Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Toad on December 26, 2003, 06:56:12 PM
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Gentlemen,
1776 or OzKansas as he's been since the name change, is just about at the end of his time.
About 2 years ago, in November of 2001 he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He has endured numerous series of chemo, a lot of pain and a steady erosion in the quality of his life.
Through it all, he remained unfailingly cheerful, optimistic and always willing to help others. In everyday life he refused to let the cancer, what he called "my little friend", rob him of his great attitude. He suffered in silence, without complaint. When his health allowed, he participated in the laughter and fun of AH with our squad. He maintained a great sense of humor and we enjoyed his company at our KC lunches.
Now, however, the candle is burning low. His nurse tells us that it is a matter of days, if not hours. He is pretty heavily sedated but does manage some conversation when we visit. I'm not sure he can read the board anymore, but may be able to do so for a short while longer.
Rude and I spent some time with his 86 year old mother today, just talking. She asked about this game and his fascination with it. We explained as best we could the game and his participation. One of my memories of Oz is his willingness to spend time with the new guys, helping them get the hang of the game's various aspects. She took a bit of comfort from that.
Anyway, for those of you so inclined, please share a few memories of 1776/Oz with her in this thread. She's interested and we said we'd print it out for her.
Oz beat the doctor's "best guess" by over a year. He lived an amazingly long time for someone with advanced pancreatic cancer. I think his cheerful attitude had a lot to do with that.
He was a good man; honest, honorable and always willing to lend a helping hand. I feel lucky to have known him and, on my darker days when I'm down, he is an inspiration to me. I hope that when my time comes, I can emulate his amazing courage and cheerful attitude.
I shall miss him.
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(http://www.spirit-path.net/ship.jpg)
A Parable of Immortality
"I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength, and I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, 'There she goes!'
Gone where? Gone from my sight ... that is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of destination. Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says, 'There she goes!' there are other eyes watching her coming and their voices ready to take up the glad shouts 'Here she comes!'"
~ by Henry Van Dyke ~
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I recognise the name, but i am unfamiliar with him personally. Your tribute to him is beautiful however.
Its such a shame to get bad news like this, my thoughts are with him and his family.
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I remember him, both by his 1776 handle and by Oz....
Cancer is shedding to many lives latly :(
My boss died two weeks ago from brain cancer.
If you are reading this Oz, ím praying that we maybe meet in the afterlife.
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Toad, Thanks for the notice.
Oz. You are being taken way too soon from the squad and group of friends that are the heart of it. This group transends just a computer game and has bonded to form tight friendships. I wish that you could stay and remain a part of it here and now. If you would buddy, please keep some space set aside for us to meet again so we can continue what God has granted us to start in this life.
May you always bask in His glory. Please know we will not forget. My prayers for you will continue.
OZ, SIR!
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I was just wondering about him the other day. I'm sorry to hear things took a turn for the worse.
1776
MiniD
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I met Oz at our KC lunches.
If you didn't know about his situation, you could never guess at what he was going through. He was always upbeat and quick to laugh at those lunches.
He has demonstrated courage and is a tremendous fighter.
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Oz
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Really wanted to meet you Oz.
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Tell OZ's Mom that he put this California liberal in his place on many occasions with his intelligence and wit. I salute him for his courage and I'm glad he has friends like Toad and Rude that can share this aspect of his life with his family.
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1776
I always appreciated your posts as they echoed my own thoughts the majority of the time
and Godspeed sir
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OZ.
In our prayers.
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In the time i've known him never once heard him complain about his condition.
He always made an effort to come out Squad nites to visit--not for his self , but for his squaddies , his friends. He knew how important it was to us that he be there.
My best memory is of the Squad Duel and the nite we won it all.
Oz is by his own addmission the least skilled player in the 13th.
On that nite he got multiple kills in all 3 rounds and was instrumental in our win.
To hear the pride and delight in his voice was and is the best moment I've ever had in AH.
Oz is and always will be my personal standard for what life is really all about.
Oz, I luv ya buddy
To Oz's Mother
Your Son has impacted so many lifes with his strength and caring and I am proud to call him my friend
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I havenet had the pleasure of meeting Oz in person but we have played the game together in the 13thTAS for several years.
I know Oz only through his voice but its been a blessing to me to know him and the other guys in the 13th. Ive known of his situation and have always been touched by how happy he is to be online in the game with his friends. I can recall times where Oz would fly a sortie, really get into it and make some damned fine moves -get a victory or three, and then take the next sortie off to do a dot join with one of us and just watch because he had been exhausted from the excitement and thrill of the fight.
Oz is one of those people in life that makes you happy you got the chance to meet them and to play together. I can still hear his voice.
I am thinking of you Oz, your family, and my friends in the 13th.
So long for now.
Your right Sax, that was awesome. Old Oz really came through for us, didnt he.
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I didn't know him, but most of us that play AH are brothers no matter what.
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and condolences to the family. Lost my dad to cancer when I was 17 and watching my mother battle breast cancer currently. Can definitely relate, but there's really no way to help other than reaching out and praying.
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Even though I haven't met Oz in person, his kindness and consideration reached out and touched our lives. Several months ago, while our oldest son was awaiting surgery for a tumor Oz gave us his prayers and offered to help in anyway he could. It amazed me then and now how someone who was going through so much himself, could open his heart with compassion and caring for someone he doesn't even know. His caring has touched us so deeply and our son will never forget his kind words or prayers.
Oz, our prayers are with you now. You will never be forgotten.
Beemer and family.
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A good man indeed... I enjoyed flying with you alot Sir, thank you for all the positive attitude you showed towards me back in the day.
=S!!=
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S! OzKansas
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Probably never agreed with a much he said but I remember him as a thoroughly decent bloke. Very sad news. His family are in my thoughts.
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I know Oz, not very well, but I know him.
As Toad says, always cheerful, always friendly.
One of the nice guys.
This is a sad time.
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-9/48257/20029211530-0-Swoop.gif)
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My prayers also are with OZ and his family. I remember him as both 1776 and Oz. I heard his voice only once when I joined the correct RW or Battlecom IP. He was always a respected friend and foe online.
I haven't heard about him in awhile and I thought everything was alright and now it is truely tragic. I've never meet the man in real life but somehow after remember seeing his icon online something seems alittle bit more empty. I remember we used to salute each other all the time.
to 1776/Oz and may he always fine a clear sky and a strong headwind.
Swager
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OzKansas.
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Originally posted by Furball
I recognise the name, but i am unfamiliar with him personally. Your tribute to him is beautiful however.
Its such a shame to get bad news like this, my thoughts are with him and his family.
Same here, I will pray for him, and his family.
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It always turned out to be a great squadnight when Oz showed up. I like to think the time he spent flying and talking with us made his life a little more enjoyable; I know it made mine more enjoyable, just having him in the squad. He had such an awesome personality and I never heard him complain about anyone or anything. It is honestly a pleasure knowing him.
Thanks Oz, buddy - I'll see ya on squad night;)
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My prayers for him and his family.
Ozkanzas/1776
:(
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Oz for the hard fought battle you have waged.
I remember Oz flying and clearing my '6' many times when I first joined Aces High. I had no idea that things were deteriorating and this news hurts.......
:(
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Even though I don't personally know 1776/Oz he was one of the first guys to ever help me out when I made the transition over from Fighter Ace to AH full time. I remember tangling with him repeatedly on my first few sorties then I remember getting a white text message asking if I needed help. I think we spent the better part of 2 hours talking about the game and other things in life.
I haven't seen him online in a long time and didn't know he was as ill as this. He will always be remembered within this game no matter what the outcome.
1776/Oz; thanks for the help back in the beginning of my AH tenure and I hope that God blesses your family and friends in more ways than he already has with your presence. There is a song out now by the Foo Fighters that I heard the other day that has a line that fits this theme for me...
Foo Fighters - Times Like These Lyrics
"I am a one way motorway
I'm the one that drives away
then follows you back home
I am a street light shining
I'm a wild light blinding bright
burning off alone
it's times like these you learn to live again
it's times like these you give and give again
it's times like these you learn to love again
it's times like these time and time again
I am a new day rising
I'm a brand new sky
to hang the stars upon tonight
I am a little divided
do I stay or run away
and leave it all behind?
it's times like these you learn to live again
it's times like these you give and give again
it's times like these you learn to love again
it's times like these time and time again
God Bless You Oz and I hope that we meet on the other side.
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Oz
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I remember him. It's been a long time since I saw one of this posts. This is very said news. My best to him and his family.
Otto
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During my first few weeks in AH, I remember him letting me gun for him in his B-17, over the old Beta terrain. He's the very definition of a nice guy, someone who wanted everyone around him to have as much fun as he did.
to you OzKansas.
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Toad, give Oz a punch in the arm (not too hard) for me if you see him.
to a fine pilot, an undaunted OT poster and a great member of our community.
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I've enjoyed 1776/Oz's posts here. My thoughts are with him and his family during these difficult times.
-- Todd/Leviathn
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Oz.
I was hoping I'd never see a post like Toad's.
Best wishes for whatever lies ahead and on the other side.
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Godspeed, pilot.
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ouch :(
i remember OZ when i was brought into the 13TAS By nexx and co
always friendly and charming it has always been a pleasure flying alongside u OZ and u will be missed by myself and many others that ur superb personality has touched
OZkansas
u and ur family are in my thoughts and prayers
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Oz, I didn't know you well but you played the game with zest & joy.
You've just landed your plane after fighting the good fight. Tired and shaky you taxi towards the hanger. Time to exit to the tower & see what plans there are for the next sortie.
Figure out what plane you'll want to fly THIS time. Take your time, rest a bit, for I know it was a long hard battle. Then when your ready, head for the hanger & grab that new plane.
For I do believe there will be another chance for valiant pilots like you to soar again above the clouds.
Fare thee well Oz
Cya up there
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Very sad to hear this news.
My prayers are with you Oz.
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Oz, I have the utmost respect for those who fight until the end. My thoughts are with you, your family and your friends.
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This is sad news OZ in his Airwarrior days was a long time member of VMF-525. He will be missed.
to OZ from VMF-525
CAV
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First of all, I'd like to thank all of you that have posted. When I made my initial post, I wasn't sure he would be "up" enough to read this thread. I'm going to tell him about it this afternoon.
I visited him on the 30th. He was indeed "up" and much more alert than before Christmas. I think they may have reduced some of his drugs a bit. He says he isn't hurting but he doesn't really feel that well. He's pretty much confined to his easy chair or bed and food doesn't really appeal to him.
All in all, he remains in good spirits, concerned about others and still has his sense of humor.
An amazing man.
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That's just amazing Toad. I'm sure that his joviality and positive outlook is helping him. I hope he continues on fighting "his little friend".
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Great news toad!
Appreciate the update, keep em coming.
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Oz...hang in there. Your attitude can pull you out. Keep up
the fine spirit....a bunch here are pulling for you.
Hajo
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Today at 1625 Central, Charles entered the "pain free zone" on the other side of the River Jordan. As it happened, I was the one chosen by fate to be at his side and comforting him as he passed over.
Suffice it to say that he was resting comfortably under the influence of morphine. He basically fell asleep for the last time.
God rest his soul. He was a good man.
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! :(
Riposi In Pace.
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RIP!
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:( It was nice of you to be there for OZ and his Families comfort Toad.
Please send my Regards to all.
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Sorry to hear this. Godspeed, Oz.
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Please convey my condolences to his mother and his family.
OZKansas!
May God keep you.
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Oz
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Charlie would want all of us to look on our lives as blessed.....to see the good in others and to stand up for what we believe. He fought this fight without complaint....he told me so many times how much he appreciated your prayers.
Just yesterday he said to me that he wanted to help John with his concerns....no regard for himself as he lay dying....how good to have known Charlie as my friend.
My fondest memory of him is when he came over to my house with John to work on John's camper....it was a sunny day and he was running about with purpose....that day was a good one for all of us.
As he was to most all of you, Charlie was my friend and will be missed. He was a Christian man and told me of his faith days before his passing....the only joy I have about his passing is that he is with God in Heaven and I'm certain he has heard the words "Well done my faithful servant".
What John requested regarding a note to his Mom is important....you all have no idea what this would mean to her. We sat and talked with her and there was much she did not know about her son as Charlie was a humble and quiet man who did not complain or burden others. Please take some time out of your lives and let her know how you felt about Oz.
God bless and keep you Charlie.
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Originally posted by Toad
Today at 1625 Central, Charles entered the "pain free zone" on the other side of the River Jordan. As it happened, I was the one chosen by fate to be at his side and comforting him as he passed over.
Suffice it to say that he was resting comfortably under the influence of morphine. He basically fell asleep for the last time.
God rest his soul. He was a good man.
Toad, you have no idea just how much I respect you for being there for your friend. It's unfortunate we lose our very best, and my heart goes out to you, his family and his friends.
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This thread really brought more than a few tears to my eyes, Charlie sounds like a great man and I thank you guys for letting us all know a little bit about him.
to you Charlie.
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Oz was a tremendously fun guy to play the game with. Its been a blessing for me to have known him.
I feel indebted to the guys I have come to know so well that would go so far in their devotion to friends that they would stay with them and comfort them even as they faced death.
Thanks to Toad for being there.
Thanks to Rude and all in the 13thTAS that devoted so much that I am awed by it.
Thanks to all the great people in this hobby that posted such respectfull and honorable mentions towards Charles (Oz).
Thanks to the folks at HTC for making the game and thus making all the friendships possible. If this is ever just a mundane sucky day by day business that requires so much hassle and BS, here is a moment that you can be so proud of, giving people, absolute strangers in many cases, the vehicle with which to create such lasting friendships.
Sorry for rambling, In my grief for Charles, I have managed to be blessed and amazed by it all.
Respectfully,
Kevin
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Other than the occasional encounters on the BBS, I didn't see Oz too often. I did see him quite a few times during TAS squad night, but didn't really interact with him.
My sole encounter with Oz occurred during the squad duels. We were fighting 13th TAS in the finals of the squad ladder.
Rude requested a "no fire" encounter, just to feel each other out. So, we merged and I looked back and I had a pony on my six, blasting away. I was typing away, "wait, wait, it's no fire" and I got two messages. The first one was "Ozkansas shot you down" and the second was "Lol."
Heh, it was pretty funny. Oz throughly enjoyed the sim and his buds. He was a lucky man to have so many friends with him throughout his life. In reading what many of you have said about him, well, it's no surprise is it? Oz was a first class fellow and we are all much poorer because of this sad event.
curly
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I remember OZ but I dont know him or ever chated with him. His game handle was easy to spot. OZ was always in the arena somewhere as I flew from here to there looking for kills for the rooks or nits. I just remember often seeing his handle in the arena.
rest in peace.
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Oz! See you on the other side. I feel honored to have known and met you. Fair sky’s my squadie.
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Originally posted by Airhead
Toad, you have no idea just how much I respect you for being there for your friend. It's unfortunate we lose our very best, and my heart goes out to you, his family and his friends.
Ditto here Toad.
Oz
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RIP
He was obviously blessed with some good friends.
Charon
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Since joining the TAS, I have only had brief and occasional chances of flying and chattling with OZ. I only wished that I had more of a chance to get to know this extrodinary man that each member of TAS holds dear to their heart.
Toad ... u were blessed and so was he.
<> OZ
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May your skies be blue and the wind be at your back. Rest in peace, Charlie.
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My personal thanks to all who posted. Rude and I printed this thread and gave it to the family. They were very appreciative and send their thanks to all.
Those of you that wish to perhaps go a step further and send a card, I'll be happy to provide the address. Just use the HTC e-mail link to let me know.
His mother is a lovely 86 year old woman, her husband is long gone, she just lost her eldest son and her other son lives out in Denver a ten hour drive away. She and Oz have been really close the last two years and she's going to feel this loss deeply. It'd be nice if she had something nice to read about him on the black days ahead.
Thank you all!
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I've not been around in AH much of late, but I've been around in AH enough during the past years to know that Oz was an honorable guy, always fun and enjoyable to be around.
Oz, may you rest in peace, and your family be at ease. We as a community are lesser without you.
S!
AKNimitz
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Sorry I didn't read this thread sooner. My condolences to Oz's family and friends.
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Toad, Rude, give our heart-felt condolences to Oz's mom for the loss of her son for us. He will be sorely missed on this planet by many. We can only live on with the memories and the spirit he endowed upon us during his short time on earth.
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Matthew 26:45 "Sleep on now, and take your rest..."
Shuckins
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Please pass on my condolences to his family I am sorry to hear of his passing but reassured he is no longer in pain
OzKansas
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Craaaaaap. I just read this. Oz and I flew a lot together when I was in the 13th TAS. Glad to hear Toad that you were at his side when he passed on.
Oz. We had fun.