It is with a truly heavy heart that I have to report the loss of an iOTW original – IOTW Report

It is with a truly heavy heart that I have to report the loss of an iOTW original

This was unexpected and blindsided me moments ago.

“Shares her love for our wonderful world.” That was his last comment.

From his wife:

 I’m sorry to tell you that ____ passed away unexpectedly on Monday, 5/24.  Your online friendship and the paintings you did for us meant a great deal to him — thank you for being a part of his life.

~~~~~~~

I am broken up. I’ve known him since about year 2 of this site, more than 12 years. McFartus was in the Ugly Mosaic (for all of you longtime readers, that should bring back memories.)

We shared a lot in emails. He shared much about his family, good news and bad. We were friends. I will miss him.

57 Comments on It is with a truly heavy heart that I have to report the loss of an iOTW original

  1. …and so we lose another kindred spirit. Seems to be getting kind of frequent here.

    Perhaps the Lord is getting His people out of the way of what’s to come. He always knows what’s best for us, He has His reasons. We need trust in Him, now more than ever.

    But the loss of a fellow commenter is nothing compared to the loss of a freind, as BFH can surely tell you, or the loss of a husband, as his wife could tell you. Our prayers should be centered on those who grieve today, that they may receive the Blessed Assurance that he is with His Lord today, and there will be a joyous reunion by and by.

    His relative youth should stand as a reminder to us all that we are not guaranteed a time. We go when the Lord pulls our ticket, and that might be 40 years from now, or 40 seconds from now. Remember then to be prayed up and to make time every day for those you love.

    For that is a man’s true legacy.

    Let us pray for those who mourn.

    Dear Lord, we come before you today to ask that you send Your Comfortor to those who mourn today for the unexpected loss of our brother in thought, our family we’ve never met, that they may be able to do what need be done, and that they also can comfort and steady each other in that loss. Give them the comfort that he is secure with You today, and that beyond the grave lies more than memory. Lord, provide for their needs in this difficult time, that they may focus on healing, and use this to draw closer to You so all may meet in Your Heavenly mansion when at last the time comes for them to lay their own trophies down. Let tears change to fond remembrance, and anticipation of the eternal life together in flesh incorruptible to come to all who accept Your glorious gift.
    And we ask it all in the merciful name of Jesus,
    Amen

    God Bless,
    SNS

    “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
    Revelation 21:4

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  2. @Supernightshade May 29, 2021 at 4:25 pm

    Very well stated. Not to take away from the subject of this thread, I admire your ability to speak so eloquently and appropriately – seemingly effortlessly – to give comfort and meaning to those you address.

    To Fur and the family of McFartus, you have support that you can’t imagine.

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  3. Only 54? I am so sorry for the McFartus family. He will forever be known for his dear, last, memorable comment.

    @BIGFURHAT, may we have the link to the Ugly Mosaic again, please?

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  4. Sorry for your loss,BFH. Condolences to Mrs. McF.

    I am reminded of many years (decades, even) ago, when Rush was sent a printed obituary through the mail. He read it on the air, amazed and bemused because it included the fact that the dearly departed was a graduate of the Limbaugh Institute for Conservative Studies. These virtual communities are very real and keep us connected and hopeful.

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  5. I hate that this happens.
    Not seeing his comments will be like looking outside my window expecting to see a tree that used to be there.
    God bless and comfort McFartus and his family. ❤️

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  6. Sincere condolences to the friends and family of McFartus. It’s touching that, in this time of grief, Mrs.McF knew iOTWr would want to know of his passing.

    (A hug for you, BFH) 😔

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  7. I’m very sorry for you and everyone here who knew McFartus. It’s a hard thing to lose one of our own at IOTWReport. May the good Lord give us comfort and peace as we soldier on. The trouble with caring — even a little bit — about others is that we will experience these losses many many times. How courageous of us to love and to care despite the personal pain of these losses. My prayers are for Mrs. McFartus and any little McFartuses. It is devestating to lose a husband at any time, but in the midst of the full flowering of life, with so much future together unfinished, there are simply no words.

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  8. Love and prayers for his survivors.

    I’m turning 54 for the 11th time. Really ticking off my enemies lately. 🙂 Vitamins matter, baby.

    Fur, you should bring back the last info thing you did. Can’t remember what it was called, but we answered your questions about ourselves, like what book we would bring on a deserted island, etc.. You went something like 2 or 3 years between the first two, and it’s been like 8 years since the last.

    Would be a good thing. Time to renew the info of who we are, too. Lots of newbies. Sometimes I wonder if my claimed sock puppet is even recognized as my own any more.

    I can just imagine 27 anonys telling everyone who they are and what they’re about… Yeah, I amuse myself sometimes.. 😉

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  9. Rest in peace, McFartus. I am very sad to read of his passing. He was one of a kind. God Bless his family.

    We have lost so many iotwers over the years and it makes me so sad each time, even though I have met only a few in person. It’s such a unique website and one of the things I love about it.

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  10. Rest in Peace, McFartus. The world feels a bit more dreary, with your passing. But let us rejoice in your new, heavenly home and the happy reunions with loved ones who’ve passed before.

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  11. So sad, so young…you never know when your time is up, so live every day like it’s your last!

    Rest in Peace McFartus!

    Also I’m glad I was one of the few Conservative Cowgirl met in person!
    I only wish I can meet more of y’all!

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  12. I only know personally just a few of the people who comment and contribute to this wonderful website. Once and a while I do check the links to individuals who contribute their insight too. Overall, I find it to be a special honor to be a part of the commentors here and in particular a wonderful and funny diversion from the rest of the net. Sorry for your loss BFH , the family of the way too young McFartus, and all the special people here.

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  13. Very sorry to hear of your loss, BFH. Some people have many friends, but McFartus was probably a friend who was closer than a brother.
    That kind of friend is rare, loved and so valuable.
    Depend on God’s guidance, BFH as you say goodbye to your friend. He’ll get you through.

    Praying McFartus family and friends like you experience God’s mercy and grace. Know too, that memories of your friend will help sustain and comfort you. Be Blessed, BFH.

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  14. So heart breaking. We conversed ever so slightly when he sent me a picture of his critter a while back. I will miss his comments.

    May God comfort those who called him friend and family.

    Our world had diminished by one kind soul.

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