So this odd thing happened..." Damn.

Dear Melany,

You've been incredibly brave and supportive. Don't ever forget that because it's easy to do so. As all of Derek's posts made clear, you were the best thing in his life. I feel a kinship because, like you and Derek, my partner Mary and I lived together for eighteen years and never felt the need to marry. We trusted each other, and you and Derek, I know, felt that same trust. We always mourn a shortened life, but we sometimes fail to celebrate the love that always makes life worth living. I hope you can in time.

John

RIP Derek

Been offline for a few days and just read about this in the mod forum. It's made me uneasy to hear about this. I didn't get to know him as well as I'd like to but for a short time this thread and him helped me through my illness. What I went through was nothing what he did. The one thing I still refuse to say is "I'm sorry" just cause i know I hated hearing it myself every time I mentioned I had it to someone. If Mel is reading know he helped me and inspired alot of people to live a more full life and I was glad to know him just the little bit I did. I will be thinking of him when i take my meds every am and go for my check ups and my radio therapy next year again and I will smile and not be sad.

RIP enjoy the sunshine DJ

I've really appreciated your contributions to this thread, too, Killa.

I would like to add this quote to this thread for Derek:

The world is not respectable; it is mortal, tormented, confused, deluded forever; but it is shot through with beauty, with love, with glints of courage and laughter; and in these, the spirit blooms timidly, and struggles to the light amid the thorns. – George Santayana

RIP Merek. Without knowing you, I still feel a great sadness in my heart.

My thoughts are with you and your family.

You will be missed!

RIP

You are one brave dude and this thread makes me feel really sad but it is really nice to see that you all were there for him. So sorry for all

Only caught up on this news now. Very sad. This was a great, and often inspiring, thread.

RIP Merek, and my condolences to his family and friends.

Hi everyone – Derek never wanted a traditional memorial service, he wanted a big party – the crazier the better. So that’s what we’re planning for Saturday, July 21 here at the Maywood Manor (our house), and you’re invited. This is a Día de los Muertos celebration for Derek – a holiday that we both loved from our many visits to Mexico.

El Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) is a day to celebrate and remember the good times that you've had with loved ones who have died. Families build altars and make offerings of food and drink, so that the departed can have something to eat on their journey to the afterlife, while also allowing them to rest in peace. Some families even eat at the grave sites of their loved ones to show that they are still a part of their families.

Mexicans look at death with the same fear as any other culture, but there is a difference. They reflect their fear by mocking and living alongside death. Children play "funeral" with toys that are made to represent coffins and undertakers. Calaveras (skulls) are decorated with bright colors with the name of the departed inscribed on the head. Children carrying yellow marigolds enjoy the processions to the cemetery. At the cemetery, music is played and people dance to honour the spirits.

El Dia de los Muertos has a long history in the Americas. For ancient Mesoamericans, life and death were not two independent states of being. Death did not mean the end of one’s life but rather, through death, new life was created.

The celebration begins when you get here. Stay for the weekend or just a couple of hours – whatever you can manage. The details haven’t been worked out yet, but there will be BBQs, a fire pit, blenders and lots of space to park your RV/tent (we have five acres). Bring lawn chairs and stuff to keep the kids occupied so that we can focus on drinking margaritas. If you need a place to stay that has showers, take a look at the Powell River visitors’ accommodation page here: http://www.discoverpowellriver.com/accommodation/

We are located south of Powell River at 2751 Maywood Road, tel. 604-487-1597, cell. 604-413-2233.

Please pass this invite along to anyone else you think might be interested or that I might have missed. I don’t think I have everyone’s email address.

More updates to follow. Let me know if you’re in or not, and how many family members will be coming. If you won’t know until the last minute, that’s okay too. Last minute is a Merek tradition.

I look forward to celebrating with you,

Melany

PS: bring the GOOD tequila and use real limes.

Orange, please on to Melany our thanks for the invite and my sincere regrets that I won't be able to make it. I really wish I could.

+1 for me as well. I really wish I could be there.

I wish I could go, but cannot. Best wishes to you and yours though, Melany.

For us unable to attend, maybe TLDR can carry Derek's party a little farther.
A Lounge Dia de Los Muertos thread to celebrate our dead?